Playlist: What's 3 Doors Down listening to?

With a new album, Us and the Night, out March 11, alt-rock favorites 3 Doors Down share a playlist of favorites with USA TODAY, courtesy of guitarist Chris Henderson:

Jenny, Nothing More 

The message, first and foremost, is what drew me to the song. Then once I started listening to it, the production quality and mix, especially, just floored me. I love the fact that the message is just so strong.

Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy, Queen 

This is one of the first songs that took me on a journey. Over the years, Queen’s become one of my favorite acts of all time. I’m a huge Freddie Mercury fan and I love all their stuff, this song in particular because it’s just fresh and really fun.

We Be On Fire, Sona Fariq

Sona Fariq is a band that toured with us years ago in Europe and quickly became one of my favorites. The fact that the songs are just really raw, fun and loud, and it’s just controlled chaos from beginning to end.

King for a Day, Pierce the Veil 

This is a band my daughter actually turned me onto. She said, “Dad, listen to this.” I was completely blown away not only by the lyrics, but by the changes and the fact of how good the band is.

Monster, Skillet 

Um, what can I say about Skillet? I love this band. I love the message. I love the guitar tone, which was the first thing that drove me to this song. Over the years, it’s just gotten into my bones a little bit, so this is my favorite track from Skillet.

Mr. Brownstone, Guns N' Roses

The first time I heard Guns N' Roses, things changed immediately for me: the way I played guitar changed, the way I listened to music changed. This particular song, just the way it starts with the scratchy guitars and the drums, and the lyrical content is amazing. It’s really a masterpiece.

Cry Out, One OK Rock 

One OK Rock is a band I discovered going to a concert with my daughter. They were the first band that played out of four bands that night and they were just incredible. I went to the merch booth and bought the record immediately, and have been listening to it ever since.

Photograph, Def Leppard

Photograph was the first song I ever called “my favorite song.” I was in the first grade when I really started loving this song and I couldn’t get enough of it. I probably played it on repeat over 100,000 times — it seems like, anyway.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Elton John

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is my favorite Elton John song of all time. I love the melody and the way the song plays out. It’s a feel-good track for me and there’s really nothing I don’t like about it.

Black, Sevendust 

Sevendust has been one of my favorite bands for a really long time. They were one of the first bands we ever toured with, and they really showed us how to be on the road and have fun. Every night before I went on stage for about three years, I listened to this song. It got me fired up.