Sonic Youth is an American rock band that emerged in the early 1980s from the avant-garde scene of New York City. Their experimental sound, which blended noise, punk, and alternative rock, made them one of the most influential bands of their era. With a career spanning over three decades, Sonic Youth released 16 studio albums and countless singles and EPs. Here are the 20 best Sonic Youth songs of all time:Teen Age Riot” – The opening track of their 1988 album Daydream Nation, this song is a masterpiece of noise rock and one of their most well-known songs.Kool Thing” – A collaboration with rapper Chuck D, this 1990 hit features catchy guitar riffs and feminist lyrics.The Diamond Sea” – At over 19 minutes long, this epic track from their 1995 album Washing Machine is a journey through Sonic Youth’s experimental side.Expressway to Yr Skull” – A chaotic and noisy masterpiece from their 1982 album EVOL, this song showcases the band’s early sound.100%” – A single from their 1992 album Dirty, this song has a driving rhythm and catchy hooks.Schizophrenia” – From their 1987 album Sister, this song features dissonant guitar riffs and lyrics about mental illness. Disappearer” – This 1990 hit features intricate guitar work and haunting vocals from Kim Gordon.Silver Rocket” – A fast-paced rocker from Daydream Nation, this song is a fan favorite.Superstar” – A cover of The Carpenters’ classic, Sonic Youth’s version adds layers of noise and distortion.Mote” – From their 1990 album Goo, this song features dreamy guitar work and dark lyrics.The Sprawl” – A sprawling epic from Daydream Nation, this song features intricate guitar interplay and dissonant noise.Sugar Kane” – From their 1992 album Dirty, this song has a driving rhythm and a catchy chorus.Candle” – From their 1988 album Daydream Nation, this song is a dreamy, atmospheric ballad.Chapel Hill” – A standout track from their 1992 album Dirty, this song features a catchy chorus and intricate guitar work.I Love Her All the Time” – A standout track from their 1985 album Bad Moon Rising, this song features dissonant guitar riffs and lyrics about love and obsession.”Tom Violence” – From their 1986 album EVOL, this song features intricate guitar work and haunting vocals from Kim Gordon.”Washing Machine” – The title track from their 1995 album, this song is a journey through Sonic Youth’s experimental side.”Starpower” – A standout track from their 1986 album EVOL, this song features catchy hooks and a driving rhythm.”Tunic (Song for Karen)” – A tribute to Karen Carpenter, this song features haunting vocals and layers of noise.”Karen Revisited” – A sequel to “Tunic (Song for Karen),” this song features a catchy chorus and a driving rhythm.
Overall, Sonic Youth’s music is characterized by intricate guitar work, dissonant noise, and a willingness to push the boundaries of what rock music can be. These 20 songs represent some of the band’s best work and showcase the breadth of their sound.
1. Superstar
Superstar” is a song by the iconic American alternative rock band, Sonic Youth. It was released in 1994 as the second single from their album, “Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Thurston Moore, and it features Kim Gordon on backing vocals.”Superstar” is a reimagining of a 1969 song by The Carpenters, originally composed by Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett. Sonic Youth’s version is a slow, dreamy ballad with distorted guitar tones and ethereal vocals. The song’s lyrics describe the lonely life of a rockstar and the emotional toll it takes on them.The music video for “Superstar” features an actress, Chloe Sevigny, performing a lip sync to the song’s lyrics. The video is shot in black and white, and it captures the melancholic atmosphere of the song perfectly. The video has been praised for its simplicity and emotional depth.”Superstar” is considered one of Sonic Youth’s most iconic songs. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and is often cited as an influence on the shoegaze and dream pop genres.
2. Kool Thing
“Kool Thing” is a song by Sonic Youth, released in 1990 as the lead single from their album, “Goo.” The song features guest vocals from Chuck D of Public Enemy, who provides a rap verse in the middle of the song.”Kool Thing” is a feminist anthem that takes aim at the male-dominated music industry and its treatment of women. The song’s lyrics describe a conversation between Kim Gordon and an unnamed male musician, who tries to put her in a box and control her. The song’s chorus repeats the line, “Kool Thing, sitting with a kitty, now you know you’re sure lookin’ pretty, like a lover not a dancer, superboy take a chance here.”
The music video for “Kool Thing” features Kim Gordon dressed in a leather jacket and sunglasses, confronting a group of men who are playing basketball. The video is playful and subversive, with Kim Gordon challenging the male gaze and reclaiming her own image.”Kool Thing” has been praised for its feminist message and its infectious groove. The song’s use of hip-hop elements and guest vocals from Chuck D helped to bridge the gap between rock and rap music at the time of its release.
3. Teen Age Riot
Teen Age Riot” is a seminal track by the American rock band Sonic Youth. Released in 1988, it features on the band’s critically acclaimed album “Daydream Nation”. Clocking in at over six minutes, the song is a sprawling epic that builds and evolves over its duration. The track’s lyrics are enigmatic, with references to historical figures and pop culture icons, and its title hints at themes of youth rebellion and unrest.The song’s music video is also notable for its use of experimental filmmaking techniques, with distorted images and abstract visuals that complement the song’s chaotic energy. “Teen Age Riot” has been cited as a key influence on the alternative rock and indie music scenes of the 1990s, with its use of feedback and unconventional song structures inspiring a generation of musicians.The song’s opening guitar riff, played by Thurston Moore, has become one of Sonic Youth’s most iconic moments and is instantly recognizable to fans of the band. “Teen Age Riot” remains a classic of the alternative rock canon and a testament to Sonic Youth’s ability to push the boundaries of what was possible within the confines of rock music.
4. Incinerate
“Incinerate” is a song by Sonic Youth, released in 2006 as the lead single from their album, “Rather Ripped.” The song features driving guitar riffs and Kim Gordon’s distinctive vocals, which alternate between soft whispers and intense screams.The song’s lyrics describe the end of a relationship, with Gordon singing lines like “You ripped my heart out and you ate it” and “Our love is dead, but the dead don’t die.” The song’s chorus repeats the line, “I want to know the secret that you keep,” suggesting a desire to uncover the truth about what went wrong.The music video for “Incinerate” features the band performing the song in front of a white background, with footage of flames and smoke interspersed throughout. The video’s stark visuals complement the song’s intense energy and emotional intensity.
5. Silver Rocket
“Silver Rocket” is a song by Sonic Youth, released in 1988 as the second single from their album, “Daydream Nation.” The song features driving guitar riffs and Kim Gordon’s vocals, which are both melodic and abrasive.The song’s lyrics describe a trip on a silver rocket, with Gordon singing lines like “Come on baby, let’s take a ride on the silver rocket” and “Up up up and away we go, what we find no one knows.” The song’s chorus repeats the line, “I don’t want to push the river, I just want to ride it out.”The music video for “Silver Rocket” features the band performing the song in a studio, with footage of rockets and explosions interspersed throughout. The video’s chaotic visuals match the song’s frenzied energy and sense of adventure.
6. Dirty Boots
“Dirty Boots” is a song by Sonic Youth, released in 1990 as the third single from their album, “Goo.” The song features catchy guitar riffs and Kim Gordon’s vocals, which alternate between spoken word and melodic singing.The song’s lyrics describe a relationship in which both partners are trying to figure out their place in the world. Gordon sings lines like “Here we go to another candle I know, all the girls there playing on a jelly roll” and “I don’t want to grow up, there’s too much contradiction.” The song’s chorus repeats the line, “Let’s keep the diamond in the dirt,” suggesting a desire to find beauty in unexpected places.The music video for “Dirty Boots” features the band performing the song in a warehouse, with footage of children playing and images of American pop culture interspersed throughout. The video’s playful visuals match the song’s sense of youthful energy and rebellion.
7. Sugar Kane
“Sugar Kane” is a song by Sonic Youth, released in 1992 as the lead single from their album, “Dirty.” The song features driving guitar riffs and Kim Gordon’s vocals, which are both melodic and urgent.The song’s lyrics describe a character named Sugar Kane, who is “born to multiply” and “comes in bells.” Gordon sings lines like “Oh, sweet sugar when you gonna come?” and “You’re the mirror of the moon, my darling panther.”The music video for “Sugar Kane” features the band performing the song in a studio, with footage of a woman dancing and various abstract images interspersed throughout. The video’s visuals match the song’s sense of seduction and energy.
8. 100%
“100%” is a song by Sonic Youth, released in 1992 as the second single from their album, “Dirty.” The song features catchy guitar riffs and Kim Gordon’s vocals, which are both melodic and aggressive.The song’s lyrics describe a relationship in which one partner is giving their all, with Gordon singing lines like “I want you, to know, I’m happy for you” and “I don’t want to be the one who’s stuck with me.” The song’s chorus repeats the line, “You’re living in your own private Idaho,” suggesting a sense of isolation and detachment.The music video for “100%” features the band performing the song in a studio, with footage of various people dancing and engaging in other activities interspersed throughout. The video’s playful visuals contrast with the song’s lyrics, creating a sense of tension and irony.
9. Schizophrenia
“Schizophrenia” is a song by Sonic Youth, released in 1987 as the third single from their album, “Sister.” The song features a slow, atmospheric groove and Thurston Moore’s vocals, which are both hypnotic and haunting.The song’s lyrics describe a character with schizophrenia, with Moore singing lines like “I went away to see an old friend of mine, his sister came over, she was out of her mind” and “My friend’s sister, she’s got a schizophrenic mind.” The song’s chorus repeats the line, “It’s not my problem, it’s not my problem.”The music video for “Schizophrenia” features the band performing the song in a small club, with footage of people dancing and various abstract images interspersed throughout. The video’s visuals match the song’s sense of detachment and introspection.
Overall, these three songs represent the range of Sonic Youth’s sound and style. “Sugar Kane” and “100%” showcase the band’s ability to combine catchy melodies with edgy, experimental instrumentation, while “Schizophrenia” demonstrates their ability to create moody, atmospheric pieces that explore complex emotional themes. Each of these songs has a unique feel and energy, but all three share a sense of urgency and passion that defines Sonic Youth’s music as a whole.
10. Bull In The Heather
“Bull In The Heather” is a song by Sonic Youth, released in 1994 as the lead single from their album, “Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star.” The song features a driving guitar riff and Kim Gordon’s vocals, which are both fierce and playful.
The song’s lyrics are enigmatic, with Gordon singing lines like “I got some kisses I got to waste, I like to taste your warm embrace” and “I’m a cool breeze, I’m a cool breeze, I’m a cool breeze.” The chorus repeats the phrase “bull in the heather,” suggesting a sense of wildness and abandon.The music video for “Bull In The Heather” features the band performing the song in a forest, with footage of various animals and abstract images interspersed throughout. The video’s visuals match the song’s sense of primal energy and freedom.
11. ‘Cross the Breeze
‘Cross the Breeze” is a song by Sonic Youth, released in 1987 as the second single from their album, “Daydream Nation.” The song features a complex, driving rhythm and Thurston Moore’s vocals, which are both urgent and abstract.The song’s lyrics describe a character traveling across a barren landscape, with Moore singing lines like “Drive all night, alright, yeah, yeah, yeah” and “I don’t need no good advice, I’m already wasted.” The song’s chorus repeats the phrase “‘cross the breeze,” suggesting a sense of movement and change.The music video for “‘Cross the Breeze” features the band performing the song in a studio, with footage of various abstract images and a woman dancing interspersed throughout. The video’s visuals match the song’s sense of restlessness and exploration.
12. The Sprawl
“The Sprawl” is a song by Sonic Youth, released in 1988 as the fourth track on their album, “Daydream Nation.” The song features a slow, atmospheric intro and Thurston Moore’s vocals, which are both dreamy and haunting.The song’s lyrics describe a character exploring a dystopian landscape, with Moore singing lines like “Take a look around the room, the cats are playing doom” and “The sprawl, it grows, my heart just overflows.” The song’s chorus repeats the phrase “it’s the big night down in the city,” suggesting a sense of anticipation and dread.The music video for “The Sprawl” features footage of the band performing the song in a studio, with abstract images and footage of urban landscapes interspersed throughout. The video’s visuals match the song’s sense of urban decay and dystopian vision.
Overall, these three songs represent some of Sonic Youth’s most adventurous and experimental work. “Bull In The Heather” and “‘Cross the Breeze” showcase the band’s ability to combine complex rhythms and edgy guitar work with abstract, enigmatic lyrics, while “The Sprawl” demonstrates their ability to create moody, atmospheric pieces that explore complex emotional themes. Each of these songs has a unique feel and energy, but all three share a sense of experimentation and boundary-pushing that defines Sonic Youth’s music as a whole.
13. Candle
“Candle” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Sonic Youth, released in 1988 on their album “Daydream Nation.” The song features a slow, dreamy guitar melody and Kim Gordon’s vocals, which are ethereal and otherworldly.The lyrics of “Candle” explore themes of loss and mortality, with Gordon singing lines like “All I ever wanted was to know that you were dreaming” and “I feel like I’m disappearing, getting smaller every day.” The song’s chorus repeats the phrase “come on down and waste away with me,” suggesting a sense of acceptance and surrender.The music video for “Candle” features footage of the band performing the song in a dimly lit room, with abstract images and clips from old movies interspersed throughout. The video’s visuals match the song’s mood of introspection and reflection.
14. Tunic (Song for Karen)
“Tunic (Song for Karen)” is a song by Sonic Youth, released in 1990 on their album “Goo.” The song is a tribute to Karen Carpenter, the singer and drummer of the 1970s pop duo The Carpenters, who died of heart failure related to anorexia nervosa in 1983.The song features a heavy, distorted guitar riff and Kim Gordon’s vocals, which are both intense and mournful. The lyrics of “Tunic” reference Karen Carpenter’s life and death, with Gordon singing lines like “She played the role of a lifetime, a lost little girl with a lot of pretend” and “Karen, where did you go? It’s been too long.”The music video for “Tunic” features footage of the band performing the song in a studio, with images of Karen Carpenter and other women interspersed throughout. The video’s visuals match the song’s sense of grief and remembrance.
15. Providence
“Providence” is a unique song by Sonic Youth, released in 1988 on their album “Daydream Nation.” The song is an experimental piece, featuring spoken word samples and improvised instrumental passages.The lyrics of “Providence” are a series of disconnected phrases and fragments, taken from sources like the Bible and TV commercials. The song’s structure is loose and improvisational, with the band members each contributing their own sounds and textures.The music video for “Providence” features abstract images and footage of the band performing the song in a studio. The video’s visuals match the song’s sense of randomness and unpredictability.
Overall, these three songs showcase Sonic Youth’s ability to explore a wide range of emotions and themes, from introspection and grief to experimentation and improvisation. “Candle” and “Tunic” demonstrate the band’s ability to create hauntingly beautiful pieces that confront difficult subject matter with grace and nuance, while “Providence” showcases their willingness to push the boundaries of what rock music can be. Each of these songs is unique and powerful in its own way, showcasing Sonic Youth’s status as one of the most innovative and influential bands of their time.
16. Total Trash
“Total Trash” is a high-energy song by Sonic Youth, released in 1990 on their album “Goo.” The song features a driving guitar riff and Thurston Moore’s vocals, which are urgent and intense.The lyrics of “Total Trash” explore themes of youth rebellion and disaffection, with Moore singing lines like “We’re total trash, we’re the ones that go out and have fun” and “We don’t need nothin’, we don’t need no one.” The song’s chorus repeats the phrase “don’t you know who I think I am,” suggesting a sense of defiance and self-assuredness.The music video for “Total Trash” features footage of the band performing the song in a studio, with images of youth culture and rebellion interspersed throughout. The video’s visuals match the song’s sense of urgency and energy.
17. Hey Joni
“Hey Joni” is a classic song by Sonic Youth, released in 1988 on their album “Daydream Nation.” The song features a driving guitar riff and Kim Gordon’s vocals, which are both powerful and melancholic.The lyrics of “Hey Joni” reference the writer and poet Joni Mitchell, with Gordon singing lines like “Hey Joni, put it all behind you” and “Hey Joni, where do you come from? Where are you going?” The song’s chorus repeats the phrase “keep on holding on,” suggesting a sense of resilience and determination.The music video for “Hey Joni” features abstract images and footage of the band performing the song in a studio. The video’s visuals match the song’s sense of introspection and reflection.
18. Eric’s Trip
“Eric’s Trip” is a song by Sonic Youth, released in 1987 on their album “Daydream Nation.” The song features a distorted guitar riff and Thurston Moore’s vocals, which are both raw and emotional.The lyrics of “Eric’s Trip” explore themes of isolation and loneliness, with Moore singing lines like “The lights are on, but there’s no one home” and “I wish that you were here with me, but I’m an Eric in my own trip.” The song’s chorus repeats the phrase “I’m taking a trip, but I don’t know where,” suggesting a sense of uncertainty and wandering.The music video for “Eric’s Trip” features abstract images and footage of the band performing the song in a studio. The video’s visuals match the song’s sense of disconnection and searching.
Overall, these three songs showcase Sonic Youth’s ability to create powerful and emotionally resonant music. “Total Trash” and “Hey Joni” demonstrate the band’s ability to create high-energy rock songs with lyrics that confront difficult themes with a sense of resilience and determination, while “Eric’s Trip” showcases their ability to create raw and emotional pieces that capture the sense of isolation and searching that can come with youth. Each of these songs is unique and powerful in its own way, showcasing Sonic Youth’s status as one of the most innovative and influential bands of their time.
19. Kissability
“Kissability” and “Mary-Christ” are two tracks from Sonic Youth’s sixth studio album, “Daydream Nation,” released in 1988. Both songs showcase the band’s signature sound and experimental approach to music.”Kissability” is a dreamy and hypnotic track with a catchy guitar riff and ethereal vocals by Kim Gordon. The lyrics are poetic and abstract, exploring themes of love, desire, and the subconscious mind. The song features several layers of guitar, creating a rich and textured sonic landscape that evolves throughout the track. The guitar solos in the middle section of the song are particularly impressive, showcasing the band’s improvisational skills and adventurous spirit.
In “Kissability,” Sonic Youth showcases their ability to create intricate and atmospheric compositions that explore the depths of the subconscious mind. The song’s lyrics are enigmatic and poetic, evoking a sense of mystery and desire. The guitars are layered and textured, creating a sonic landscape that evolves throughout the track. The song’s structure is unconventional, with several distinct sections that flow seamlessly into each other. The guitar solos in the middle section of the song are particularly impressive, showcasing the band’s virtuosity and improvisational skills
20. Mary-Christ
“Mary-Christ” is a more aggressive and chaotic track, with dissonant guitar riffs and distorted vocals by Thurston Moore. The song’s lyrics are cryptic and fragmented, referencing religious iconography and personal transformation. The song builds up to a cathartic climax, with the band unleashing a barrage of noise and feedback. The track’s unconventional structure and abrasive sound demonstrate Sonic Youth’s willingness to challenge conventional songwriting and explore new sonic territories.”Mary-Christ,” on the other hand, is a more aggressive and chaotic track that showcases Sonic Youth’s experimental and avant-garde tendencies. The song’s dissonant guitar riffs and distorted vocals create a sense of urgency and chaos. The lyrics are cryptic and fragmented, referencing religious iconography and personal transformation. The song’s structure is unconventional, with several distinct sections that build up to a cathartic climax. The track’s abrasive sound and unconventional structure are a testament to Sonic Youth’s willingness to challenge conventional songwriting and explore new sonic territorie Both
“Daydream Nation” is widely regarded as Sonic Youth’s masterpiece, and both “Kissability” and “Mary-Christ” are standout tracks that showcase the band’s versatility and creativity. The album marked a turning point in the band’s career, as they transitioned from an underground cult favorite to a mainstream success, while still maintaining their artistic integrity and experimental spirit.
Jared Parker 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.
