The journey for Soundgarden towards securing induction into the prestigious 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has been a remarkable saga filled with iconic tracks that solidified their status in rock history. Emerging alongside other legendary acts like Guns N’ Roses, the Eagles, and Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden swiftly crafted a renowned discography that transcended the typical lifespan of albums, producing numerous hits within a short span. Their emergence in the late ’80s marked a significant shift in the music landscape.
Competing against notable contemporaries like Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam, Soundgarden played a pivotal role in establishing grunge as a dominant genre in the early ’90s. The grunge movement reached its pinnacle during this era, dominating airwaves and MTV playlists. Soundgarden’s music stood at the forefront, with their influential tracks resonating throughout the music scene.
10 Hunted Down
Album: Screaming Life EP (1987)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7Tj7SRYRhs
Founded in 1984, Soundgarden took a few years to make their mark. October 1987 saw the release of their inaugural EP, Screaming Life. Among its six tracks, the standout hit, “Hunted Down,”marked their first single. While the band did not aim for the heavy sound that emerged, fans embraced it enthusiastically.
This track effectively introduced key elements that became synonymous with Soundgarden’s identity, including Chris Cornell’s powerful vocal delivery, Kim Thayil’s distinctive guitar riffs, and Matt Cameron’s dynamic drumming. The song established Soundgarden’s unique sound and indicated their potential for monumental success.
9 Flower
Album: Ultramega OK (1988)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brOPaxbz1CU
Following a few EPs, Soundgarden debuted with their first studio album, Ultramega OK, in October 1988. The album received notable recognition, including a Grammy Award nomination in 1990, largely due to the success of its lead single, “Flower.”The track is particularly distinguished for showcasing guitarist Kim Thayil’s innovative technique of blowing on the guitar to achieve a distinct auditory effect.
Moreover, the profound lyrics narrated a compelling story, enhancing the band’s reputation for songwriting prowess. The music video gained substantial airtime on MTV during its heyday, helping Soundgarden capture a broader audience and paving the way for an extensive global tour.
8 Loud Love
Album: Louder Than Love (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0xosEFe8Ik
With their second album, Louder Than Love, released shortly after their debut, Soundgarden continued to build on their momentum, achieving their first appearance on the Billboard 200, peaking at position 108. This album further showcased the band’s evolution, revealing a heavier sound.
Among the fan-favorites was “Loud Love,”a composition that masterfully combined heavy riffs with intricate rhythm patterns. This influential track highlighted their ability to merge metal influences into their unique style and marked a significant breakthrough for the band’s visibility in the rock scene.
7 Outshined
Album: Badmotorfinger (1991)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNh-iw7gsuI
Although Soundgarden enjoyed early commercial success, they sought a definitive standout single, which they found with “Outshined”from their 1991 album Badmotorfinger. This track marked their debut on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, ultimately peaking at 45. Remarkably, it re-entered various charts in 2017, securing its status as a classic.
The standout vocals from Chris Cornell contributed significantly to the song’s relatability, intertwining angst with evocative themes. The main riff, often likened to the style of Black Sabbath, offered a nostalgic nod to the foundations of rock, solidifying Soundgarden’s place in musical history.
6 Black Hole Sun
Album: Superunknown (1994)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mbBbFH9fAg
By 1994, many of Soundgarden’s contemporaries had already established signature songs, with Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”and Pearl Jam’s “Black.”With their fourth studio album, Superunknown, Soundgarden unveiled “Black Hole Sun,”a defining anthem for their career.
This track is celebrated for its psychedelic nuances and heavy riffs, with a chorus that crafted an otherworldly listening experience. Today, it remains their most-streamed song on platforms like Spotify, approaching one billion streams, marking a vital piece of their enduring legacy.
5 Head Down
Album: Superunknown (1994)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0sjxJCe2bA
Soundgarden’s catalog includes not only mainstream hits but also several lesser-known tracks revered by their dedicated fans. One such hidden gem, “Head Down,”hails from their acclaimed Superunknown album. It stands out despite stiff competition from more popular singles.
This slower piece evolves dynamically, building to a dramatic finish. The emotive lyrics paired with Cornell’s haunting voice encapsulate the essence of Soundgarden, demonstrating their capability to blend diverse musical elements into a powerful experience.
4 Burden In My Hand
Album: Down On The Upside (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmIqIVxUuKs
Despite not frequently achieving number one status with their singles, Soundgarden experienced a notable triumph with “Burden in My Hand,”the second single from their fifth album, Down on the Upside. This track remains significant in their discography.
Chris Cornell mentioned that the lyrics were inspired by the guitar’s sound, evolving in meaning for him over time. Kim Thayil described it as the “Hey Joe”of the ’90s, referencing the iconic song that has undergone various interpretations over decades.
3 Boot Camp
Album: Down On The Upside (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBjwbaULhps
As their final album before a lengthy hiatus in 1997, Down on the Upside featured not only prominent hits but also remarkable tracks that resonated with their audience. “Boot Camp”stands out as a quintessential example of a hidden gem.
With its industrial-sounding instrumentation and profound lyrics exploring the theme of entrapment, “Boot Camp”gained new meaning following the band’s breakup and served as an appropriate culmination of their career at that time. Chris Cornell’s subsequent solo career continued the legacy initiated during this famous era.
2 Black Rain
Album: Telephantasm (2010)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K913KVe3kH8
After a significant hiatus, Soundgarden returned in 2010, reuniting fans and reaffirming their dedication to their legacy. While Chris Cornell thrived in his solo career and collaborations with Audioslave during their absence, nothing equated to the resurgence of the band that initiated his journey. The compilation album Telephantasm featured some new material along with classic hits.
The new single “Black Rain”attained considerable success, charting on Billboard, including a top 10 spot on the Mainstream Rock chart and a position on the Hot 100. This track effectively communicated the band’s reinvigorated presence through familiar heavy sounds and powerful vocals, igniting enthusiasm among longtime fans.
1 Been Away Too Long
Album: King Animal (2012)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeBjhpw_Ee0
Upon the release of their sixth studio album, King Animal, in 2012, Soundgarden had no idea it would mark their final studio effort due to Chris Cornell’s untimely passing in 2017. This album has since grown in sentimental value and was well-received at its launch, securing a spot in the top five of the Billboard 200. The opening track, “Been Away Too Long,”played a crucial role in propelling the album’s success.