Before "Lateralus"...before the brilliant classic "Aenima" and even before the hard rock driven extremely dark and brooding "Undertow" album...there was "Opiate". Just like everything they would go onto do, Tool's music was sheer brilliance from start to finish on this 6 song, 26 minute EP. Not to mention two lives tracks jam packed with all the excellence that is Tool live. Back in these days (mainly with this cd and Undertow) Tool's music and lyrics were alot more angry compared to now. Maynard's words have always been clever and thoughtful as hell, even with this album, songs expressing rage such as "Jerk-Off" are by no means being [mad] just for the sake of it. This is being [mad] with a purpose. Obviously someone really did Maynard wrong, Dug the knife a tad too deep with him. Other songs like "Opiate" are speaking out against religion (always awesome) and subjects such as insecurity (Cold and Ugly) censorship (Hush) and drug addiction (Sweat) are instant classics. Since this cd is so damn short, and Tool is just too awesome anyways, I couldn't tell you the best songs on here. Just buy it, especially if you love Tool. Now if you're new to Tool, I would actually recommend the "Aenima" cd but I think this one would work just as well. I got my best friend into Tool by playing him this cd and since he has a been a fan. Just buy this cd even if you don't like Tool, you should like this. Come on!