Six of the best from Soundgarden

• Superunknown (1994) – Their most commercially and critically successful album – Includes hits like “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman” – Reached #1 on Billboard 200 and won two Grammy Awards
• Badmotorfinger (1991) – Breakthrough album that brought them mainstream success – Features songs like “Outshined” and “Rusty Cage” – Certified 2x Platinum in the US
• Down on the Upside (1996) – Their last album before their initial breakup – Includes singles “Pretty Noose” and “Burden in My Hand” – Reached #2 on Billboard 200
• Louder Than Love (1989) – Their major label debut – Contains “Hands All Over” and “Loud Love” – First album to chart on Billboard 200
• King Animal (2012) – Comeback album after their reunion – Includes the single “Been Away Too Long” – Reached #5 on Billboard 200
• Ultramega OK (1988) – Their debut studio album – While not as commercially successful as later releases, it established their sound – Received a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance

1. Superunknown (1994)

Released in 1994, Superunknown catapulted Soundgarden to international stardom and solidified their place in the grunge movement. The album showcased the band’s evolving sound, blending heavy metal, psychedelia, and alternative rock. Led by Chris Cornell’s powerful vocals and Kim Thayil’s innovative guitar work, Superunknown produced hit singles like “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman,” which dominated rock radio and MTV. The album’s dark, introspective lyrics and complex musical arrangements resonated with fans and critics alike, earning Soundgarden two Grammy Awards.

Superunknown debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and has since been certified five times platinum in the United States. Its impact on 90s rock music is undeniable, influencing countless artists and remaining a touchstone of the grunge era. The album’s success marked Soundgarden’s commercial peak and cemented their status as one of the defining bands of their generation.

2. Badmotorfinger (1991)

Badmotorfinger, released in 1991, marked Soundgarden’s breakthrough into mainstream rock. This third studio album showcased the band’s signature blend of heavy metal, grunge, and alternative rock, propelling them to the forefront of the Seattle music scene. Chris Cornell’s powerful vocals, coupled with Kim Thayil’s innovative guitar work, created a distinctive sound that set Soundgarden apart from their contemporaries. The album featured hit singles like “Outshined” and “Rusty Cage,” which received heavy rotation on rock radio and MTV.

Badmotorfinger’s raw energy and complex musicianship garnered critical acclaim and earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance. The album’s success helped establish Soundgarden as one of the “big four” of grunge, alongside Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains. Certified double platinum, Badmotorfinger laid the groundwork for Soundgarden’s future commercial success and remains a cornerstone of 90s rock music.

3. Down on the Upside (1996)

Down on the Upside, released in 1996, marked Soundgarden’s fifth studio album and their final release before their initial breakup. The album showcased the band’s evolution, moving away from their heavier grunge roots towards a more diverse and experimental sound. Chris Cornell’s powerful vocals and introspective lyrics were complemented by Kim Thayil’s innovative guitar work, creating a rich musical landscape. Down on the Upside produced hit singles like “Pretty Noose” and “Burden in My Hand,” which received significant airplay on alternative rock radio.

The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum. Despite its commercial success, Down on the Upside reflected growing tensions within the band, as members pushed for different creative directions. This internal conflict ultimately led to Soundgarden’s dissolution in 1997. Despite the circumstances surrounding its release, the album remains a significant part of Soundgarden’s discography and a notable entry in 90s alternative rock.

4. Louder Than Love (1989)

Louder Than Love, released in 1989, marked Soundgarden’s major label debut and their second studio album. This groundbreaking record helped establish the band as a force in the emerging Seattle grunge scene while showcasing their heavy metal influences. Chris Cornell’s powerful vocals and Kim Thayil’s innovative guitar work created a sound that bridged the gap between 70s hard rock and the burgeoning alternative movement. The album featured standout tracks like “Hands All Over” and “Loud Love,” which garnered attention on college radio and MTV’s Headbangers Ball.

Louder Than Love’s raw energy and unconventional time signatures set Soundgarden apart from their peers, earning them critical acclaim and a growing fanbase. While not achieving immediate commercial success, the album laid the foundation for Soundgarden’s future breakthrough. It remains a crucial album in the development of grunge and alternative metal, influencing countless artists in the years that followed.

5. King Animal (2012)

King Animal, released in 2012, marked Soundgarden’s triumphant return after a 16-year hiatus. This sixth studio album showcased the band’s ability to evolve while maintaining their signature sound. Chris Cornell’s powerful vocals, Kim Thayil’s distinctive guitar work, and the rhythm section’s tight grooves proved that Soundgarden had lost none of their edge. The album blended the band’s grunge roots with a more mature, nuanced approach to songwriting. Lead single “Been Away Too Long” served as a fitting comeback anthem, while tracks like “By Crooked Steps” demonstrated their continued musical prowess.

King Animal debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 chart, reaffirming Soundgarden’s relevance in the modern rock landscape. The album’s success proved that the band could still captivate audiences and critics alike, bridging the gap between their 90s heyday and a new generation of rock fans. King Animal stands as a testament to Soundgarden’s enduring legacy in the alternative rock genre.

6. Ultramega OK (1988)

Ultramega OK, released in 1988, marked Soundgarden’s debut studio album and laid the foundation for their influential career in grunge and alternative metal. Recorded for the independent label SST Records, the album showcased the band’s raw energy and unique sound, blending elements of punk, heavy metal, and psychedelia. Chris Cornell’s powerful vocals and Kim Thayil’s innovative guitar work were already evident, setting Soundgarden apart from their contemporaries in the Seattle music scene. While not as polished as their later works, Ultramega OK captured the band’s live intensity and experimental approach to rock music.

The album received critical acclaim and earned Soundgarden a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance, drawing attention to the emerging grunge movement. Though initially overlooked commercially, Ultramega OK has since been recognized as a crucial release in the development of grunge and alternative rock, influencing countless artists and establishing Soundgarden as pioneers of the genre.