Soundgarden, one of the pioneers of grunge music, has produced some of the most iconic and influential rock songs of all time. From their early beginnings in the 1980s to their untimely breakup in 2017, Soundgarden created a unique sound that combined heavy guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and introspective lyrics. Their music has resonated with generations of fans and inspired countless musicians across different genres. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Soundgarden songs of all time, ranked based on their impact, popularity, and critical acclaim. From the anthemic “Black Hole Sun” to the haunting “Fell on Black Days” and the intense “Jesus Christ Pose,” these songs showcase the depth and diversity of Soundgarden’s music. Whether you are a die-hard fan or just discovering their music, this list will give you a taste of the best that Soundgarden has to offer.
1. ‘Black Hole Sun’
Released in 1994, ‘Black Hole Sun’ is a hauntingly beautiful song by the Seattle-based band, Soundgarden. It was the band’s biggest hit and a staple of ’90s grunge music. The song’s lyrics, written by frontman Chris Cornell, evoke a sense of hopelessness and despair, with lines like “In my eyes, indisposed, in disguises no one knows, hides the face, lies the snake, the sun in my disgrace.” The music video, directed by Howard Greenhalgh, features surreal imagery that matches the song’s eerie mood.
The song’s title and chorus refer to a hypothetical astronomical phenomenon in which a black hole is surrounded by a bright ring of light, called the accretion disk. The metaphor is used to represent the suffocating feeling of being trapped in a cycle of negativity, unable to escape the darkness. The song’s haunting melody, coupled with Cornell’s powerful vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation, make ‘Black Hole Sun’ a timeless classic.
2. ‘Jesus Christ Pose’
‘Jesus Christ Pose’ is a hard-hitting, politically charged song by Soundgarden, released in 1991 on their album, ‘Badmotorfinger.’ The song’s lyrics, written by Chris Cornell, are a scathing criticism of organized religion and the hypocrisy of those who use it to justify their actions. The title and chorus reference a controversial photograph of American musician David Wojnarowicz, in which he poses as a crucified Jesus Christ.
The song’s heavy, riff-driven sound and Cornell’s aggressive vocals perfectly match the intensity of the lyrics. The music video, directed by Eric Zimmerman and Peter Christopherson, features the band performing in front of a wall of televisions showing clips of religious figures and political events. The video’s imagery, coupled with the song’s message, make for a powerful statement against the dangers of blind faith and the manipulation of the masses by those in power.
‘Jesus Christ Pose’ remains one of Soundgarden’s most iconic songs, and a staple of ’90s alternative rock. Its message is as relevant today as it was when it was first released, and serves as a reminder to question authority and think critically about the world around us.
3. ‘Spoonman’
‘Spoonman’ is a rhythmic and percussive song by Soundgarden, released in 1994 on their album, ‘Superunknown.’ The song’s lyrics, written by Chris Cornell, pay tribute to the street performer Artis the Spoonman, who plays music with spoons as his instrument. The song’s distinctive sound is created by the use of spoons as percussion instruments, giving it a unique and memorable quality.
The music video, directed by Jake Scott, features Artis the Spoonman performing alongside the band in various Seattle locations. The video’s use of gritty and urban imagery perfectly matches the song’s raw and edgy sound. ‘Spoonman’ became one of Soundgarden’s most recognizable songs and a fan favorite, showcasing the band’s ability to blend hard rock with unexpected elements to create something truly original.
4. ‘Outshined’
‘Outshined’ is a classic grunge anthem by Soundgarden, released in 1991 on their album, ‘Badmotorfinger.’ The song’s lyrics, written by Chris Cornell, explore themes of depression and feeling lost in the world. The memorable chorus, “I’m looking California, and feeling Minnesota,” is a metaphor for feeling like you’re putting on a facade and hiding your true feelings.
The song’s heavy guitar riffs and driving rhythm section give it a powerful and intense sound. The music video, directed by Matt Mahurin, features the band performing in a dark and surreal landscape, adding to the song’s moody atmosphere. ‘Outshined’ remains one of Soundgarden’s most popular songs, and a highlight of the ’90s grunge movement.
5. ‘Blow Up the Outside World’
‘Blow Up the Outside World’ is a haunting and melancholic song by Soundgarden, released in 1996 on their album, ‘Down on the Upside.’ The song’s lyrics, written by Chris Cornell, deal with feelings of isolation and wanting to escape from the pressures of the world. The song’s title and chorus, “Blow up the outside world, bring your friends, to the fold,” suggest a desire for a complete break from reality.
The song’s slow and atmospheric sound, coupled with Cornell’s powerful vocals, create a sense of intense emotion and vulnerability. The music video, directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, features the band performing in a desert landscape, with surreal and dreamlike imagery. ‘Blow Up the Outside World’ showcases Soundgarden’s ability to create deeply emotional and introspective music, and remains a highlight of their discography.
6. ‘Rusty Cage’
‘Rusty Cage’ is a fast-paced and energetic song by Soundgarden, released in 1991 on their album, ‘Badmotorfinger.’ The song’s lyrics, written by Chris Cornell, use the metaphor of being trapped in a cage to explore feelings of frustration and the desire for freedom. The song’s title refers to a type of solitary confinement cell used in prisons.
The song’s distinctive guitar riff and driving rhythm create a sense of urgency and intensity, with Cornell’s vocals delivering the lyrics with passion and power. The music video, directed by Matt Mahurin, features the band performing in a desolate and surreal landscape, adding to the song’s gritty and raw atmosphere. ‘Rusty Cage’ is one of Soundgarden’s most recognizable songs, and a staple of their live shows.
7. ‘Fell on Black Days’
‘Fell on Black Days’ is a dark and introspective song by Soundgarden, released in 1994 on their album, ‘Superunknown.’ The song’s lyrics, written by Chris Cornell, explore feelings of depression and hopelessness, with the chorus describing a “black day” where everything feels overwhelming and bleak.
The song’s slow and mournful sound, with its somber guitar melody and Cornell’s emotive vocals, perfectly capture the song’s melancholic mood. The music video, directed by Matt Mahurin, features surreal and dreamlike imagery, adding to the song’s introspective and haunting atmosphere. ‘Fell on Black Days’ is widely regarded as one of Soundgarden’s best songs, showcasing their ability to create deeply emotional and powerful music.
8. ‘Pretty Noose’
‘Pretty Noose’ is a hard-hitting and aggressive song by Soundgarden, released in 1996 on their album, ‘Down on the Upside.’ The song’s lyrics, written by Chris Cornell, deal with the theme of toxic relationships, with the title referring to the metaphorical noose that such relationships can create.
The song’s driving guitar riff and powerful rhythm section create a sense of urgency and intensity, with Cornell’s vocals delivering the lyrics with a fierce and raw energy. The music video, directed by Frank Kozik, features surreal and twisted imagery, adding to the song’s edgy and dark atmosphere. ‘Pretty Noose’ is a standout track from Soundgarden’s later years, and a testament to their continued ability to create powerful and hard-hitting music.
9. ‘The Day I Tried to Live’
‘The Day I Tried to Live’ by Soundgarden is a haunting and introspective track from the band’s acclaimed 1994 album, Superunknown. The song’s lyrics deal with themes of depression, isolation, and the struggle to find meaning in life. Lead vocalist Chris Cornell’s powerful vocals, combined with the band’s heavy guitar riffs and melodic hooks, create a tense and emotional atmosphere that perfectly captures the song’s message. The lyrics describe the day the narrator decides to make an effort to live, but finds himself struggling to break free from the weight of his own depression. The song is a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking help and support when dealing with mental health issues.
10. ‘Hands All Over’
‘Hands All Over’ is a gritty and intense track from Soundgarden’s 1989 album, Louder Than Love. The song’s driving guitar riffs and pounding drums create a sense of urgency and intensity, while frontman Chris Cornell’s signature vocals add a raw and emotional edge. The lyrics deal with themes of power, control, and the destructive nature of human desire. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Hands all over me”, captures the feeling of being trapped and overwhelmed by the forces of the world around us. The song is a powerful reminder of the need to stay strong and resilient in the face of adversity, and to resist the temptation to give in to the darker impulses that can drive us towards destruction. Overall, ‘Hands All Over’ is a classic example of Soundgarden’s unique blend of heavy, atmospheric rock and deep, introspective lyrics.
Samuel Moore 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.
