Megadeth's Seminal 1988 Album "So Far, So Good... So What!"

The History of Megadeth's Iconic 1988 Album

Megadeth's third studio album, "So Far, So Good... So What!," was released in January 1988 to much fanfare. Coming off the success of their previous albums "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!" (1985) and "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" (1986), there was intense anticipation around what Dave Mustaine and company would deliver next.

Writing and Recording the Album

Most of the writing and recording of "So Far, So Good... So What!" took place in 1987. This album marked the first time Megadeth recorded in a proper studio, having self-produced their earlier albums. There was internal strife in the band at the time, with drummer Chuck Behler and guitarist Jeff Young joining only months before recording started after the departure of Chris Poland and Gar Samuelson.

Despite this turbulence, the sessions proceeded well under producer Paul Lani. Megadeth expanded their sonic palette on the album, incorporating more blues rock and classic metal influences across the 9 total tracks. The lyrics touched on typical Megadeth themes like addiction, politics, and the occult.

The Music and Song Rankings

When the album was finally released in January '88, it shot to #19 on the Billboard 200 chart. So how have the individual songs held up over time for fans? Here is a ranking of all the tracks from worst to best.

#9 "I Ain't Superstitious"

This Willie Dixon cover sticks out as one of Megadeth's more irregular song choices. As an straightforward blues number, it feels out of place compared to the band's normal complex arrangements. Not a bad song per se, but not a very memorable inclusion either.

#8 "502"

"502" takes its name from the police code for drunk driving. With mostly middling riffs and lyrics, the song doesn't particularly stand out within Megadeth's catalog outside of the blistering guitar solo section.

#7 "Liar"

Another cover, this time of the Sex Pistols, "Liar" packs a decent punch but suffers from somewhat dated production. The main riff lacks some oomph compared to later recordings of the tune like on the "Hidden Treasures" EP. Still an admirable effort though.

#6 "Mary Jane"

No, this isn't about the drug! Rather it tackles the difficult subject matter of witch hunts and religious paranoia. Musically it's sound, with pounding rhythms and sinister riffage backing Mustaine's emotional vocals. However, it runs a bit long at nearly 6 minutes.

The Songs That Defined the Album

While some tracks feel more like filler, others have become absolute classics. These next four songs really formed the identity and legacy of "So Far, So Good... So What!"

#5 "In My Darkest Hour"

Penned after the shocking death of former Metallica bandmate Cliff Burton, this is one of Megadeth's most personal songs. The music is appropriately gloomy, echoing Buron's influence on Mustaine. Touching lyrics like "Can't believe you're gone, feels like I'm stranded in this darkest hour" resonate with loss.

#4 "Hook In Mouth"

Marked by its serrated opening riff, "Hook In Mouth" lunges straight for the jugular of uptight censorship groups like the PMRC. Lyrically biting, Mustaine vents his frustration with moral arbiters trying to regulate music and art. All backed by one beastly guitar performance.

#3 "Anarchy in the U.K."

A updated rendition of the classic Sex Pistols track, Megadeth's cover rocks even harder than the original. The band just pours energy and attitude into the performance. Behler's kinetic drumming especially gives the song an adrenalized kick up the backside.

#2 "Set the World Afire"

Showcasing Megadeth's sociopolitical side, "Set the World Afire" contemplates the aftermath of nuclear war. Haunted and prophetic, Mustaine's ominous lyrics trace post-apocalyptic imagery over an atmospheric musical landscape. Even with heavier songs in their catalog, few cut as deep emotionally as this one.

#1 "In My Darkest Hour"

The opening bassline and guitar shriek introduced the world to "So Far, So Good... So What!" Version 0.0. Arguably Megadeth's strongest album opener, it sets the tone perfectly for what follows with its mix of speed, precision, and smarts. When Mustaine snarls lines like "Forced in, like cattle you run" it's clear any notion of pulling punches is out the window.

The Legacy of the Album

Upon release, "So Far, So Good... So What!" earned Megadeth new levels of fame and notoriety. While not initially reviews as glowingly as "Peace Sells," the album has only grown in stature with fans and critics over the following decades.

Beyond the strength of the music itself, the album cover featuring band mascot Vic Rattlehead preparing to hang members of the PMRC cemented Megadeth's status as genuine bad boys of metal. Songs like "In My Darkest Hour" and "Set the World Afire" became permanent setlist selections and all-time fan favorites.

Indeed, "So Far, So Good... So What!" represents Megadeth in their prime - lean, hungry, and ready to shred anyone daring to tread in their path. The album captures a pivotal transition for the band as they climbed the mountain toward their ultimate goal of becoming one of the "Big 4" defining acts in all thrash metal.