With a career spanning over three decades, The Smashing Pumpkins have established themselves as a major force in the alternative rock scene. Formed in Chicago in 1988 by frontman Billy Corgan, the band has released memorable tracks laden with innovative guitar tones, poetic lyrics, and distinctive vocals. Their music, a blend of alternative rock, gothic rock, electro, and heavy metal, among others, has captured the hearts and ears of fans around the globe. Here is a rundown of the top 10 Smashing Pumpkins songs that have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
#10 – Rhinoceros
Starting off our list is the hauntingly beautiful “Rhinoceros” from their debut album, ‘Gish’. Released in 1991, this track is emblematic of the band’s early sound—a dreamy and slow-building rock space that is both mesmerizing and melancholic. The song seesaws between quiet, reflective moments and explosive, guitar-driven peaks. It’s a journey through swirling layers of sound that sets the tone for much of the Pumpkins’ future work.
#9 – Stand Inside Your Love
From their 2000 album, ‘Machina/The Machines of God’, “Stand Inside Your Love” stands out as a powerful love anthem. It captures the essence of a grand, sweeping romance with its compelling lyrics and passionate delivery. The guitar work is pristine and refined, contributing to an overall sense of grandiosity. This song shows the Smashing Pumpkins’ ability to craft a rock ballad that’s as poignant as it is potent.
#8 – Siva
“Siva” comes from The Smashing Pumpkins’ debut album, ‘Gish’, but despite being an early track, it showcases the band’s penchant for loud, aggressive guitars juxtaposed with softer, more melodic sections. It’s a song that encapsulates the band’s dynamic range and willingness to experiment with the intensity of their music. With a driving rhythm and a memorable riff, “Siva” laid a solid foundation for the band’s reputation in the rock scene.
#7 – Zero
Aggressive and raw, “Zero” represents the band at their most ferocious. This track from their 1995 album ‘Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness’ showcases The Smashing Pumpkins’ more alternative metal side. With an iconic guitar riff, thunderous percussion, and Corgan’s snarling vocals, it’s a powerful anthem for the disenchanted and one of the heavier entries in their discography. The song has also become emblematic of the mid-90s alternative culture, with its nihilistic lyrics and defiant attitude.
#6 – Ava Adore
Off the album ‘Adore’, released in 1998, “Ava Adore” marked a stylistic shift for the band, with its fusion of gothic elements and electronic beats. The track is a dark love song that weaves a tale of devotion with an undercurrent of something more sinister. Its slick production and rhythmic hooks represent The Smashing Pumpkins’ willingness to evolve their sound while maintaining the emotional depth and complexity that fans had come to expect.
#5 – Tonight, Tonight
A grand, orchestral-backed masterpiece, “Tonight, Tonight” hails from the band’s magnum opus, ‘Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness’. It trades in the band’s traditional guitar distortion for a sweeping string arrangement that elevates the song to an artful level. Lyrically, it’s a hopeful anthem that encourages seizing the moment and embracing change. The combination of elegant strings and rock sensibilities makes “Tonight, Tonight” a timeless track in the Smashing Pumpkins’ oeuvre.
#4 – 1979
“1979” is often considered one of the quintessential 90s tracks; it encapsulates the feeling of youth and the bittersweet nature of growing up. This single from ‘Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness’ leverages a great hook with its shimmering guitar line and a video that became a staple on MTV. It’s the softer, more nostalgic side of The Smashing Pumpkins, reflecting on the innocence and ennui of adolescent life.
#3 – Cherub Rock
The opening track from their revered 1993 album ‘Siamese Dream’, “Cherub Rock” is a blistering critique of the music industry wrapped in layers of lush, swirling guitars. The song builds from a simple drumbeat into a wall of sound that embodies the band’s ability to create anthem-like rock songs. With its infectious riff and defiant lyrics, it’s a track that not only resonated with fans but also cemented The Smashing Pumpkins’ place in the alternative rock movement of the 90s.
#2 – Disarm
This heartbreakingly poignant track from ‘Siamese Dream’ deals with heavy, personal themes such as childhood trauma and the loss of innocence. “Disarm” stripped away the distorted guitars for which the band was known, instead opting for acoustic guitars, strings, and bells. The emotionally charged lyrics and memorable melody have made it one of the band’s most powerful and enduring songs, showcasing Billy Corgan’s raw vulnerability and songwriting prowess.
#1 – Today
At the top of our list, we have “Today”, which is perhaps the most iconic and recognizable song from The Smashing Pumpkins. Also from ‘Siamese Dream’, this track is a gloriously uplifting song that contrasts with its somber lyrics, which deal with Corgan’s battle with depression. The juxtaposition of the upbeat melody with the darker lyrical themes captures the complexity of emotions in a way that only The Smashing Pumpkins can. With its memorable guitar riff and optimistic chorus, “Today” is a triumphant ode to living in the moment and is widely celebrated as one of the greatest songs of the 90s.
The Smashing Pumpkins have an extensive catalog of songs that have helped shape the alternative rock genre. This top 10 list only scratches the surface, containing tracks that showcase the band’s diversity in sound and lyrical content. From their earliest recordings to their later work, they have remained a band capable of evoking a wide range of emotions, bridging the gap between alternative edginess and melodic accessibility. Undoubtedly, The Smashing Pumpkins will continue to be remembered for these remarkable contributions to the world of music.