Reviews (page 3 of 13)
Duh
Shows up the weaknesses in everything but the best of audio setups.
One of my favorite albums of all time but I’ve come to realize over the years that “Black Hole Sun” isn’t actually a good song.
What a voice. It hurts. 5/5
Again, no notes. Just solid stuff from Chris and crew.
Gran disco
An amazing piece of 90s rock that transcends the grunge era. Even the overplayed stuff is good.
Soundgarden makes the apocalypse sound sexy.
Obviously one of the best albums of the 90s. Every song deserves a listen.
I think I’ve given out too many 5 stars in the past, but this one is definitely up deserving. Never listened to the whole thing through front to back, but it felt like a greatest hits album. The songs I didn’t know still hit hard, even at over an hour the journey didn’t feel like a slog. The only problem now is trying to find a copy on vinyl. Great riffs, Chris’s voice is amazing, the Robert plant of grunge for sure. Would recommend to anyone.
Love soundgarden
Outstanding from start to finish
chris cornell's vocals PEAK
👍🏻🤘🏻
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest in the early ’90s, being into punk, new wave, and metal before Nevermind blew everything up meant that bands like Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Nirvana, and the Melvins weren’t just on my radar — they were the air we breathed. I still remember the thrill of picking up Louder Than Love the day it came out; already having consumed Ultramega OK and Screaming Life/Fopp, I was eager for more. Seeing the lo-fi videos for “Hands All Over” and “Loud Love” on Bombshelter Videos — all of it felt like mine. By the time Superunknown was released, the ground had shifted. It was still great, but it didn’t feel as weird, as raw — it felt like the world had caught up and we were doomed to watch Almost Live and shout “LAME!” at the TV as more and more normies caught on. Even so, Superunknown has held up in ways I couldn’t appreciate at the time. The record is layered and literate, full of heavy songs that, while accessible, still possess a strangeness — only more subtle this time around. Chris Cornell’s vocals are unreal, and Kim Thayil’s guitar work has a guttingly sharp, assured quality that always stuck with me. Ben Shepherd once spit on me at a show at the Capitol Theatre in Olympia — and I deserved it — but he also plays deceptively clever bass lines that disrupt the song in interesting ways at just the right moment. And Matt Cameron? What a brilliant drummer. His feel is both muscular and musical — time is his clay as he sculpts Soundgarden into his own. I’ve even sung songs off this album as lullabies to my kid. Won't you come / And wash away the rain? That kind of emotional longevity sneaks up on you. What once felt like a break from the Soundgarden I loved has, with distance, become part of the story. Listening now, I hear a band giving their sound to the world, not just to Seattle, Tacoma, or Olympia. And maybe that’s what makes it a little bittersweet. Soundgarden wasn’t ours to keep. And OK, this isn’t my favorite album of theirs, but I’ll still round this one up to five stars. Because Superunknown is where Soundgarden readily and wholly gave their sound to the world — something strange enough for the weird kids, big and broad enough for the rest of them.
Brilliant album!
Epic
Très bien. Une bonne énergie sur tout l’album.
Damn, what a great album. Very rocky, the type of music that I like.
Steadily grew on me as it went on. I'm a believer.
One of my favorite albums of all time. Will forever be dear to my heart. Rip Chris, we'll always love you.
One of my favorites of the era and all time for that matter. Like a doomy version of zeppelin. Chris Cornell can wail.
One of the best albums from the grunge era!
Favorite 90s band. Best album.
One of my all time faves
Another awesome album. Back in the days when I was 12, the video for Black Hole Sun was totally fascinating to me—and well, it still is! :D
One of my favorite albums of all time. Despite my apathy towards spoonman which comes off wrong to me. I never cared for that track but the rest of the album make it up.
One of the genre defining grunge albums of the 90s. Dark,heavy,and a soaring voice that takes it to new heights.
This was the 5th CD I bought, on release day (after Prince Diamonds and Pearls, Nirvana's In Utero, MJ's Dangerous, Therapy?s Troublegum). At the time I mostly liked the standout tracks, like Black Hole Sun and Spoonman. The Day I Tried To Live became a regular cassette mix entry. I found it more dreary and less interesting though than the likes of Therapy? and Nirvana. Over the years though, relistens have been hugely helped by identifying more with the themes, and maturing with a more discerning taste for the songcraft and Cornell's voice. I appreciate it far now than I did then. Although this is a great album, I still much prefer Therapy?s Troublegum, and my favourite Soundgarden song is still Pretty Noose (from Down on the Upside).
Absolutely deserves its place among these albums. Badmotorfinger is my favorite album of theirs, but this is a close second. Not a bad song in the bunch, from the one-two punch of "Let Me Drown" and "My Wave" through album closer "Like Suicide." I still listen to it a few times a year. Can't tell you how welcome this was after a week of duds.
Black Hole Sun is easily one of the top 100 songs ever written.
Takes me back. One of the greatest rock singers of all time. This was a CD I listened to on repeat when it came out, and it holds up.
Grunge classic.
Consistently awesome rock riffs + kickass rhythm section, particularly drums + honestly one of the top 3 rock vocalists of all time + an undeniable stone-cold classic hit ("Black Hole Sun") = this is a 5-star album. Wow it's good. Yes, it's long, but honestly I was surprised when I discovered that after the fact. It keeps up the quality, I think. I'm really not a huge grunge/hard rock fan in general, but selectively I enjoy things here and there...this might be the best grunge album. It's so good. Must-listen #96.
5/5 - black hole sun & spoonman!
Ya, before I finish the album I know im gonna give it a five. Just such a good album Ive heard the famous ones like Black Hole Suns but the lesser known tracks were still super solid. Great Band RIP Chris Cornell
Absolutely tapping into my youth here 1001. Some albums are made for driving. Some are made for drinking. Some are made for existential dread. This one covers all three. It’s sludgy but melodic, like someone let Black Sabbath borrow some Seattle rainwater. The riffs slap, Chris's vocals soar, and it sounds like it was recorded in a haunted, smoke-filled cathedral. Absolutely nasty in the best way. At the time this came out I was still soaking in the Seattle sound, and this wasn't missed at all. It might hit even harder than it did back then, in retrospect. Rest In Peace, Chris. Spins: All Day Playlist Additions: - My Wave - Fell On Black Days - Black Hole Sun - Spoonman - The Day I Tried To Live
I've been meaning to listen to this one for a while, and god damn have I been missing out. Love me some heavy shit and these guys so it insanely well with the guitar tone and the riffs. Add Chris' vocals on top and you've got one of the best grunge records of all time. Only slight - and I mean slight - downside is 1 or 2 of the tracks at the beginning are a tad weaker than the rest. But when you're given Head Down, Black Hole Sun, Spoonman, Limo Wreck and The Day I Tried To Live in succession, you cannot complain.
I will admit up front that I am biased on this one. During the summer of 1994, I drove from Lubbock, TX to Temple, TX almost every weekend. This album was my accompaniment for those trips. I’d missed the boat on Soundgarden’s previous album Badmotorfinger but jumped on board with Superunknown. Fell on Black Days and My Wave are my two favorite tracks but every song is great on this album. Even Kickstand, which I always found fun and silly. The only “filler” on this album is the short next to last song Half but it’s just a little over two minutes long so I can let it play through with no issue. It doesn’t hurt my rating here at all. I still enjoy this album regularly. 5/5
Greatest Buttrock album of all time. If there were no Soundgarden there'd be no Nickleback or Creed. Take that as you will
Greatest grunge album ever. Yeah I said it.
great album, bunch of hits on here but some of the best songs are deep cuts
Superunknown's blend of complex song structures, rich with tempo changes, dissonance, and odd time signatures, show their technical prowess while staying raw and relatable. Cornell’s powerful vocals, from soaring highs to gritty lows, resonate on every track and provide an emotional punch. Certainly one of the cornerstone albums of the 90s grunge movement.
another grunge classic, "Black Hole Sun' one of my favourites
Outstanding album by one of the seminal Seattle grunge bands. Their masterpiece.
If there was a holy trinity of grunge that wasn’t Nirvana, it would be Ten by Pearl Jam, Dirt by Alice In Chains and Superunknown. Would I say that this is my favorite of my made up trinity? No, but it’s still excellent. I think my biggest concern going into this was whether or not the tracks outside the hits would have the same punch. A 70-minute album can’t rely just on Black Hole Sun and The Day I Tried To Live. For me thankfully, the answer is yes. The likes of My Wave, Like Suicide, and Mailman do hit as well as the hits. So it makes the 70 minutes not seem at long. Trust me, there’s probably worse. Chris Cornell (may he rest in peace), had a gifted voice. The things he can achieve through his vocals were legendary. The Day I Tried to Live is probably the best example of it. The way he can belt the high notes made him one of a kind. It’s easy to see how this was the moment that Soundgarden broke out. Even though they have some good stuff in Badmotorfinger (which I hope is part of this project), this feels like the band at its best. As a result, this is one of the core albums of the grunge movement and one of my favorite albums from the 90’s. Favorite track: Black Hole Sun Other hits: The Day I Tried to Live, Spoonman, My Wave, Superunknown, Mailman, Like Suicide, Let Me Drown, Fell on Black Days
This is one of those albums that’s so perfect it’s hard for me to pick a favorite aspect of its creation. Whether it’s Kim’s destructive and layered force on guitars, something he perfected on this album. Or Matt Camron’s insane drumming with Ben Sheppard’s innovating bass locked in forming a deadly rhythm section. Or the once in a lifetime hyper dynamic vocal performance of Cornell. Another aspect along side the band, is Michael Beinhorn and his team of engineers who produced and mixed the hell out of this album, giving the band the best environment and guidance for them to explore the recording process. Over all, Superunknown is a rare occurrence where the parts are as spectacular as the sum. To say this album was influential to me is an understatement, this is an easy 5 for me.
Well, this is an easy 5 for me. Takes me back to being a lonely 14 year old sitting in my room listening to music. This album was one of my friends. Soundgarden stood out amongst the "other" bands of this "genre". They had a sludginess to them, and extremely powerful vocals. Tough to name a favorite on this one, but maybe Head Down or 4th of July, or Limo Wreck, hell, I can't pick one.
A very easy 5 here. Soundgarden were one of my bands during this era along with STP and Nirvana. They really could not do much wrong. Black Sabbath meets the Beatles with a freak of nature, once in a generation singer .Pretty Much every song is a banger. My favorites are Let Me Drown, Half and Fell On Black Days. Forth of July is a one of a kind also. RIP Chris Cornell.
classic
Outshined
This was grunge's high water mark and one of my all-time favourite albums. 5 stars doesn't feel like enough.
Favourite tracks: let me drown; my wave; fell on black days; superunknown; spoonman; black hole sun; limo wreck; 4th of July; the day I tried to live
Has the infamous "Black hole sun" - a whole album of bangers. Powerful lyrics, awesome drums and guitar, solid all the way through.
what a f****n awesome album!
Great!
really the only problem with this album is it’s too long, but should it lose a star because it’s an embarrassment of riches? not in this man’s army!
I love Soundgarden, and Chris Cornell has one of the best voices in rock music. This is a great album, but there’s also a good bit of filler. I think the last 2 songs could have been chopped and nothing would have been lost. “Fell On Black Days,” “Black Hole Sun,” “Spoonman,” “Limo Wreck,” and “4th of July” are the standout tracks. There’s a lot to like about this album, and despite a few flaws, it’s still one of the premier grunge albums of all time.
I’m biased, but I love this album so much. It strikes a perfect balance between the radio friendly sound of My Wave / Black Hole Sun / Spoonman and the heavier, more grungy sound of Mailman / Limo Wreck / 4th of July. A nearly perfect 90’s alternative album.
Amazing album!
This was a seminal album in my life. I remember where I was when I purchased this CD. I was on my summer break between high school and college up in the Seattle area, spending a few weeks with my cousins, and I had come across a Blockbuster Music Store. The concept of being able to walk down the wall of the Billboards top selling albums, and just putting on a pair of headphones and punching in a track number was unheard of! And this is how I came across this absolute gem of an album. We had already been subjected to three singles by the time it was summertime in 1994, so I knew those songs, but I wanted to hear what the radio wasn’t playing, and dammit it I was not disappointed. I just fell in love with "Fell on Black Days" and "The Day I Tried to Live." Those songs just scratched an itch I didn’t even realize I had until I heard those tracks. This was in my car in constant rotation through the rest of the year (probably longer). This album represented freedom, independence, and creating my own music identity. Absolutely one of the greatest rock albums ever created.
This album is a 4.5 for me. 4 for the album itself and another .5 for the nostalgia attached to it. Growing up when this album entered the world was just fantastic musically and this one was in my rotation. I had friends who took to this right away and loved every second. I wasn't so immediately smitten, but this has grown on me over the years to be a very solid, dar, and complex listen.
YES
Pretty great
Incredible, all songs are great and apart from Black Hole Sun they all feel very similar to each other, so can just leave the full album on in the background while working. 5 stars
RIP Chris. One of my favorite bands. Great album
epic. instant rock classic.
Great album. I saw Soundgarden just a few shows before Chris Cornell passed. These songs still sounded incredible 20 years after release, and I was grateful I caught that show with the original lineup.
Great album. Years later this may be my favorite of the big 4 Seattle band albums, but its hard to say since I love them all and it changes day to day. RIP Chris.
The few songs I already knew were great, and while I wasn't wowed by the others I was surprised by how consistently good this was for over an hour
Excellent album. Gritty and dark and melodic. I’ve always been partial to Badmotorfinger, but still love this one.
I own this album on vinyl, although I've only listened to it once so far. I listened to it today twice and absolutely loved every second of it. Five stars easily.
BLACK HOLE SUN WONT YOU COME WASH AWAY THE RAIN
I’VE PLAYED THESE GAMES BEFORE!!!! I SAID I’VE PLAYED THESE GAMES BEFORE!
Disclaimer: I will not be objective when talking about this album. Soundgarden have always held a special place in my heart and this album brings so much more to the table than just being "The Black Hole Sun Album". It's 70(!) minutes long and every minute is so special and unique. Chris Cornell was a fucking powerhouse, and Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron and Ben Shepherd are truely some of the most underrated musicians of the 90's. I still think to this day that Superunknown is their magnum opus (even though pretty much all of their albums are stellar). From psychedelic songs like "Half" and "Head Down" to sludgy, muddy bangers such as "Mailman" and "4th of July", this album also perfectly shows the insane versatility this band possessed. It's not everyday you find a band, where all band members write songs in the way this band does. Always a joy to listen to this masterpiece <3
Brilliant album. I've listened many times before, but great to bring back to the rotation
Absolutely brilliant. Got this album when it first came out and the lyrics always spoke to me in a way that other "depression friendly" songs just didn't. How '4th of July' is not on everyone's list of greatest songs is beyond me. Honestly, I don't know why 'Black Hole Sun' is the most popular song on the album, there are like 10 better songs on here, but it is still a great song. Haters can hate if you want to hate, if it keeps you safe, if it makes you brave, but I'm gonna keep this one on my wave, my wave.
Epic grunge album!!! Chris Cornell had one of the greatest voices of all time! The instrumentation in this album is incredible!!!
Perfection!
Yes
To my ears, this is simply one of the best albums ever. Heavy music with interesting arrangements taken to the next level by the singular talent that was Chris Cornell (R.I.P.). We were so spoiled by great music in the 90s!
I’m loving it
No one sings like you anymore.
juicy
Love this NIN vibe
Superunknown might be the most diverse album of the grunge. Black Hole Sun is the mega hit but it’s not indicative of the album. There are so much bizarre timing, it’s crazy how radio friendly it is, for lack of a better way. Forgot the singles, The Day I Tried to Live, Like Suicide, the title track are what makes Superknown it is 9.1/10
Classic
Hadn't listened to this album in absolute ages and was prepared to be a bit disappointed. I wasn't. At all. Such a confident statement and so many great tracks.
Fav song: Superunknown What a band. One of the most important bands in the 90’s with a sound so unique that you can EASILY point out when you’re listening to Sound Garden even when you’ve never heard the song before. RIP Chris Cornell, one of the greats of his generation.
A masterpiece! Chris Cornell’s powerful voice is sorely missed.
One of my first real rock albums as a kid. Way ahead of its time.
Wow, really enjoyed this one. Heavy but still tuneful. Interesting time signatures and arrangements yet still catchy. Need to listen a few more times!
Fantastic album. One that was part of my regular rotation for many years. So many memories are attached to these songs. This, Ten, Core, Nevermind and Dirt are the big five of the grunge era imo.
This was my first time listening to Soundgarden, and I was pleasantly surprised. While I dabble in grunge, I wouldn’t call myself a huge fan, but Superunknown really caught me off guard in the best way. Soundgarden’s versatility stands out compared to bands like Nirvana or Pearl Jam.The vocals are captivating, and the guitar solos are absolutely on point—they draw you in and don’t let go. This album has earned its spot in my regular rotation
I have this album but hadn't listened to it in ages. Was I wrong! It is brilliant. It is grunge I suppose, it refers to metal and post punk, and it is really well made. I like Chris Cornell's (RIP) vocals and the musicianship is good throughout, helped by alternative time signatures (My Wave in 5/4 time signature, Fell on Black Days in 6/4). Very good if you want something a bit heavier/ punchier without resorting to often very simple (but in many cases also excellent) stuff like some early metal or punk. It is a 4 or a 5? Can't find anything wrong with it, and Chris Cornell (and this album) was influential, so...
One of my favorites from the Grunge era
Delicious timbre, my ears drank it like tawny port, yum yum yum. My only question is: are you allowed to "enjoy" grunge?
This was great! Totally rocking grooves with fantastic vocals. Must add this CD to my collection!
Easy 5 The first 3 CD's I ever bought were this, Vitalogy, and Get a Grip. Haven't gone back to listen to this in a long time. Putting it back into rotation
This album stole my mind and soul. I could feel the rhythm in my hands.
Maybe my favourite album of the whole grunge scene, this is just a great rock record.
I mean, 'Black Hole Sun' by itself makes this an easy 5 stars, but if it were missing, the rest of the album ('Fell On Black Days' in particular) is strong enough to warrant equal praise as well.
Soundgarden är ett av mina favoritband om inte mitt favoritband. Jag lyssnar faktiskt fortfarande på hela skivor (till och med mer än Pearl Jam). Min stora sorg är att jag aldrig såg bandet live. Tittade, för bara någon månad sen, på live-framträdanden på Youtube. Så sjukt onödigt att han tog livet av sig själv. Och att de inte gjorde fler album över lag. Soundgarden kan allt. Hårt, melodiskt, rytmiskt, vackert, intensivt. Chris Cornell är en favoritsångare. Och Matt Cameron är en favorittrummis. Här kan man jämföra med Slayers trummor, som är helt hopplösa, där det bara bankas i väldigt snabb takt utan "känsla". Matt spelar på trummorna som ett instrument samtidigt som rytmen läggs. Det här är en underbar skiva, med stor variation. Skivan innehåller en av mina absoluta favoritlåtar någonsin i alla kategorier, Like Suicide. En perfekt och episk rocklåt. Like Suicide börjar med härligt trumintro och basgång, som är melodiskt i sig. Sen kommer en skön slinga på gitarr som vaggar en fram till att Chris börjar sjunga. Lugnt, stämningsfullt och melodiskt. Gitarren (som jag normalt inte är besatt av) ligger i bakgrunden som en bomullsmadrass åt Chris. Just kombinationen gitarr/sång är en av Soundgardens styrka. Det märks speciellt mot slutet av sången. Eller när Chirs sjunger "When my last ditch, sas my last brick", så gifter sig gitarren och sången så sjukt bra (men som sagt, det sker typ hela tiden). Vid ca 2 minuter går Chris upp en oktav (eller nåt). Man känner hur intensiteten ökar. Trummorna och gitarren ledsagar Chris änglastämma framåt, vid ”I wield a ton of rage” brukar jag känna rysningar i kroppen. Vid 3.30 ökar även musiken i intensitet. Trummorna blir mer aggressiva och tunga (älskar rytmen och hur de spelas - de blir plötsligt så "stora"). Vid 4.30 får gitarrens sköna riff (underbart i sig) sippra fram tillsammans med Chris sång i perfekt harmoni. Hans röst blir verkligen ett instrument. Det tar oss till texterna för dessa har jag i princip aldrig brytt mig om (just denna låt ”handlar” iaf om en fågel som flög in i Chris fönster, som han tyckte synd om och slog ihjäl med en ”brick” – men som vanligt i grungetexter kan man tolka in vad man vill – jag har som sagt aldrig riktigt brytt mig om texterna). Albumet i övrigt börjar med två stabila låtar. Sen höjs nivån på tredje låten. Fell on black days. Dippar en smula (å då menar jag från högsta nivå) med mailman men höjs till samma höga nivå på titelsången. Fortsätter sen på hög nivå. Och med black hole sun exploderar nivån (6 av 5). Det är ju ett mästerverk (jag tror alla är eniga). Skivan fortsätter stark med spoonman. Även limo wreck. Sen ytterligare en kanonlåt, the day I tried to live. Sen en kort palate cleanser med kickstand. Följt av en kanonlåt. Sen en möjlig dipp på två låtar för att avslutas med en av världens bästa låtar (se ovan). Given femma. Å då tycker jag nog Badmotorfinger (albumet innan) är ännu bättre (som helhet).
Oh man, one of my all-time favorites. I'm from the Seattle area, so these guys were already heroes of mine when this was released while I was in high school. I know Nirvana gets all the attention, but I preferred this album to Nevermind back then, and still do. I was lucky enough to see them at a small venue in Seattle (The Showbox). They were an incredible live band. Still sad to think about Chris all these years later.
I remember buying this album when it came out in '94. There are some great tracks on here, Black Hole Sun and Fell on Black Days being my favorites.
This is one of my very favorites, and the crown jewel of the entire 90s grunge period. It is a fucking powerhouse, could not be described accurately without that profanity. Soundgarden's ace is Chris Cornell's vocals. He isn't the most technically gifted singer ever, but he's quite good, and he just gets every ounce out of what he's got. They get it going early - his scream at about 2:30 of the lead track ("Let Me Drown") leading into the solo is the sort of moment other hard rock bands just dream about. The coda of that song shows off what a versatile weapon he is. Cornell uses double-tracks to harmonize and fill with himself in multiple parts of his register and with multiple different timbres, namely his gentler melodic timbre with his unique, one-of-a-kind scream. That diversity in vocal sound just creates an incredibly lush and textured sound palette, even while otherwise using a standard power-trio instrumentation. The lead track is a good example, but it's not the best on this CD, or his best performance. The title track and "Limo Wreck" are two of the very best vocal performances in all of recorded rock music. His vocal solo on the title track, or the final chorus on "Limo Wreck", those moments just send chills down my spine. And this CD is full of them - Cornell puts on a fucking show, repeatedly - on "Fell On Black Days", on "The Day I Tried to Live", he's simply incredible. Soundgarden are a good band, and this CD has other strong aspects, in the end it's quite a cohesive product. But simply put, Cornell is the superstar. In the hands of an average-quality singer giving an average-quality performance, this CD would not be special, it'd be maybe a 3 out of 5. That in and of itself is part of the mystique, because it's so difficult to cover that it remains forever and indelibly Soundgarden's material. So what to say about the other three guys in the band, or about the CD as a whole? They're pretty good - even without Cornell this would be one of the better CDs of that era. Soundgarden was always the heaviest and proggiest of their cohort, and it shows here. Even when they're not good, they're definitely unique, and they show a willingness to experiment with all kinds of weird stuff - odd time signatures on "Limo Wreck", "Spoonman", "Black Hole Sun" and "4th of July", and funny open tunings pretty much everywhere (notably on the title track). They stay really tight on the odd signatures, a sign of a strong rhythm section, and I really like Thayil's guitar style, he's got a very unique (although quite dissonant) sound. His solos on "Fell on Black Days" and the title track are fantastic and truly their own thing, and he does a nice job of mixing subtle evolution into his licks (as on "Fell on Black Days"). This CD is a touch the long side, but that's largely a consequence of being absolutely stacked. In the final analysis, it just has a ton of really great songs on it.
What a great listen! This was one of the albums that defined Grunge.
Dear 11 year old Ben, great news, this album still fucking rocks
This was a mega hit album full of guitar blasting hard rifs and gritty lyrics.
Great!
Hands up if you forgot just how rocking this album is? Holy moly
I was really surprised at how many songs I know and like on this album. I guess I don't listen to Soundgarden enough.
I'm just going to ignore the last three songs (especially that last one) and call this a five star album. I used to own this CD, but listening again I'm impressed by some of the lesser known songs like Superunknown and Head Down and how inventive and rhythmic they were. And ... Chris Cornell's vocals... five stars alone for that.
4th of July is one of the best songs ever made.
5 stars
Probably my favorite Soundgarden album. It feels like the best produced. Not as hard-edged as their earlier albums but much more mature and with more universal appeal. It’s no wonder that they became superstars after this release. Favorite songs are Fell on Black Days, Spoonman and The Day I Tried to Live. least favorites are Half, Kickstand and Limo Wreck.
Ugh.. one of my favorite albums of all time. An easy 5 stars
wILD AND SHIIIIIIIIIIII
A true great, and the classic example of grunge sound. A distinct development of their early albums - I still think Badmotorfinger is better, and full of great songs. His vocals are superb. Top track: The day I tried to live
I love Soundgarden
There's no voice out there like Chris Cornell's. That alone makes this album fantastic.
One of my favorite Soundgarden albums. Cornell had such a recognizable and great voice.
Such a legendary band, and I forgot that some of their best songs were on there. Definitely, they were influential in the grunge era
I don't care if you don't like grunge, you have to admire Chris Cornell's voice. He had one of the best voices in music, one of the absolute best to ever do it, may he rest in peace. This album is just fantastic. It has everything that is key to grunge, the angst, the pounding guitar, hammering bass line, driving drums, fiery guitar solos, and of course a superb frontman. Album has solid variety, love how vulnerable Chris is on some of the songs with the lyrics. Just a fantastic album from start to finish, absolutely bulletproof in my opinion. "The Day I Tried to Live" is one of my all time favorite songs.
Superunknown is the fourth studio album from Soundgarden, and is their most successful work, critically and commercially. Their third album, Badmotorfinger, did well, and was very well received critically, but not as well as expected. Chris Cornell's and Matt Cameron's involvement in tribute project Temple of the Dog added to their notoriety, and help to build the anticipation for Superunknown. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 The success of the album helped make he band's metal version of alt-rock part of the sound of the 90s. The album produced five charting singles, include what may be their best-known, "Black Hole Sun." Chris Cornell's wailing vocals helped define the band's sound, and Kim Thayil's driven guitar adds effects to create their grandiose, heavy sound.
Superunknown is a timeless classic that cemented Soundgarden's legacy as one of the most influential bands of the 90s. From the iconic opening riff of "Limo Wreck" to the haunting melody of "Black Hole Sun," Superunknown is packed with memorable tracks that showcase the band's prowess. Chris Cornell's power vocals, combined with the intricate guitar work of Kim Thayil, the driving rhythm section of Matt Cameron and Ben Shepherd, create a unique and captivating listening experience.
Look, I love Nevermind and Ten as much as the next guy, but…this night just be the best grunge album ever recorded. Monster hooks, cutting lyrics, and a generational talent in the late Chris Cornell.
Chris Cornell is hands down one of the most talented musicians in rock. With his bands, Temple of the Dog, Soundgarden, and Audioslave, as well as a large catalog of his own solo works, the dude had a hell of a career! His voice is so recognizable, and powerful! Black Hole Sun and Spoonman are such awesome songs!! An absolute treat of an album today. Easy 5. Phenomenal! Favourite songs: Black Hole Sun, Spoonman, Mailman, The Day I Tried to Live, Superunknown, Let Me Drown, Kickstand, Fell on Black Days, My Wave Least favourite songs: Half, Head Down 5/5
Ok!
Végre song of my people! Megéri az öt csillagot, de igazából csak azért, mert eszembe juttatta a Nirvanát, szóval utána egész nap az szólt. Azért a Soundgarden nincs olyan jó... de legalább nem egy Earth Wind and Fire, meg kell tanulni értekelni az apróságokat.
gets a 5 for like suicide on it's own Limo Wreck, Day I tried to live, Spoonman, Kickstand - great album
buenardo
Great album. This is peak Grunge. I especially like 'Like Suicide' because it has the riffs, bass, and drums that marked a change from the 80s for me. I know that Grunge was a catch-all, but this was always THE grunge album for me.
I listened to this over and over when it first came out. Not one throw away track on this. Top to bottom just an outstanding album. Amazing songwriting, musicianship, and production. It transcends the grunge genre and is a master work from a band that was peaking. Sadly their next album would be their last.
Absolute peak grunge. The memories of Chris Cornell still echo to this day.
Sentimental favourite. My first concert was Soundgarden and Nine Inch Nails on the tour for this album. This record moves around stylistically but all hangs together. Musicianship and vocals all come together perfectly. Definitely a top album.
One of faves
Great, of course!
Certamente uma peça fundamental na história do rock, uma obra-prima que captura a essência do grunge e a transforma em algo ainda mais profundo e complexo. Ao combinar elementos de metal pesado e psicodelia de uma maneira única e cativante. A sonoridade escura e sombria da banda cria uma atmosfera opressiva e inquietante, que reflete os temas de alienação, depressão e angústia existencial presentes nas letras.
Det her album fandt jeg først 10år efter det blev udgivet, men som 15 årig sprang det min musik forståelse i luften. Soundgarden, og System of a Down, blev lyden af mit første efterskole år. Ægte Gateway metal. 😜
Der er alt alt for få ske-soloer i moderne rock! Heldigvis er det en af de mange højdepunkter der er at finde på Superunknown. Cornells tekster og særligt vokallevering, Thayils guitar riffs, og ikke mindst Camerons eminente trommer er med til at gøre dette til et af rockmusikkens stærkeste værker. Det er tung Seattle-sound men med hooks der giver sing-along kvalitet. Det siger noget om kvaliteten på dette album, at monsterhittet ikke er i top-3 af de bedste numre. Måske ikke engang i top-5
The obvious comparison is with Nirvana, but I detected hints of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath in some of the songs. Liked it.
I remember riding a single speed bicycle a very long distance to buy this CD at K-Mart.
i love this album!!! it has the same kinda vibe of metal and rock music that i love and listen to sometimes. i would definitely listen to it again. the album is perfect really, not a single bad song
Superunknown is the fourth studio album by Soundgarden, originally released in 1994. This album would mark a pivotal moment in the career of Soundgarden. This fourth studio album catapulted the Seattle band to mainstream success, showcasing their evolution from their heavy metal roots to a more nuanced, genre-defying sound. The album's 15 tracks, including hits like "Black Hole Sun" and "Spoonman," demonstrate the band's musical maturity and willingness to experiment with unconventional time signatures and tunings. At the heart of "Superunknown" lies Chris Cornell's extraordinary vocal prowess. His voice soars through the album, infusing each song with raw emotion and power. The introspective songwriting delves into themes of alienation, depression, and existential dread, resonating deeply with listeners (like me) and cementing the album's place as a defining work of the 1990s. Guitarist Kim Thayil's innovative riffs and psychedelic textures, combined with the tight rhythm section of bassist Ben Shepherd and drummer Matt Cameron, create a dark, brooding atmosphere that perfectly complements Cornell's lyrics. The album's production, helmed by Michael Beinhorn, strikes a delicate balance between polished accessibility and the band's trademark heaviness. This approach allows Soundgarden to retain their artistic integrity while reaching a broader audience. "Superunknown" not only represents the peak of Soundgarden's commercial success but also stands as a testament to their artistic vision and technical prowess. Its influence on rock music continues to be felt decades after its release. It still feels fresh in my opinion.
Not a single album sleeper. Lots of fun time signatures and an absolutely incredible 1h+ album. Ive heard the hits on this before, but it was well worth diving through it. Let me drown, my wave, mailman and half were great discoveries for me. All around, super impressive. Favorite grunge album now
How to even capture my relationship with this album? This was a life soundtrack for me, a time of freedom and excess and immortality and confidence and a constant battle against tides of cynicism that come from living and loving through uncertain times with uncertain people. This music, this album, was a friend, a shield, an ingredient in self-definition and defiance, a symbol of evolution and the beautiful surprise of novelty and unpredictability. It still holds all of that weight. Cornell's voice was an inspiration. Rock and roll could survive and feed the soul through anything. This album still makes me want to just get in my car and drive. Without a sense of destination, but full of the desire for motion and adventure....
The sweet spot for sound garden- I liked parts of their previous album but the production was muddier and darker. This album was released at the perfect stage in my life when I was just picking up a bass and a guitar for the first time. Biking around somerset listening to this on a walkman in August of 94 are some of the happiest memories of my teenage years.Almost all of the songs hold up and Cornell’s voice is on fire throughout.
I was 18 going on 19 and attending my first year of college when this album dropped. Everyone I knew loved this album and band, and rightfully so. Chris Cornell's voice paired with a super talented band meant instant MTv and radio success. What a great visit down memory lane. Some of these songs will forever burned into my memory. Oh, and the Blackhole Sun video was trippy as hell. Great times.
This might be the best grunge album of all time. I know Nirvana apologists will kill me for that but I stand by it.
Heavy, melodic, surprising
Álbum essencial do grunge que mostra como o gênero pode ser experimental e elaborado. As músicas tem momentos sombrios, tristes, melancólicos, raivosos e energéticos, sem perder a sonoridade característica da banda. Pra mim se aproxima muito de stoner rock (pelo menos, do que me foi apresentado como stoner rock pelo menos).
I wasn't hugely into this first time round - I rejected grunge and emo a bit. I was very wrong. I listened to this while running through the streets of Pendleton, Salford. As I hit the A6, traffic fumes in the air, and the ugly skyline of Manchester shimmering in the weak morning sun, Black Hole Sun came on, and I felt an almost overwhelming sense of love for this disgusting city and this cruel old world. That was unexpected.
Great grunge album
What an amazing album
Banger. No skips. Everything is on point. Cornell's wails are transcendent.
Gear: DCA ÆON 2 Noire Artwork: 🌲😱🌲 Mix (20th Anniversary): 🎧😁👍 Musik: 💪🔌🎸🥁🎙️💎 Wertung: 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞/5
/me air drums appreciatively in GenX.
Day191 - six amazing songs on one album makes it a masterpiece. chris cornell’s will be remembered as one of the greatest front men ever
Good stuff. Rocks pretty hard.
relisten. One of the best grunge albums i believe
Awesome.
The pinnacle of 90s Grunge. Doesn’t get much better than this.
Grunge isn’t traditionally my favorite genre, my teenage years didn’t start until 2000 and, growing up in a pretty conservative house in the U.S. south, I was pretty sure Nirvana et al were bands started by the devil himself. After rediscovering the genre with a more open mind several years later, I favored Pearl Jam and Nirvana over Soundgarden and Alice In Chains, and PJ put on one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. I still don’t often listen to these bands and am much more of a casual fan. I’m really glad this project gave me a chance to revisit Superunknown, because it really is excellent. I think I gave it a listen after Chris Cornell died and I remember thinking it is very good, but a close listen really does show this is a true masterpiece in this type of rock music. Black Hole Sun is the obvious crown jewel on the album, but there isn’t a bad song at all; something that can’t really be said about any of the top “grunge” albums, arguably even Nevermind, Ten, and In Utero. Cornell’s vocals are really something, and the music that accompanies him is killer throughout.
One of my favourites albums of all time. That's it, that's the review.
I love how effortlessly Soundgarden play with time signatures and sonic textures. Superunknown was the crossroads of their too-weird-for-radio period and their commercial rock period. There's great stuff to cherry-pick from all periods. But Superunknown is my favorite Soundgarden album. And Fell on Black Days might be my favorite Soundgarden song. The album is stacked.
Chris Cornell was one of the best vocalists of all time
Fantastic grunge album.
Perfect
I began my life as an office stiff no too long after this album came out, long before streaming, even before people could carry around their entire music library in their pocket, I had about three CD's at my desk I could rotate through. This album was one of them, I loved this CD and listened to it several times a day for a good year. Needless to say I had to stop, not just because I was listening to it all the time but some of the songs were also getting constant radio play. I love Soundgarden but don't listen to this album much because I wore it out. Great to revisit it, it rocks.
<3
My favorite singer can't let me down
Another great album.
I know this album intimately, stand out tracks: the day I tried to live, spoonman and of course black hole sun. This was sound garden at their grungy bombastic best.
Ottimo
A solid rock album by Soundgarden
I think I had a religious experience with the ending of Limo Wreck..
Strong start that builds to a perfect stretch of songs beginning with the title track and ending with The Day I Tried To Live. The only fault I find with Superunknown is that it’s, to quote Scott Wieland, “Bloa-Ted.”
Soundgarden’s second best album is better than most bands’ best!!
Seattle ❤️ Alt Rock ❤️ Chris Cornell 💔
YYYEEAAAAHHHH!!! A great album from a great band. They brought the full weight of Grunge music on this one. If you can find it, there's a 2014 Record Store Day release box set with this album's singles, b-sides, outtakes, and live tracks. It's amazing and their version of Devo's "Girl U Want" is a real gem. Soundgarden also embraced the technology of the time and offered a DVD-ROM of "Superunknown" with cool visualizers, mini games, and a bunch of other stuff to keep the listener entertained. Too bad it won't play on any current computers, but I have fond memories of taking mushrooms and tripping out on the thing for hours on end. Four and one-half stars, kicked up to a full five because Ben Shepherd wore his bass lower than anyone I've ever seen. The thing nearly dragged on the ground and I have no idea how he actually played the thing. That's some real Rock Star shit.
Soundgarden is one of my all time favorite bands and these is a masterpiece
Two weeks is such a 2010s era indie pop song to me that it’s weird to know it came out in 2009. And even weirder that it came from this album because it’s definitely different (but not drastically) from the rest of the album. It’s definitely a standout track along with all we ask and I love with you but the whole album was exactly the kind of indie music I grew up with in high school and college so I enjoyed it all around.
Legendary album
Inject this album straight into my veins.
Enjoyed this one front to back. Favorites were the first 3 songs - Let Me Drown, My Wave, Fell on Black Days.
Front to back just a great 90s rock album, I loved it. The Day I Tried To Live is my favorite by far. RIP Chris Cornell.
esse álbum foi uma boa surpresa. apesar de já conhecer black hole sun (duh!) eu nunca tinha parado para escutar o álbum inteiro, head down, 4th of july e like suicide foram as minhas preferidas
Mmmm grungy - took me back to playing Rock Band on the wii
A perfect album. Enjoyable from start to finish.
Someone said this album was too long. Rubbish. This was pure grunge muscle from start to finish.
Solid. Chris C at his best.
banger
I mean.. it’s easily in my top ten albums of all time so..
Banger after banger. RIP Chris Cornell
This record could never be anything else than five stars to me. It is not flawless, but it takes me back to a sweet spot in life where MTV actually played music with guitars, and my biggest worries was how to get someone to by me beer in the weekends. Would probably put half the record on the playlist if I had to pick 200 favourite songs, and most definitely put it in the suitcase as a desert island album.
I think Chris Cornell might be one of the greatest vocalists to ever do it. Absolute travesty he's no longer with us. One of the definitive albums of grunge and the 90s. Every song strikes a perfect balance between heavy and restrained with some excellent complexity. Overall incredible
Another auto 5, absolute classic - 2nd best album by my favourite band from my teen years - formative album in my music appreciation development
Was a teen when approaching this heavy piece that blasted its way with chartbreaking Blach Hole Sun. And it’s so much more than the single(s). With 15 intense songs which opened up a new understanding in songwriting (the bridges!!!!) I was rather found in my room heavy rotating this record than enjoying summer like all the others.
Black Hole Sun wash away the rain.
I left this unrated for a long time, trying to decide whether the 4.5 should be rounded up or down. The main knock I can find with the album is that it is a tad long with some "filler" (not bad songs per se, but not as good as the classics). If that's the worst you can say about a great album, I reckon I will round up. This is about as good as hard rock grunge gets. (Though I do prefer Alice in Chains, but that's sort of like picking Dylan or the Beatles as your favorite artists -- it doesn't mean the other isn't great too.) Note: the song "Superunknown" is underrated. But then again, I think "Spoonman" is a little overrated, so I guess it evens out :)
It would be a sin not to give it a five star rating. This is the band that is credited for starting the grunge and modern rock movement of the 90s.
One of my favorite 90’s alt grunge albums ever.
I listened to this a lot in the 90’s. Still love it, though I listen to Badmotorfinger more often.
I have been vaguely aware of Soundgarden, but I didn't realize this is where several radio standards came from. Really liked this album! Favorite Tracks: - Let Me Drown - My Wave - Fell on Black Days - Superunknown - Black Hole Sun - Spoonman - The Day I Tried to Live - Kickstand
שמעתי שהאלבום הזה הוא יצירת מופת אבל אף פעם לא יצא לי באמת להאזין לו. עד עכשיו. הוא באמת יצירת מופת
Great album. Timeless sound
black hole sun... black hole sun... won't you come............
Absolutely beautiful LP. The musicianship is fantastic throughout, and Chris Cornell's voice is absolutely incomparable throughout, both in its power and range (may he rest in peace). Common complaints seem to be that it is too long and too samey; I couldn't disagree less. I would happily listen to a double LP straight through if it contained material that was all as dynamic, interesting and thoughtful as this project was. The absolute acme of grunge - and it's almost a disservice to this album to even label it at all. Brilliant stuff, through and through.
Peak Soundgarden. top to bottom
So nostalgic album, great lyrics.
Love it.knew a couple of songs from the album but to actually listen to it start to finish...can't believe I've missed so much of it til now
I received this CD from my parents in the early 90's and it is still in my collection as of today. Listened to it a few weeks ago and it is still one of the best from that decade. Love it.
Such a great album with so much to love. Of course Chris Cornell's singing is out of this world, the guitars are so unique and have such strange melodies, and there are a lot of weird time signatures but the drumming is so good that it is hard to even notice. Every song has such a strong melody. This album is stacked with great songs, almost every song stands out in its own way. Blackhole Sun may be one of the greatest songs ever written, it is so unique and memorable (great guitar tones too). I also love the drum break in Spoonman. Easy 5.
The energy, vocal performances, instrumentals, and variety displayed on this album are all insane. I think this might technically have been my first ever grunge album listen-through - I feel like this one will be tough to beat! Standouts: My Wave, Mailman, title track, Black Hole Sun (obv), Spoonman, Kickstand, and the closer. 5/5.
One of a kind
my only knowledge of soundgarden was from the music video, black hole sun. as well as spoonman being featured in guitar hero. really loved this album. favorites: let me drown, head down, black hole sun, spoonman and half half has such cool dreamy vibes
Turns out I know so many songs on this album already lol. Banger. Wish more rock went this direction in the 90s/00s
One of my favorite bands! This album is a great example of their work and is highly recommended. So many good songs and Chris's vocals on Limo Wreck are just peak.
I never really listened to Soundgarden outside of their hit Black Hole Sun - which to this day ranks high among the weirdest music videos I've ever seen. Turns out this was pretty high quality throughout and very enjoyable. More metal than I would have thought. Not quite a straight-5 masterpiece, but good enough to round up from 4.5
RIP Chris Cornell - you magnificent bastard!!
What a great album. Full of great song, the songwriting is just excellent.
Everything about this is amazing. The vocals and lyrics are gritty, the instrumentals go hard asf , Chris Cornell’s vocals are a god send. Amazing album and a really fun listen. 5/5.
On one hand, this is an overstuffed album at 15 tracks in 70 minutes, and could have been perfect with a few songs trimmed off. That said...would I actually want anything gone? With every member of the band taking songwriting credits on at least one track, it's one of those patchwork albums (like the White Album or the recent Physical Graffiti) that needs to be taken as a whole, imperfections and all. The sheer power exhibited here is wild. Between Cornell's voice, Cameron's booming drums, Thayil's snarling guitar and Shepherd's sweet bass holding things down, this is 90's rock at it's peak. The songwriting is also top-notch -- the five singles from this album are perfection. This is definitely Soundgarden's masterpiece, but I think it also stands as a masterpiece of not only its time and place, but of rock history as a whole. Going in, I didn't know if I'd give this 4 or 5 stars. But hey, 4.5 stars rounded up.
All time album from top to bottom. All time band and lead singer. RIP Chris Cornell.
This is such a killer record. One of my all time faves. Kim and Chris are both just on another planet on this one. Listening to this today I’m thinking a lot about the interplay between Jimmy Page and Robert Plant vs the Chris/Kim feel…. Obviously Page/Plant is a once-ever kind of pairing but Chris/Kim are giving that vibe here - they are just so on the same level about everything. The rest of the band is amazing also (this is famously a Matt Cameron record, for example). Too bad Kim never really seemed to find his place after Soundgarden eh? I was always surprised Kickstand wasn’t released as a single (AFAIK) - seems like it would have been a radio banger....
Each song is unique and amazing. Definitely the best of the Seattle grunge genre, maybe the best of the 90's.
ALIVE IN THE SUPERUNKNOWN! WOOOOOOOOO
This album rocks my socks
Top Tier start to finish. Fun listening all the way through again. Fell on Black Days, the day I tried to live, and of course black hole sun outstanding. Turn it up to fully feel the heavy guitar and bass with Chris's vocals. In my top 10.
An all timer for me.
hot shit!
I love soundgarden. Know this album well. Looking forward to listening again. Easily the best album this app generated so far. Oddly enough the worst song here was the lead single Spoonman.
Jesus Christ, it has been a long ass time since I listened to this. Had a friend in college that was in love with Chris Cornell. We sat up all night trying to decipher and transcribe the lyrics from all her favorite songs. Back in ye olden days. I think I like this more now than I did back then. Miss the fuck out of Cornell’s voice. He sounds so great on Fell on Black Days. Forgot how much I loved this song. His voice was always best when he just sang. He could scream with the best, but he sang better than most. Honestly, it was impossible not to jump around to all of my favorites first. You could release this today. It’s still so strong. Black Hole Sun, Spoonman… such classics. And that voice. “No one sings like you anymore.”
Great stuff liked it a lot
"No one sings like you anymore" : ( I love this album today as much as when it first came out. Chris Cornell's voice (!!), the music, the overall sound. Easily one of the best albums of the 90's. I can't count how many times I've listened to Black Hole Sun and it just doesn't get old for me.
Outstanding! Probably the best grunge album every produced.
Los arreglos son bastantes interesantes, con compases irregulares y riffs de guitarras bastantes característicos. Las guitarras a pesar de ser bastante protagonistas, siempre hay un espacio para la voz líder por los arreglos de los mismos. A pesar de tener sonido grunge, no se caracteriza por tener sonidos tan "sucios" si no mas clean, la bateria y percusiones adicionales le agregan bastante densidad al arreglo
Liked it
One of most comprehensive and darkly beautiful albums of the decade. Truly a masterpiece. The deep cuts are the real joy of this album. Not one bad track
One of the most legendary and greatest grunge records ever! Album is consistently good and proves why Soundgarden is one of the best grunge bands ever RIP Chris Cornell ❤️🪦
Not one of my 90s bands and this is why I'm not as cool now as I could've been.
This is an outstanding album from growing up, obviously. But it hit on a day when I really needed it. What a voice. Music is great, but what an absolute voice.
Peak grunge. Lots of keepers on this one! This album shows me that grunge is actually pretty chill and sedated even in its more frenetic and heavy parts.
Well, this is an interesting change in pace. Surprisingly, this is the first grunge album I've gotten for this project! You'd think I would've gotten one in the 100+ albums I've gotten so far given how big grunge was in the 90s, but I guess the list needed more Britpop so I had to wait. Still, it's better late than never, because Superunknown by Soundgarden is amazing. I really like this album. This is my first time ever listening to Soundgarden, and they did not disappoint. I've always heard of this band and its frontman Chris Cornell with people giving nothing but praise, but even I didn't expect to like it this much. The sound is so captivating. As reliable as 4/4 is, it's always cool to switch things up in the time signature department every once in a while. The riffs and solos are quite good. And the singing? Top notch. Chris Cornell truly was an amazing singer. The writing is also solid. There really aren't any bad songs on here. Overall, this is a great album that I am happy to have listened to before I die. 5/5.
Released on March 8, 1994, "Superunknown" by Soundgarden stands as a landmark in the history of alternative rock. This album, produced by Michael Beinhorn, showcases the band's versatility, musical prowess, and intricate songwriting. Comprising 15 tracks, the album is a sonic journey that explores a wide range of themes and emotions. Lyrics (Pros): One of the standout aspects of "Superunknown" is Chris Cornell's lyricism. The album's lyrics are poetic and enigmatic, often delving into complex themes. The opening track, "Let Me Drown," sets the tone with vivid imagery, portraying a sense of drowning in the chaos of life. "Black Hole Sun," perhaps the most iconic track, features abstract yet evocative lyrics that explore the disillusionment of the American Dream. Cornell's ability to convey deep emotions through his lyrics is a consistent strength throughout the album. Each track seems to be a lyrical exploration, and the diversity in themes is notable. From introspective reflections in "Fell on Black Days" to the gritty intensity of "Spoonman," the album covers a spectrum of human experiences. Lyrics (Cons): While the abstract nature of the lyrics contributes to the album's depth, it might pose a challenge for some listeners seeking straightforward narratives. The ambiguity in some tracks could potentially alienate those who prefer more direct storytelling. Music (Pros): "Superunknown" is a sonic tapestry that defies easy categorization. Soundgarden seamlessly blends elements of grunge, alternative rock, and metal, creating a sound that is both familiar and innovative. The intricate guitar work of Kim Thayil is a standout, with riffs that range from heavy and crushing ("My Wave") to psychedelic and experimental ("Head Down"). The rhythm section, comprised of bassist Ben Shepherd and drummer Matt Cameron, provides a solid foundation that allows for dynamic shifts within each track. Cameron's drumming, in particular, is technically impressive, showcasing a range of styles from the aggressive beats of "Spoonman" to the restrained elegance of "Like Suicide." Music (Cons): While the variety in musical styles contributes to the album's richness, it may be overwhelming for listeners seeking a more cohesive sound. The eclectic nature of the tracks might lead to a disjointed listening experience for those accustomed to more genre-specific albums. Production (Pros): Michael Beinhorn's production on "Superunknown" is notable for its clarity and attention to detail. The album's mix allows each instrument to shine, creating a balanced and immersive listening experience. The production captures the raw energy of Soundgarden's live performances while incorporating studio techniques to enhance the overall sonic quality. The use of unconventional instruments, such as the talk box in "Black Hole Sun" and the djembe in "Half," adds a layer of experimentation that elevates the album's production value. Beinhorn successfully captures the essence of each track, allowing the nuances of the performances to come through. Production (Cons): Some purists might argue that the production, while excellent, could be seen as smoothing out some of the rough edges that characterized Soundgarden's earlier work. The slickness of the production might alienate fans who appreciate a more raw and unpolished sound. Themes: "Superunknown" delves into a myriad of themes, ranging from introspection and disillusionment to social critique. The album captures the zeitgeist of the 1990s, reflecting the uncertainty and angst of the era. Tracks like "Spoonman" explore the impact of commercialization on artistic integrity, while "The Day I Tried to Live" reflects on the struggle to find meaning in a world filled with superficiality. The exploration of darker themes, such as depression and existentialism, gives the album a depth that resonates with a broad audience. The juxtaposition of heavy, aggressive tracks with more melodic and contemplative ones creates a dynamic listening experience that keeps the listener engaged. Influence: "Superunknown" played a pivotal role in shaping the alternative rock landscape of the 1990s. Soundgarden's ability to blend heavy, riff-driven rock with intricate songwriting influenced a generation of musicians. The album's success paved the way for other Seattle-based bands to gain mainstream recognition, contributing to the overall rise of grunge. Moreover, the album's impact transcends its initial release, as it continues to be a source of inspiration for contemporary rock bands. Soundgarden's willingness to experiment with different sounds and themes set a precedent for artists seeking to push the boundaries of the alternative rock genre. Conclusion: "Superunknown" is a masterclass in musical exploration, lyricism, and production. Soundgarden's ability to blend diverse influences while maintaining a cohesive identity is a testament to their artistic vision. The album's lasting influence on the rock genre underscores its significance in the pantheon of 90s alternative rock. While the album may have its detractors who find fault in its eclecticism or polished production, these aspects contribute to the album's enduring appeal. "Superunknown" remains a timeless piece of art that encapsulates the complexity of the human experience and solidifies Soundgarden's place in the annals of rock history.
My sullen teen years. Excellent album. RIP Chris.
One of my favourite 90s rock albums
Heard this album so many times, and it never gets old, there are so many great, classic songs. Nothing crazily complicated going on musically, but they are catchy, and Chris Cornell has one of the best rock voices. Forever bummed that I bailed on seeing them on May 5th, 2017.
Spoonman was one of my favorite songs in my youth. So many of these still get (probably way too much) air time on the radio. This album almost sounds generic but it’s just because we’ve heard it so many times.
Can confirm that it is, in fact, a garden of sound.
So good.
Really good. 10/10
I grew up with this record as one of the first few I ever loved - but over time I fell out of love with the sound of the early nineties - it felt tired and overdone - because of course there were so many derivatives of it over the years. Even this record at one point sounded tiresome to me at one point - yet now, with a clear mind and enough distance I can recognise the brilliance - the Sabbath-esque grooves and guitars, Chris Cornell’s unique piercing voice and generally the power of this rather long CD era record - it still holds up - and I argue - as a classic.
Lovely stuff. 4.5
#20 all time band in my Last.fm, this is one of my desert island albums. Probably responsible for me wanting to be in a band.
Second listen. My favorite 2 songs from the album are “Fell on Black Days” and “Black Hole Sun”, and I wish Soundgarden had more songs that sounded like those 2, but I know that’s not their main style. I still really like Soundgarden though, and all of the songs worked for me even though I’m not usually into music that sounds like theirs.
Non-singles were even better than I thought they would be. Banger from cover to cover.
No one should be surprised. Excellent album. One of the best. Cornell is a good writer and the meter changes are just great.
I listened to this album when it first dropped. Don't let that mislead you. As a young ten year old girl whose musical tastes were limited to her parents' music and Disney soundtracks, I didn't fully appreciate the beauty of this album until I was a couple years older. Even still, the most impressed songs in my memory, were the ones that had music videos attached to them. Much Music was in it's hayday and hits such as Black Hole Sun and Spoonman were the most played and memorable. This was definitely an album that I categorized as my "brother's music". Being a mere year and a half older than me, his first steps into music were impressionable.
Damn, this is great. Have only heard Black Hole Sun before, and while I like it, it's nothing that had particulary stood out to me among other grungy tracks from around this time. The band has a way heavier sound than I expected, some tracks are practically straight up metal. Black Hole Sun is even better in the context of the album. Looking forward to giving this further listens, it's a bit too much to fully graps in a single day.
I can’t provide an unbiased perspective on this record, so I’m going to reminisce a little. Though I loved Nirvana, it was Soundgarden (and to be fair, Alice in Chains) that initiated my adoration for grunge. I bought this record as a young lass of barely 14, and it couldn’t have come for me at a better time. I needed a soundtrack then, something to bring solace in the isolation that comes with hiding from myself (I was struggling to come to terms with my sexuality), and here comes “Fell on Black Days”. I needed a little boost to blast through my headphones while trying to escape the realities of being a poor kid, living in a trailer park, feeling suffocated by the mouth-breathers around me who were content to rot there, and there was “Mailman”. Something to put on while driving fast with the windows down? - “Superunknown”. Eat the rich? “Black Hole Sun”. Level up my drumming – “Spoonman”. Escape? “The day I tried to live”. This record is an invaluable part of my lifelong soundtrack - it reminds me of where I’ve been, which also serves to remind me of where I am, and for that, I am SO grateful.
Another fourth studio album. Maybe they should break this list down into fourth studio albums and then then other six that aren't. Unlike most of the others, however, this is magnetic, strong, powerful (yes, I know it's a synonym), energetic... and then you get to Black Hole Sun. Well, whoa, Nelly. But otherwise, not too shabby. Probably better that the average three star review that I've given here.
I love Soundgarden. Though this isn't as heavy as Badmotorfinger, it seems to be a bit headier. Has an amazing collection of hits as well as lesser known gems such as Fresh Tendrils and Limo Wreck. Chris Cornell's voice is amazing and though everything is reasonably dark and heavy, the tempo and tone varies quite a bit from Fell on Black Days to Spoonman. Excellent.
This is a good album! They had some nice hits in there.
Great heavy psych grunge with insane vocals.
This is a present 🎁, love them. This album brings back memories and is a five star to me😀
CD
Super album, really stood out at the time and still. No weak songs imho which is quite an effort with so many songs. Of course some songs really stand out, making it a true classic with 5 stars.
A modern rock classic.
Soundgarden. Just incredible. Chris Cornell is legendary and totally commands your attention with his strong vocals. The album is grunge incarnate and is regarded as one of the best in the genre. Songs including “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman” are killer and are staples of the genre. Soundgarden absolutely slays and has inspired so many great musicians. RIP Chris Cornell.
9/10 one of the best Seattle sound bands to come out of that era. Chris Cornell’s voice is one of the best voices in rock. Favourite song: Fell On Black Days
second half of album hits the right spot, great rock album
3.5
Fantastic album start to finish. I had never heard this album in full, but there are so many singles from it that I love that the whole thing felt deeply familiar. They walk the line between having a distinctive sound and including a lot of variety within their songs. The album was paced well, nothing felt like an afterthought. Very glad I listened.
This is one of the most precious albums to me of all time. There is so much there beyond the singles. The sludge of 4th of July, the creeping opti-pessimism of The Day I Tried To Live, the groove of Let Me Drown... No skips. All timer. 6 stars.
Oh Chris, we hardly knew you. <3
Heavy, loud guitars and Chris Cornell’s A+ rock vocals.
A real gem from the grunge era that hits you with deep emotion and raw energy.
Love their dark, grungy sound, and how they have fun with time signatures now and again. Chris Cornell really had one of the best rock voices of all time, which I can say with some confidence 1,050+ albums into this. The album is too long but to their credit it does at least remain fairly high quality to the end. Plus, it showcases what I think of as their two big hits - Spoonman and Black Hole Sun. This listen was really a breath of fresh air for me, one that I didn't even have to wonder why it was on the list - it very clearly deserves to be.
Favorite Soundgarden album by a long stretch. Incredibly heavy sounding but melodic, pleasant, bittersweet. Hard to explain. Like Suicide hurts to hear these days though.
Fan of Soundgarden already, so nice to hear some "new to me" songs by them. I very much enjoyed this album 😊
This is some great stuff if you’re into rock. Chris whales.
Chris Cornell was probably the most talented pure vocalist of his time. Outside the scope of this review, his solo album, Euphoria Morning, is one of the criminally undervalued albums of the last 50 years. Superunknown, however, isn't undervalued by any means, and to this day it is considered one of the greatest albums in rock music history. Although this is the album that propelled them to megastardom, I'll always maintain that it is actually Badmotorfinger that shows the band at the peak of its powers. I feel like this album has an amazing first half, but the back half slows just a bit. It's an all-time classic album, inarguably one of the best in the genre.
Great album that I recognize most of the songs on.
A personal favorite after it was released, this album came out at the height of the grunge craze and served as a bridge for this particular grunge fan to discover sludge/black/grindcore genres of metal. The tracks that received radio play are great songs on their own, but collectively they represent a polished aesthetic which doesn't fully reflect the mood of this album as a whole. I listened to this album from beginning to end for months after adding it to my CD collection and it holds up fantastically.
One of the greatest albums of the 90's. It's what grunge did so well, aggressive and hooky / poppy, yet this has hints of metal, stoner and psychedelia thrown into the mix as well. Chris Cornells soaring vocals take lyrics about despair, alienation and hopelessness to places not thought possible.
Possibly the best album from the grunge era.
This is a sensational album. Chris Cornell (rip) has an amazing ability to invigorate a song. Sound garden is one of my favorite and one of the best grunge bands. This is easily their best album as well. There are the hits but some of the deeper cuts rock so hard too. Just barely above Dirt. 9.4/10
Modern classic
One of the best examples of 'grower'. When it was released, I immediately fell in love with songs like 'Black Hole Sun', 'The Day I Tried to Live' or 'Fell on Black Days'. But the album felt too long and I did not like tough tracks like 'Spoonman', 'Mailman' or slow heavy songs like 'Limo Wreck', '4th of July' or 'Like Suicide'. Years began to go by and I did grow to appreciate what all the tracks add to the whole album and how strong the content is -without a single weak song. Now I can finally enjoy it for what it has always been: a fucking masterpiece
Always a great time machine bringing me back to the 90s.
I don't think it's controversial to say that this is soundgardens best album. I had heard most of the songs from this before but I hadn't listened to the whole album all the way through and I'm glad I did cause it's very good.
Classic album from my youth. Chris Cornell had one of the best voices in rock history.
Classic
Today was the perfect Seattle day for listening to Soundgarden, its namesake sculpture just over the ridge from where I sit. The muddy guitars make me know it's grunge (or at least grunge-adjacent) but Cornell's soaring vocals evoke the hair metal of my youth. Made me feel feelings and rocked me hard.
Black Hole Sun is one of my favorite songs from the 90’s. I listened to a good amount of grunge then, so you would I’d have been inspired to listen to the album. It did not. So I’m excited to listen to this… Would have loved this more back in the 90s… but I still very much enjoy it now. Excellent!
Fuck yeah Chris Cornell let’s goooo
5. Flawless and prime example of excellent writing and growth from an artist. RIP Chris Cornell
Day I Tried To Live, My Wave, Superunknown,