Dinosaur Jr. is a renowned American alternative rock band that emerged in the 1980s with their distinctive sound, blending elements of punk rock, hard rock, and heavy metal. The band’s unique sound has made them one of the most influential and beloved groups in the genre, and their influence is still felt today. Dinosaur Jr. has released over a dozen albums, with each one featuring a treasure trove of excellent tracks.
In this article, we will be exploring the best Dinosaur Jr. songs of all time. These songs are a testament to the band’s musical prowess, combining J Mascis’ captivating guitar riffs with Lou Barlow’s emotive basslines and Murph’s thunderous drumming. From the opening chords of “Freak Scene” to the contemplative lyrics of “Feel the Pain,” Dinosaur Jr.’s songs have captured the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
We’ll be diving into the history and significance of each song, discussing their unique qualities, and examining how they’ve influenced the music industry as a whole. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Dinosaur Jr. or a newcomer to their music, this article will serve as an excellent introduction to the band’s extensive discography and help you discover some of the best songs in their catalogue.
1. Feel the Pain
“Feel the Pain” is a standout track from Dinosaur Jr.’s 1994 album “Without a Sound.” The song’s opening riff immediately grabs the listener’s attention with its catchy melody, distorted guitar tone, and driving rhythm. The lyrics are introspective and emotional, as J Mascis sings about the pain of losing someone and the struggle to move on. The chorus is an explosive burst of energy, with Mascis repeatedly screaming “I feel the pain of everyone / Then I feel nothing.”
The song’s production is excellent, with each instrument shining through in the mix. Lou Barlow’s bassline is prominent, providing a solid foundation for Mascis’ guitar work and Murph’s drumming. The guitar solo in the bridge is a highlight of the song, showcasing Mascis’ virtuosity and ability to create soaring melodies.
“Feel the Pain” was a critical and commercial success for Dinosaur Jr., peaking at number four on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. The song has since become a fan favorite and is often included in the band’s live sets. Its raw emotion and explosive energy continue to captivate audiences to this day, making it one of Dinosaur Jr.’s most enduring and beloved songs.
2. Start Choppin’
“Start Choppin'” is a standout track from Dinosaur Jr.’s 1993 album “Where You Been.” The song features a catchy guitar riff and driving rhythm that immediately grab the listener’s attention. J Mascis’ vocals are introspective and melancholy, as he sings about the pain of a broken relationship and the struggle to move on. The chorus is a cathartic release, with Mascis repeatedly shouting “I’m not what you wanted / I’m not what you need.”
The song’s production is excellent, with each instrument occupying its space in the mix. The guitar tone is warm and distorted, giving the song a vintage feel, while the drums and bass provide a solid foundation for the guitar work. The guitar solo in the bridge is a highlight of the song, showcasing Mascis’ impressive technical skills and ability to create a memorable melody.
“Start Choppin'” was a commercial success for Dinosaur Jr., reaching number two on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. The song’s music video, featuring a giant hand crushing buildings, was also a hit and received heavy rotation on MTV. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Dinosaur Jr.’s live sets.
Overall, “Start Choppin'” is a quintessential Dinosaur Jr. song that showcases the band’s unique sound and songwriting prowess. Its emotional lyrics and memorable guitar riffs have solidified its place as one of the best songs in the band’s discography.
3. Just Like Heaven
“Just Like Heaven” is a cover song originally written and recorded by The Cure in 1987. However, it was Dinosaur Jr.’s cover version that brought the song to a new audience in 1989. The band’s version of the song features a raw, distorted guitar sound that gives the track a heavier edge than the original. J Mascis’ vocals are emotive and captivating, bringing a sense of vulnerability to the song’s lyrics about love and desire.
Dinosaur Jr.’s version of “Just Like Heaven” was a commercial and critical success, reaching number 91 on the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving heavy rotation on MTV. The song’s popularity helped to introduce a new generation of fans to The Cure’s music and solidified Dinosaur Jr.’s reputation as a band capable of putting their own spin on classic songs.
The band’s cover of “Just Like Heaven” showcases their signature sound and style, combining elements of punk rock, hard rock, and heavy metal to create a unique take on the song. The guitar solo in the bridge is a standout moment, with Mascis’ impressive technical skills on full display.
Overall, Dinosaur Jr.’s cover of “Just Like Heaven” is a testament to the band’s musical prowess and ability to reinterpret classic songs in their own inimitable style. Its popularity has endured over the years, and it remains a beloved track for both Dinosaur Jr. fans and fans of The Cure alike.
4. Freak Scene
“Freak Scene” is a classic Dinosaur Jr. track from the band’s 1988 album “Bug.” The song’s opening guitar riff is instantly recognizable, with its distorted tone and catchy melody drawing the listener in. J Mascis’ vocals are impassioned and powerful, with the lyrics reflecting the frustration and disillusionment of the era.
The song’s production is excellent, with each instrument occupying its own space in the mix. The guitar tone is warm and distorted, providing the song with a vintage feel, while the drums and bass create a solid foundation for the guitar work. The guitar solo in the bridge is a standout moment, showcasing Mascis’ impressive technical skills and ability to create a memorable melody.
“Freak Scene” was a critical and commercial success for Dinosaur Jr., helping to establish the band’s reputation as a key player in the alternative rock scene. The song’s music video, featuring the band performing in front of a psychedelic backdrop, was also a hit and received heavy rotation on MTV.
Overall, “Freak Scene” is a quintessential Dinosaur Jr. track that showcases the band’s unique sound and songwriting prowess. Its infectious melody and powerful lyrics continue to captivate audiences to this day, making it one of the band’s most enduring and beloved songs.
5. Little Fury Things
“Little Fury Things” is a standout track from Dinosaur Jr.’s 1987 album “You’re Living All Over Me.” The song’s opening riff is instantly recognizable, with its distorted guitar tone and catchy melody setting the tone for the rest of the track. J Mascis’ vocals are introspective and emotive, with the lyrics reflecting the angst and confusion of youth.
The song’s production is excellent, with each instrument occupying its own space in the mix. The guitar tone is warm and distorted, providing the song with a vintage feel, while the drums and bass create a solid foundation for the guitar work. The guitar solo in the bridge is a standout moment, showcasing Mascis’ impressive technical skills and ability to create a memorable melody.
“Little Fury Things” helped to establish Dinosaur Jr.’s reputation as one of the key players in the alternative rock scene of the late 1980s. The song’s combination of catchy melody and raw energy resonated with audiences, and it continues to be a fan favorite to this day.
Overall, “Little Fury Things” is a quintessential Dinosaur Jr. track that showcases the band’s unique sound and songwriting prowess. Its infectious melody and powerful lyrics have solidified its place as one of the best songs in the band’s discography.
6. The Wagon
“The Wagon” is a classic Dinosaur Jr. track from the band’s 1991 album “Green Mind.” The song’s opening riff is instantly recognizable, with its distorted guitar tone and driving beat drawing the listener in. J Mascis’ vocals are confident and defiant, with the lyrics reflecting a sense of independence and self-determination.
The song’s production is excellent, with each instrument occupying its own space in the mix. The guitar tone is warm and distorted, providing the song with a vintage feel, while the drums and bass create a solid foundation for the guitar work. The guitar solo in the bridge is a standout moment, with Mascis’ impressive technical skills on full display.
“The Wagon” was a critical and commercial success for Dinosaur Jr., helping to establish the band’s reputation as one of the key players in the alternative rock scene of the early 1990s. The song’s music video, featuring the band driving around in a pickup truck, was also a hit and received heavy rotation on MTV.
Overall, “The Wagon” is a quintessential Dinosaur Jr. track that showcases the band’s unique sound and songwriting prowess. Its infectious melody and powerful lyrics continue to resonate with audiences to this day, making it one of the band’s most enduring and beloved songs.
7. Almost Ready
“Almost Ready” is a standout track from Dinosaur Jr.’s 2007 album “Beyond.” The song’s opening riff is instantly recognizable, with its distorted guitar tone and driving beat drawing the listener in. J Mascis’ vocals are emotive and powerful, with the lyrics reflecting a sense of longing and determination.
The song’s production is excellent, with each instrument occupying its own space in the mix. The guitar tone is warm and distorted, providing the song with a vintage feel, while the drums and bass create a solid foundation for the guitar work. The guitar solo in the bridge is a standout moment, showcasing Mascis’ impressive technical skills and ability to create a memorable melody.
“Almost Ready” helped to solidify Dinosaur Jr.’s reputation as one of the key players in the alternative rock scene of the 2000s. The song’s combination of catchy melody and raw energy resonated with audiences, and it continues to be a fan favorite to this day.
Overall, “Almost Ready” is a quintessential Dinosaur Jr. track that showcases the band’s unique sound and songwriting prowess. Its infectious melody and powerful lyrics have solidified its place as one of the best songs in the band’s later discography.
8. In a Jar
“In a Jar” is a standout track from Dinosaur Jr.’s 1987 album “You’re Living All Over Me.” The song’s opening riff is instantly recognizable, with its distorted guitar tone and catchy melody drawing the listener in. J Mascis’ vocals are introspective and emotive, with the lyrics reflecting a sense of isolation and despair.
The song’s production is excellent, with each instrument occupying its own space in the mix. The guitar tone is warm and distorted, providing the song with a vintage feel, while the drums and bass create a solid foundation for the guitar work. The guitar solo in the bridge is a standout moment, showcasing Mascis’ impressive technical skills and ability to create a memorable melody.
“In a Jar” helped to establish Dinosaur Jr.’s reputation as one of the key players in the alternative rock scene of the late 1980s. The song’s combination of catchy melody and raw energy resonated with audiences, and it continues to be a fan favorite to this day.
Overall, “In a Jar” is a quintessential Dinosaur Jr. track that showcases the band’s unique sound and songwriting prowess. Its infectious melody and powerful lyrics have solidified its place as one of the best songs in the band’s early discography.
9. Out There
“Out There” is a standout track from Dinosaur Jr.’s 1993 album “Where You Been.” The song’s opening riff is instantly recognizable, with its shimmering guitar tones and driving beat drawing the listener in. J Mascis’ vocals are emotive and powerful, with the lyrics reflecting a sense of longing and uncertainty.
The song’s production is excellent, with each instrument occupying its own space in the mix. The guitar tone is warm and distorted, providing the song with a vintage feel, while the drums and bass create a solid foundation for the guitar work. The guitar solo in the bridge is a standout moment, showcasing Mascis’ impressive technical skills and ability to create a memorable melody.
“Out There” helped to cement Dinosaur Jr.’s reputation as one of the key players in the alternative rock scene of the early 1990s. The song’s combination of catchy melody and raw energy resonated with audiences, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
Overall, “Out There” is a quintessential Dinosaur Jr. track that showcases the band’s unique sound and songwriting prowess. Its infectious melody and powerful lyrics have solidified its place as one of the best songs in the band’s later discography.
10. Kracked
“Kracked” is a standout track from Dinosaur Jr.’s 1987 album “You’re Living All Over Me.” The song’s opening riff is instantly recognizable, with its distorted guitar tone and driving beat drawing the listener in. J Mascis’ vocals are angsty and raw, with the lyrics reflecting a sense of frustration and disillusionment.
The song’s production is excellent, with each instrument occupying its own space in the mix. The guitar tone is warm and distorted, providing the song with a vintage feel, while the drums and bass create a solid foundation for the guitar work. The guitar solo in the bridge is a standout moment, showcasing Mascis’ impressive technical skills and ability to create a memorable melody.
“Kracked” helped to establish Dinosaur Jr.’s reputation as one of the key players in the alternative rock scene of the late 1980s. The song’s combination of catchy melody and raw energy resonated with audiences, and it continues to be a fan favorite to this day.
Overall, “Kracked” is a quintessential Dinosaur Jr. track that showcases the band’s unique sound and songwriting prowess. Its infectious melody and powerful lyrics have solidified its place as one of the best songs in the band’s early discography.
April Johnson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
