3 Classic Songs by Soundgarden that Have Stood the Test of Time

Fronted by the Seattle-born banshee singer Chris Cornell, the iconic rock band Soundgarden was one of the four big grunge groups of the 1990s, along with Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains. But before any of the other three found the proverbial spotlight, it was Soundgarden that broke first, providing the blueprint for others to follow.

Since the late 1980s, the band’s music has continued to reach the masses, even years after Cornell’s death in 2017. Here below, we wanted to explore three of the band’s most beloved songs. A trio of tunes that have stood the test of time since their release. Indeed, these are three eternal Soundgarden tracks.

[RELATED: Kim Thayil Remembers Cofounding Soundgarden and Late Friend Chris Cornell]

“Black Hole Sun” from Superunknown (1994)

This track from the group’s 1994 LP Superunknown remains their biggest single to date. The song, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, continues to be one of the most beloved grunge releases of the 1990s. Cornell, who wrote the song on his way home from a recording session one evening, didn’t know the magnitude the track would have upon its release. But its impact was soon felt. His voice, screeching the chorus, is indelible. On the offering, he sings,

In my eyes
Indisposed
In disguises no one knows
Hides the face
Lies the snake
And the sun in my disgrace
Boiling heat
Summer stench
Neath the black, the sky looks dead
Call my name
Through the cream
And I’ll hear you scream again

Black hole sun
Won’t you come
And wash away the rain?
Black hole sun
Won’t you come
Won’t you come
Won’t you come

“Fell on Black Days” from Superunknown (1994)

Another from the band’s 1994 LP, this track exemplifies the down, depressive nature of the group and the at times bleak psyche of Cornell. The song, in many ways, is an anthem for depression. That place your mind can slip to when everything seems dark and impossible. Even then opening lines, which despite the subject matter are catchy and powerful, indicate just where Cornell’s brain is at, as he sings,

Whatsoever I’ve feared has come to life
And whatsoever I’ve fought off became my life
Just when everyday seemed to greet me with a smile
Sunspots have faded, now I’m doing time
Now I’m doing time

‘Cause I fell on black days
I fell on black days

“Spoonman” from Superunknown (1994)

Like a tin cup rattling the bars of a cage, this song opens with an artist (Artis the Spoonman) literally playing the spoons, clinking away with energy and percussive strength. A third track on this list from Soundgarden’s 1994 LP, this song is unique and everlasting. Originally written for the 1992 Seattle-based movie Singles, this tune grew from a fictional band name for the movie (Spoonman) into a real-life rock track, which also features drummer Matt Cameron playing pots and pans. Sometimes odd prompts can lead to great art and this is a prime example. On the rugged offering, Cornell sings,

Spoonman, come together with your hands
Save me, I’m together with your plan
Save me
Save, yeah
Save me
With your, with your hands
Feel the rhythm with your hands
(Steal the rhythm while you can)
Spoonman

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