Soundgarden Albums in Order: Soundgarden, one of the pioneering bands of the grunge movement, left an indelible mark on rock music with their six studio albums. For those looking to explore Soundgarden albums in order, their journey began with Ultramega OK (1988), a raw and experimental debut that earned critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination. Their major-label debut, Louder Than Love (1989), showcased a heavier sound, setting the stage for mainstream success.
The band’s breakthrough came with Badmotorfinger (1991), featuring hits like “Rusty Cage” and “Outshined,” which propelled them into rock stardom. Their fourth album, Superunknown (1994), was a defining moment, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and spawning Grammy-winning singles “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman.” Down on the Upside (1996) followed, offering a more experimental approach before the band’s initial breakup in 1997. After reuniting in 2010, they released their final album, King Animal (2012), a testament to their enduring legacy. Soundgarden’s discography remains a powerful reflection of their evolution, from underground pioneers to rock legends.
All Soundgarden Albums Available on: Apple Music
All Soundgarden Studio Albums in Order of Release Date
1. Ultramega OK (1988)
“Ultramega OK,” Soundgarden’s inaugural studio album, emerged on October 31, 1988, marking a powerful entry into the grunge scene. The album encompasses a diverse range of tracks, from the thunderous riffs of “Beyond the Wheel” and the raw energy of “Flower” to the haunting “Smokestack Lightning” cover. Chris Cornell’s distinctive vocals intertwine with Kim Thayil’s blistering guitar work, while Hiro Yamamoto’s bass and Matt Cameron’s drums provide a solid foundation. The 2017 expanded reissue offers an enriched experience, featuring early versions of tracks and a longer runtime. This album laid the foundation for Soundgarden’s future sonic explorations, foreshadowing their influential presence in rock music. “Ultramega OK” stands as a testament to the band’s early brilliance and remains a pivotal piece of their discography.
2. Louder Than Love (1989)
“Louder Than Love,” Soundgarden’s second studio album and major-label debut, burst onto the scene on September 5, 1989, showcasing the band’s evolution. The album is a powerhouse of grunge and metal, exemplified by tracks like “Ugly Truth” and “Hands All Over” with Kim Thayil’s thunderous guitar work. Chris Cornell’s distinctive vocals soar through anthems like “Loud Love” and the unapologetically raucous “Big Dumb Sex.” The album also explores deeper themes, evident in tracks like “Power Trip” and “No Wrong No Right.” With its raw intensity and unapologetic lyrics, “Louder Than Love” established Soundgarden as a force to be reckoned with in the rock world. Clocking in at just over 53 minutes, it remains a testament to their early brilliance and a cornerstone of their discography.
3. Badmotorfinger (1991)
“Badmotorfinger,” Soundgarden’s third studio album, released on October 8, 1991, is a tour de force of grunge and alternative metal. The album showcases Chris Cornell’s dynamic vocals and the band’s intricate musicianship. Tracks like “Rusty Cage” and “Outshined” are grunge anthems, while “Slaves & Bulldozers” delves into heavier, experimental territory. The politically charged “Jesus Christ Pose” and the frenetic “Searching with My Good Eye Closed” add a layer of intensity. Matt Cameron’s drumming shines in “Room a Thousand Years Wide,” and “Mind Riot” exhibits Cornell’s poignant lyricism. The album’s diversity is exemplified by the raw energy of “Drawing Flies” and the haunting “New Damage.” Clocking in at 57 minutes, “Badmotorfinger” solidified Soundgarden’s status as pioneers of the grunge movement and remains a seminal work in rock history.
4. Superunknown (1994)
“Superunknown,” Soundgarden’s fourth studio album released on March 8, 1994, is an opus of grunge brilliance. It encapsulates the band’s musical maturation with a blend of heavy riffs and introspective lyrics. Chris Cornell’s vocals soar on tracks like “Fell on Black Days” and the iconic “Black Hole Sun,” showcasing his emotional depth. Kim Thayil’s guitar work shines in songs like “My Wave” and “Superunknown,” while Matt Cameron’s drumming anchors the album’s sonic intensity. The haunting “The Day I Tried to Live” and the atmospheric “Like Suicide” add further depth. Clocking in at over 70 minutes, the album’s expansive soundscapes and powerful lyricism cemented Soundgarden’s status as one of the defining bands of the ’90s. “Superunknown” remains an enduring masterpiece in rock history.
5. Down on the Upside (1996)
“Released on May 21, 1996, ‘Down on the Upside’ is Soundgarden’s fifth studio album, displaying a matured sound that delves into various musical landscapes. Chris Cornell’s introspective lyricism shines through tracks like ‘Blow Up the Outside World’ and ‘Burden in My Hand,’ revealing a deeper emotional resonance. The album also explores heavier elements with songs like ‘Rhinosaur’ and ‘Ty Cobb,’ showcasing the band’s versatility. Kim Thayil’s guitar work remains a standout feature, as seen in ‘Never the Machine Forever.’ Clocking in at 65 minutes and 56 seconds, the album’s diverse tracks offer a multifaceted experience, solidifying Soundgarden’s reputation as pioneers of the grunge movement. ‘Down on the Upside’ stands as a testament to the band’s continued evolution and remains a pivotal work in their discography.”
6. King Animal (2012)
“Released on November 13, 2012, ‘King Animal’ marked Soundgarden’s triumphant return after a 16-year hiatus. The album showcases a revitalized sound, blending their signature grunge elements with newfound maturity. Tracks like ‘Been Away Too Long’ and ‘Non-State Actor’ resonate with Ben Shepherd’s robust basslines and Kim Thayil’s intricate guitar work. Chris Cornell’s haunting vocals shine in the introspective ‘Bones of Birds’ and the thunderous ‘Worse Dreams.’ The band’s collective energy is palpable in ‘By Crooked Steps’ and the fervent ‘Attrition.’ The Deluxe Edition offers a deeper dive with demo versions and live performances, adding layers of depth to an already impressive album. Clocking in at over 52 minutes, ‘King Animal’ reaffirms Soundgarden’s enduring influence and stands as a testament to their enduring legacy in the rock music landscape.”
How many albums does Soundgarden have?
The discography of Soundgarden, an American rock band, consists of SIX studio albums, TWO live albums, SIX compilation albums, EIGHT extended plays, TWENTY-FOUR singles and TWENTY-THREE music videos.
List of Soundgarden Albums in Order of Release Date
The List of List of Soundgarden Albums in Order of Release Here!
Studio albums:
1. Ultramega OK — October 31, 1988
2. Louder Than Love — September 5, 1989
3. Badmotorfinger — October 8, 1991
4. Superunknown — March 8, 1994
5. Down on the Upside — May 21, 1996
6. King Animal — November 13, 2012
Live albums:
1. Live on I-5 — March 22, 2011
2. Live from the Artists Den — July 26, 2019
Compilation albums:
1. Screaming Life/Fopp — May 11, 1990
2. A-Sides — November 4, 1997
3. Telephantasm — September 28, 2010
4. The Classic Album Selection — May 21, 2012
5. Echo of Miles: Scattered Tracks Across the Path — November 24, 2014
6. Essentials — 2019
Video albums:
1. Louder Than Live — May 22, 1990
2. Motorvision — November 17, 1992
3. Live from the Artists Den — July 26, 2019
Extended plays:
1. Screaming Life — October 1, 1987
2. Fopp — August 1, 1988
3. Loudest Love — October, 1990
4. Satanoscillatemymetallicsonatas (SOMMS) — June 23, 1992
5. Songs from the Superunknown — November 21, 1995
6. Before the Doors: Live on I-5 Soundcheck — November 25, 2011
7. King Animal Demos — April 20, 2013
Conclusion:
Soundgarden’s legacy is deeply rooted in their innovative contributions to grunge and alternative rock. Their discography, spanning six studio albums, showcases their evolution from raw, underground energy to mainstream dominance. The journey through Soundgarden albums in order—from Ultramega OK (1988) to King Animal (2012)—highlights their growth in musical complexity and lyrical depth. Breakthroughs like Badmotorfinger (1991) and Superunknown (1994) cemented their place in rock history. Despite disbanding in 1997 and briefly reuniting in 2010, Soundgarden’s influence remains unparalleled, with their music continuing to inspire new generations of rock musicians and fans worldwide.
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