Fox Reviews Rock

The Album Breakdown

Release in 1994 Superunknown was Soundgarden‘s biggest success story. Arriving in peak Grunge season the album helped push the band passed heavy and raw into expansive. Blending heavy riffs with psych elements, odd song structures and thoughtful lyrics. Cornell‘s vocals are obviously a massive highlight throughout too.

But that should not lessen the roles taken by Thayil, Shepherd and Cameron. The album debuted at number 1 on the billboard 200 and helped cement the bands position as one of the defining bands of the 90s.

Highlight Tracks

This song doesn’t really need much of an introduction, it is by far the bands biggest hit! It is structured around this riff that has a hypnotic quality to it and dream like vocals from Cornell. Those vocals at times are haunting and the psych like arrangement only helps this song. There is a reason why this song helped introduce Soundgarden to wider audiences, that reason is that addictive chorus!

Blending unusual percussion and grinding guitar riffs is Spoonman… Honestly I love this song, but I am personally not keen on the spoon playing in the introduction. (Throughout is ok!) It feels catchy and experimental, which means it is incredibly fun. It never hurts to play with those creative boundaries.

I am still surprised to this day that such a dark and reflective moment was put so early on in the album, but man it works! The guitars are dialled way back and Cornell’s lyrics about emotional downturns take centre stage. Which obviously eventually ended in tragedy, which makes this song give me goosebumps on every listen.

Other Notable Albums From The Band

Badmotorfinger

Down On The Upside

King Animal

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