The Smashing Pumpkins are one of the most iconic alternative rock bands of the 1990s, known for their unique blend of heavy guitars, dreamy melodies, and introspective lyrics. Formed in Chicago in 1988, the band quickly gained a cult following with their debut album “Gish,” which showcased their innovative sound and distinctive style.
Over the years, the band has released a number of critically acclaimed albums and singles, earning them a place in the annals of rock history.
In this list of the 10 best Smashing Pumpkins songs of all time, we’ll explore some of the band’s most memorable and influential tracks, from the angst-ridden “Bullet With Butterfly Wings” to the melancholic “Mayonaise.” Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the band’s music, these songs are sure to leave a lasting impression.
1. 1979
“1979” is a standout track from The Smashing Pumpkins’ 1995 album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. The song has a unique and infectious sound, blending elements of alternative rock, electronic, and pop music. It features dreamy, atmospheric guitar riffs, driving drum beats, and ethereal vocals from frontman Billy Corgan. The lyrics tell a nostalgic story of teenage rebellion and youthful innocence, capturing the bittersweet feeling of growing up and leaving behind the carefree days of youth. “1979” became a massive hit for the Smashing Pumpkins, with its catchy chorus and evocative lyrics resonating with listeners of all ages.
2. Today
“Today” is a signature song from The Smashing Pumpkins’ breakthrough album, Siamese Dream, released in 1993. The song’s driving guitar riff and propulsive rhythm section create a powerful and urgent energy that builds throughout the track, while Billy Corgan’s soaring vocals deliver lyrics that mix existential angst with a call for hope and perseverance. The song’s memorable chorus, with its refrain of “Today is the greatest day I’ve ever known,” has become an anthem for fans of the band, expressing a sense of optimism and determination in the face of life’s struggles.
3. Disarm
“Disarm” is a hauntingly beautiful track from The Smashing Pumpkins’ iconic album, Siamese Dream, released in 1993. The song features a stripped-down arrangement, centered around Billy Corgan’s delicate acoustic guitar and vulnerable vocals. The lyrics explore themes of childhood trauma and emotional pain, with Corgan reflecting on the scars left behind by his own upbringing. Despite the heavy subject matter, the song is marked by a sense of tenderness and empathy, with Corgan expressing a desire to heal and move forward.
4. Bullet With Butterfly Wings
“Bullet With Butterfly Wings” is a hard-hitting track from The Smashing Pumpkins’ iconic album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, released in 1995. The song features a driving rhythm section, distorted guitars, and Billy Corgan’s anguished vocals, all combining to create a powerful and explosive sound. The lyrics are marked by a sense of disillusionment and anger, with Corgan railing against the injustices and hypocrisies of the world. The song’s memorable chorus, with its refrain of “Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage,” has become a cultural touchstone and a rallying cry for those who feel trapped and powerless.
5. Cherub Rock
“Cherub Rock” is the opening track of The Smashing Pumpkins’ critically acclaimed album, Siamese Dream, released in 1993. The song is characterized by its driving guitar riff, heavy drums, and Billy Corgan’s distinctive vocals, which range from a whisper to a scream. The lyrics address Corgan’s frustrations with the music industry and his desire to stay true to his artistic vision despite commercial pressures. “Cherub Rock” showcases the band’s signature sound, with intricate guitar work, dynamic shifts in tempo and volume, and a sense of urgency that propels the song forward.
6. Tonight, Tonight
“Tonight, Tonight” is a standout track from The Smashing Pumpkins’ 1995 album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. The song features a lush orchestral arrangement, with strings, brass, and timpani adding depth and grandeur to the band’s signature guitar-driven sound. Billy Corgan’s vocals soar over the intricate instrumentation, as he delivers lyrics that are both hopeful and melancholy. The song’s music video, inspired by Georges Méliès’ silent film A Trip to the Moon, features stunning visuals that further enhance the song’s dreamlike quality.
7. Zero
“Zero” is a hard-hitting rock song from The Smashing Pumpkins’ 1995 album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. The song features distorted guitars, heavy drums, and angsty lyrics that speak to themes of isolation, nihilism, and defiance. Billy Corgan’s vocals are raw and emotive, and the song’s dynamic shifts from quiet verses to explosive choruses add to its intensity. “Zero” was a standout track on an album that saw The Smashing Pumpkins exploring a wider range of sounds and styles, and it remains one of their most popular and influential songs.
8. Rhinoceros
“Rhinoceros” is a dreamy and psychedelic song from The Smashing Pumpkins’ debut album, Gish, released in 1991. The track opens with a haunting, acoustic guitar riff that sets the tone for the song’s ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere. Lead singer Billy Corgan’s delicate vocals float over the music, evoking a sense of introspection and introspective yearning. As the song progresses, layers of distorted guitar and soaring strings build to a crescendo, creating a lush and hypnotic soundscape that captures the listener’s imagination.
9. Ava Adore
“Ava Adore” is a haunting and powerful song by the Smashing Pumpkins that was released as the lead single from their 1998 album “Adore”. The track features a unique blend of electronic and rock music, with distorted guitars and synths creating a dark and eerie atmosphere. Billy Corgan’s vocals are introspective and emotive, conveying a sense of vulnerability and desperation. The lyrics themselves are enigmatic and open to interpretation, with themes of obsession, addiction, and desire.
10. Mayonaise
“Mayonaise” is a dreamy and introspective track from the Smashing Pumpkins’ 1993 album “Siamese Dream.” The song begins with a soft, melodic guitar riff that gradually builds in intensity, driven by a powerful drumbeat and distorted guitars. Billy Corgan’s vocals are emotional and vulnerable, conveying a sense of longing and desperation as he sings about feeling disconnected from the world around him. The chorus explodes with a burst of energy, with Corgan’s voice soaring over the driving instrumentation. The song’s lyrics are poetic and impressionistic, painting a vivid picture of the feelings of isolation and disconnection that many people experience at some point in their lives.
Simon Robinson 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.
