The Top 12 Albums That Corey Taylor Listed As His Favorites

Corey Taylor names his favorite albums of all time. Corey Taylor is a famous singer who adds different vocal parts to his songs for bands like Slipknot, Stone Sour, and more. In this article, we will detail the 12 albums that Corey Taylor named as his favorite of all time.

Corey Todd Taylor, born December 8, 1973, is a musician, songwriter, and actor from the United States. He is the lead vocalist, guitarist, lyricist, and straight rock band Stone Sour member. He is the lead vocalist, guitarist, lyricist, and member of the heavy metal band Slipknot.

Taylor‘s story began with Slipknot, the masked and aggressive metal band that extended the genre’s limits. Taylor’s style and emotional range as the band’s lead vocalist brought unprecedented intensity to the stage, helping to redefine modern metal and leading Slipknot to become one of the genre’s most successful and influential bands.

Taylor’s skills to transition from beautiful melodies to savage screams in songs like “Duality,” “Wait and Bleed,” and “Psychosocial” created a unique and unforgettable auditory experience.  Taylor’s engagement with Stone Sour and his work with Slipknot allowed him to show another part of his musical talents.

Also, Taylor‘s solo work, especially his debut album “CMFT,” shows off his artistic range even more. He explored a range of styles on this album, from rock and country to punk and blues, demonstrating his determination to push the limits and embrace new creative methods. And this year Corey Taylor will release the CMF2 album in September 2023. 

Corey Taylor’s thoughts on his upcoming album CMF2:

“The best rock album of this year, and the next. I can’t wait for people to hear this album. It chews up that first record and spits it out. It’s more dialed-in with everything people expect from me, so it’s got hints of ‘CMFT.’ But there are also hints of Slipknot, Stone Sour, and all the stuff I’ve done in my acoustic shows. It’s got everything for everybody. People are going to f***ing lose it. Some fans will recognize a few from other projects that I’ve done while others were written just before we went into the studio.

I was really inspired by my band. But also the reaction that the first solo run had, where people leaned into everything. They liked the acoustic stuff. They liked the heavy stuff, they liked the fun stuff. We wanted to make a hybrid thing but not have it feel chaotic.

It definitely emboldened me to run even further. It felt really good to know that there’s trust there from the fans. There is also ‘90s grunge, ‘70s punk and the hard-hitting shit that I helped create in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. It’s a bit of everything, but it was important for us to make it feel fresh. There is a dark, solemn acoustic song called ‘Sorry Me’ that’s got a very old school vibe to it, ‘Talk-Sick’ still has an ‘80s feel to it, but it’s more of a Guns N’ Roses vibe which was always the stuff that made you want to run through walls and the first single ‘Beyond’ is going to blow people the fuck away.

This album is definitely more of a punch in the face. The stuff that largely inspires me comes from the stuff I grew up listening to; street hip-hop, punk, metal, and all the shit that feels like it came from someplace that I can relate to and identify with.”

Corey Taylor’s Favorite Albums of All Time

Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor has shared his respect for the other metal music bands. And Taylor picks his favorite albums of all time. Regardless, he also listens to different genres, but he loves metal and rock bands especially those who show their influence on him.  

During an interview with Rolling Stone and other magazines, Slipknot‘s frontman Corey Taylor shared the top 12 albums of all time. Check out Corey Taylor‘s favorite albums below!

1. Korn (1994)

Korn (also known as KoЯn) is the debut studio album by the American nu-metal band Korn. Immortal and Epic Records released it on October 11, 1994. Before recording the album, immortal and Epic Records they approached to the band following a concert in Huntington Beach, California. Because they did not want to “sign away all of their creative freedom,” the band signed with their label.

The band would record at Indigo Ranch Studios in Malibu, California, with producer Ross Robinson, who had worked on Neidermayer’s Mind, their 1993 demo. The recording took place between May and June of 1994. Korn toured alongside Biohazard and House of Pain following the completion of the recordings.

“Korn” was a revelation, combining strong guitar riffs, down-tuned beats, and Jonathan Davis’ raw, cathartic vocals. “Blind,” the album’s first tune, established the tone with its influential guitar work and Davis’s unique vocal style.

Tracks such as “Need To,” “Clown,” and “Faget” showed Korn’s willingness to explore deeper, introspective subjects, with Davis’s lyrics addressing personal suffering, childhood trauma, and emotional issues.

Ross Robinson’s production added to the album’s visceral punch. The raw and aggressive sound caught the band’s live energy, offering a sense of immediacy and urgency that became a trademark of Korn’s early work.

“Shoots and Ladders,” one of the album’s highlight tunes, featured a compelling mix of spoken-word portions and a nursery rhyme melody. “Korn” was a critical and financial triumph, bringing a new generation of listeners to nu-metal’s experience. 

Corey Taylor talks about why he likes “Korn” by Korn as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“I feel like people have forgotten how explosive and poignant Korn were when they hit the scene. To me, I would put that on the same level as Appetite for Destruction and Nevermind as far as albums that shifted things culturally.

It’s just one of those “Where the fuck did this band come from?” kind of moments. They were that f***ing pivotal for so many people in their lives. Especially me. And to this day, that album holds up.”

2. Peace Sells … But Who’s Buying? (1986)

“Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?” is a legendary thrash metal album released in 1986 by one of the biggest thrash metal bands Megadeth.

“Wake Up Dead,” the album’s opening track, sets the tone with lightning-fast guitars and Dave Mustaine’s savage vocal delivery. The band’s technical abilities, particularly the guitar work of Mustaine and Chris Poland, get the attention of the fans, displaying a level of musicianship that would become a trademark of the thrash metal genre.

Some of Megadeth’s most enduring and memorable songs may be found on “Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?” With its catchy melody and memorable chorus, the title track became an anthem for a generation of metalheads. Megadeth’s early sound was defined by its politically motivated lyrics and social commentary.

Also, this “Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?” album is regarded as a thrash metal classic and an album that popularized extreme metal. It has been on various best-of lists, including Robert Dimery’s 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die and Martin Popoff’s Top 500 Heavy Metal Albums of All Time.

Several times throughout the years, the album has been reissued. Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine remixed and remastered the album in 2004, with detailed liner notes describing the album’s history. As part of the album’s 25th-anniversary celebration, the three separate versions were reissued in 2011. Except for the 2004 mixes, all of them have been remastered.

Corey Taylor tells about why he likes “Peace Sells … But Who’s Buying?” by Megadeth as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“I know a lot of people go for “Rust in Peace” when it comes to Megadeth, and that’s cool. I just thought Rust in Peace was a cleaner production, whereas Peace Sells still felt like a thrash-metal album. It had a dirtier production to it, even in the remixes, which I can’t stand; the original just feels dirtier. There’s an edge to it that you didn’t hear anywhere else.

So that whole album to me – which is honestly such a riff clinic, it’s so f***ing dark and awesome – is probably the album that got me into Megadeth. That’s the album that’s the album that got me into the harder-edged metal.”

3. The Dark (1986)

“The Dark” is the second full-length album released on October 6, 1986, by the American heavy metal band Metal Church. This was the group’s final album with the “classic” lineup of David Wayne, Kurdt Vanderhoof, Kirk Arrington, Duke Erickson, and Craig Wells until Masterpeace (1999), which reunited four-fifths of that band with John Marshall replacing Wells.

The first song, “Ton of Bricks,” shows that “The Dark” is a serious record. The relentless guitar riffs and authoritative vocal delivery of David Wayne establish the tone for the album, bringing listeners into Metal Church’s dynamic and intense world.

“Watch the Children Pray” is another standout, showcasing Metal Church’s talent for writing emotionally compelled songs. The instrumental works on “The Dark” is perfect, with Kurdt Vanderhoof and Craig Wells’ guitar playing style driving the album’s powerful sound. The rhythm section, which consists of Duke Erickson on bass and Kirk Arrington on drums, is the ideal basis for the band’s approach.

Corey Taylor mentions why he likes “The Dark” by Metal Church as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“That was one of the albums that somebody put on a tape for me. And I didn’t know who they were until I asked. I just remember listening to all the songs, especially “Start the Fire” and “Ton of Bricks,” and the title track is pretty f***ing dope. I just remember going, “Fuck man, this is so badass. Who is this?” And they told me, so I went out and bought the album. And it’s got a cover like, “Ugh, what’s going on in there?” It’s a f***ing killer album.

If people haven’t heard it, it’s so f***ing underrated that it’s almost critical how good that f***ing album is. There’s a reason why Stone Sour did a cover of “The Dark”: It was just such a great song. To this day, I still listen to it. It’s just such a f***ing dope tune, such a dope album. I feel like more people should know about it.”

4. Pressure and Time (2011)

Rival Sons‘ 2011 album, “Pressure & Time,” was a watershed event in the band’s history, catapulting them to the forefront of the modern rock scene.

From the opening chords of the title track, “Pressure & Time,” it’s clear that Rival Sons is out to deliver a hard-hitting, guitar-driven sound to vintage rock sound. The entire acoustic design of the album pays tribute to the ’70s rock era.

Frontman Jay Buchanan’s passionate and dramatic vocals take center stage, providing a particular aspect to the band’s sound. His expressive voice, as heard on songs like “Only One” and “Face of Light,” draws listeners in, capturing the essence of bluesy rock and the ardent narrative of rock’s golden period.

“Pressure & Time” stands out for its catchy choruses and unforgettable melodies. Tracks like “Young Love” and “Gypsy Heart” demonstrate the band’s ability to write anthemic rock tunes that elicit crowd involvement and have become live show standards.

Dave Cobb’s “Pressure & Time” production captures the band’s live intensity while preserving a polished and sharp sound. Rival Sons’ musical connection shines through because of this production style, making the record a unique and compelling listening experience.

Corey Taylor reveals why he likes “Pressure and Time” by Rival Sons as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“That album contains everything they do great. They dabble in so many different styles and they make it work so well, and they’re such an organic band. They’re probably my favorite band of the last 10 years … or the last 15, really.

Everybody gives people props to these really derivative bands. And I’m not gonna mention any names, but you know exactly who I’m talking about. But Rival Sons, their creativity, their songwriting, their musicianship, their style, their talent is off the charts. And that album, specifically to me, is so goddamn good. You can listen to it from top to bottom and it’s just fantastic.”

5. Freedom (2015)

Refused is a Swedish hardcore punk band from Umea that started in 1991. Dennis Lyxzén, guitarist Kristofer Steen, drummer David Sandström, and bassist Magnus Flagge founded the Refused. Guitarist Jon Brännström was a member from 1994 until late 2014 when he was sacked. Their songs are frequently anti-conformist and politically far-left, and they were once affiliated with the straight-edge subculture.

The iconic Swedish punk band Refused’s 2015 album, “Freedom,” is an achieving return that represents the band’s continuing legacy in the punk and hardcore genres.

“Elektra,” the album’s opening track, quickly sets the tone, with vocalist Dennis Lyxzén’s unmistakable voice punching through the wall of sound. 

“Freedom” is a brilliant combination of punk passion with music knowledge. Tracks such as “Dawkins Christ” and “366” show the band’s skills to blend powerful rhythms, hitting guitar work and lyrics. 

When “Freedom” was released, it was welcomed with honor, hailed as a stunning return of Refused. It’s not just a throwback to their classic album “The Shape of Punk to Come,” but a statement of intent that cements their position in punk music history.

Corey Taylor explains why he likes “Freedom” by Refused as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“As someone who waited a long time for them to come back, that song set the tone. That album has got amazing tunes on it. It was kind of a tossup between that and “War on the Palaces,” but “Elektra” is just three minutes of pure Refused.

It’s an off-time riff that you never think is going to resolve the way it’s going to, and the delivery is just so f***ing frenetic and awesome. That same riff can be played six different times in a different way and it never gets old. It’s really f***ing cool.”

6. Master of Puppets (1986)

Metallica‘s “Master of Puppets” album released in 1986, is regarded as one of heavy metal’s most memorable and influential albums: Flemming Rasmussen was a producer.

Metallica and Peter Mensch designed and painted the album’s artwork, which portrays a cemetery field of white crosses attached to strings operated by a pair of hands in a cloudy, blood-red sky with a flaming orange glow on the horizon.

Instead of promoting the album with a single or video, Metallica launched on a five-month American tour supporting Ozzy Osbourne. Following Burton’s death in September 1986, the European leg was canceled, and the band came home to audition for a new bassist.

From the intro of “Battery” through the massive title track and the never-ending bombardment of riffs in “Disposable Heroes,” “Master of Puppets” shows Metallica’s success.

Songs like “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)” show the band’s ability to merge metal ferocity with more contemplative and melodic moments. 

Corey Taylor shares thoughts on why he likes “Master of Puppets” by Metallica as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“This one would be my number one, if we were going from 10 to one. It’s my favorite metal album. It is the perfect metal album. There is no f***ing way that you could improve on that album. Ever. And I have gotten in f***ing arguments with people that are like,

“Well, what about Sabbath? What about this or that?” It’s like, “Yeah, but Black Sabbath wasn’t a f***ing full album from top to bottom.” It was cool, you got into it later. But f***ing Master of Puppets is perfect from the first strum of the guitar on f****ng “Battery” to the last f***ing hit of “Damage, Inc.” It is perfect! And I will fight anyone who says differently, and win! Because I will have the righteousness of God on my side, and just take no shit.”

7. Worship Music (2011)

Anthrax‘s comeback album, “Worship Music,” released in 2011, signified the band’s triumphant return. This album, their first with lead singer Joey Belladonna since 1990’s “Persistence of Time,” not only confirmed the band’s standing as a genre cornerstone.

The opening chords of “Earth on Hell” show that “Worship Music” is a force. “Worship Music” shows Anthrax’s skill to combine brutality with melody and rhythm. Tracks like “The Devil You Know” and “Fight ‘Em ‘Til You Can’t” show the band’s skill to write anthemic, headbang-inducing songs that remain loyal to their thrash heritage while infusing a current edge.

In “In the End,” a passionate song that displays the band’s emotional depth and commitment to the metal world, the band pays a touching homage to the late Dimebag Darrell. “Worship Music” is a lyrical blend of contemplation, social satire, and outright metal songs.

The “Worship Music” production is top-notch with Jay Ruston in the lead. The album strikes a good mix between a new sound and a vintage metal vibe, enabling Anthrax’s skill to come through.

Corey Taylor shares thoughts on why he likes “Worship Music” by Anthrax as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“Let’s put it this way: I grew up with Among the Living. And I would have picked that if they had never released Worship Music. I mean, I love For All Kings. But I love the way that they came back with Worship Music and just how aggressive it was.

Especially with Joey back on vocals. I almost sang on this record, so I heard some of the music early, and I knew it was going to be really special. There is just so many good songs on that album. When it came out, it was Anthrax with Joey with a modern production, which just kicked the shit out of everybody. “Fight Em ‘Til You Can’t” is still one of my favorite fucking songs that they’ve ever written. That may or may not be because they had zombies in their video. I can’t confirm nor deny that.”

8. Somewhere in Time (1986)

Iron Maiden‘s sixth studio album, Somewhere in Time, is out now. It was released on September 29, 1986, by EMI Records in the United Kingdom and Capitol Records in the United States. The album included the band’s debut use of guitar synthesizers.

It was made the centerpiece of the Iron Maiden‘s Future Past World Tour in 2023, completing Senjutsu in 2021. The futuristic concepts of “Somewhere in Time” are well reflected in the classic album cover made by artist Derek Riggs. The band explores science fiction and the universe in songs like “Wasted Years” and “Stranger in a Strange Land,” which transport listeners to exotic settings guided by Bruce Dickinson’s strong voice.

The epic ballad song “Alexander the Great,” the album’s centerpiece, shows Iron Maiden’s storytelling prowess. The mix of exquisite musicianship, Dickinson’s expressive vocals, and lyrics that bring history to life make this song a lasting fan favorite.

Corey Taylor reveals thoughts on why he likes “Somewhere in Time” by Iron Maiden as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“That was my favorite Iron Maiden album. Because that was my Iron Maiden album. Obviously, I went back and I got into Number of the Beast and the first two, and Powerslave, and all that shit.

But “Wasted Years” was my fucking soundtrack for years, and I think it’s probably one of the most perfect heavy-metal songs ever written – just from a song standpoint, not riffage or anything like that. It’s just so fucking catchy. And you can still put it on, to this day, for people who don’t like heavy metal, and they’ll dig it. It’s just got a cool vibe to it.”

9. Screaming for Vengeance (1982)

“Screaming for Vengeance,” released in 1982, is essential to Judas Priest‘s successful career. This classic album not only established the band’s standing as heavy metal titans.

“The Hellion,” the album’s opening track, acts as a burning introduction, setting the tone for the following auditory onslaught. The band’s unique galloping rhythms, searing guitar work from Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, and Rob Halford’s soaring vocals cut through the mix with power and precision are all featured on “Electric Eye,” a high-speed metal classic.

“Screaming for Vengeance” has various tracks, each with its unique taste. From the title track to the powerful and tearful “Bloodstone,” the album covers numerous shades of metal, showing Judas Priest’s mastery of fury and melody.

The album’s most significant moment is “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.” This song has become a timeless classic in this album. 

Corey Taylor tells thoughts on why he likes “Screaming for Vengeance” by Judas Priest as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“Everybody has their own Judas Priest record, and this one was mine. I know a lot of people talk about British Steel, or they talk about Painkiller or whatnot, but in between those, they put out the perfect fucking power-metal album, outside of the stuff that Iron Maiden was doing, to my ears.

Screaming For Vengeance was just so fucking dope, dude. Whether it was the opening with “The Hellion” right into “Electric Eye” or going into “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming,” the whole fucking album is amazing. And the title track is ridiculous. Just hearing those fucking, that crazy shit coming out of your fucking speakers. I was like, “What? Should I be listening to this, man?” But it was such a great album, and it really showed their evolution, just how fucking amazing that band is.”

10. Far Beyond Driven (1994)

“Far Beyond Driven,” released in 1994, is a classic album symbolizing heavy metal history. Pantera‘s seventh studio album is their seventh studio release.

The album’s opening song, “Strength Beyond Strength,” establishes “Far Beyond Driven” as a savage beast, delivering a sonic onslaught that grips listeners by the neck and never lets go. Dimebag Darrell’s guitar work is searing, as are Phil Anselmo’s vocals and more.

“I’m Broken,” the album’s debut single, is a pure metal hymn that showcases Pantera’s unique rhythm while providing a relentless onslaught of riffs and a chorus that’s difficult not to shout along with.

“Far Beyond Driven” includes a cover of Black Sabbath‘s “Planet Caravan,” a welcome change from the album’s typically aggressive tone.

“Far Beyond Driven” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, demonstrating the album’s influence on the metal world. It secured Pantera’s reputation as one of the genre’s most influential bands, spawning a new generation of metal musicians and fans.

Corey Taylor tells about why he likes “Far Beyond Driven” by Pantera as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“That album is so sludgy. I loved Vulgar Display of Power, and obviously everybody gravitates toward that one just because it’s got the songs, it’s got the whatever. But to me, Far Beyond Driven was the first example of what a modern metal production could sound like.

It was so thick and the mix was a little angrier. To me, it was the first time that you could really hear how heavy they could go and how willing they were to just drive that shit home. And it’s got my favorite Pantera song on it, which is “Becoming.” That song alone wins. Just when you thought you had some shit figured out, fuck you. You’re done.”

11. Roots (1996)

The revolutionary album “Roots,” released in 1996, represented a massive departure for Brazilian metal pioneers Sepultura. “Roots Bloody Roots,” the album’s opening song, immediately sets the tone with its thunderous tribal rhythm and shattering chords. Sepultura’s anthem has become an iconic song.

Songs like “Attitude” and “Ratamahatta” perfectly combine metal force with these new sounds, resulting in a powerful and exciting. Collaboration with the Brazilian indigenous tribe Xavantes, heard on tracks like “Itsári,” is a bold step that gives the record an authentic and organic feel, establishing a bridge between metal and the region’s traditional music.

“Roots” explores themes of identity, cultural discovery, and the human connection to the planet in its lyrics. Max Cavalera’s vocals are as powerful as ever, with songs reflecting the band’s introspective journey.

Ross Robinson took the production for “Roots,” which grabs Sepultura‘s performance.

Corey Taylor talks about why he likes “Roots” by Sepultura as one of his favorite albums of all time:

“That album… Jesus Christ. I mean, besides Iowa, that album is probably one of the thickest-sounding, heaviest-sounding albums that I’ve ever heard, from a production standpoint. It’s so gross and yet so fucking awesome. You can almost hear the hair on it.”

12. Astro-Creep: 2000 – Songs of Love, Destruction and Other Synthetic Delusions of the Electric Head (1995)

Astro-Creep: 2000 – Songs of Love, Destruction, and Other Synthetic Delusions of the Electric Head (or simply Astro-Creep: 2000) is White Zombie‘s fourth and final studio album, released on April 11, 1995, by Geffen Records.

Terry Date’s album production captures the pure energy of Rob Zombie’s live performances while maintaining a polished and musically engaging feel.

“More Human than Human,” the album’s hit song, became an alternative metal standard. The album was their most commercially successful release, reaching number six on the Billboard 200 thanks to the smash singles “More Human Than Human” and “Super-Charger Heaven.” It was the only studio album on which John Tempesta played drums.

Corey Taylor reveals why he likes “Astro-Creep: 2000” by White Zombie as one of his favorite albums of all time:”

That f***ing album is so fucking dope. I don’t even know if people would even consider that a metal album, but I do, just for the fact that it’s so riffy. The “Electric Head” songs, parts 1 and 2, are so fucking heavy. It’s just a gorgeous, cool, artistic heavy-metal album. It’s got so many great songs on it. Never mind “More Human than Human,” “Super-Charger Heaven” is one of the heaviest fucking songs I’ve ever heard.

And when you listen to it with the companion remix album, which is even cooler, you just get this whole sense of the potential that metal can have if you really open yourself up to all types of experimentation and no limits. It’s just such a fucking killer album. I still listen to it to this day.”

Which music albums does Corey Taylor listen to?

• Korn (1994)
• Peace Sells … But Who’s Buying? (1986)
• The Dark (1986)
• Pressure and Time (2011)
• Elektra (2015)
• Master of Puppets (1986)
• Worship Music (2011)
• Somewhere in Time (1986)
• Screaming for Vengeance (1982)
• Far Beyond Driven (1994)
• Roots (1996)
• Astro-Creep: 2000 – Songs of Love, Destruction and Other Synthetic Delusions of the Electric Head (1995)

What are your thoughts on Slipknot‘s frontman Corey Taylor‘s favorite albums of all time? Let us know in the comment section!