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THE REVIEW
Like many other bands, Soundgarden owes their fame mainly to the hit single Black Hole Sun, which also earned them a Grammy... that’s why anyone who has ever bought a Soundgarden CD has surely chosen Superunknown.
But beautiful things do not come from nowhere, so Badmotorfinger, released back in 1991, is one of those unfortunately underrated albums that often seem less "beautiful" at first listen. However, if one frees themselves from comparing it to Superunknown, they will discover a quite unique album characterized by a mix of rock, stoner, grunge, psychedelia... There are definitely songs that stand out more than others like Rusty Cage, Outshined, Jesus Christ Pose, and Holy Water, but it is in its entirety that the album is formidable, with a Chris Cornell in great shape who knows how to balance melody and high notes and who can integrate into even the most intense pieces without ever overdoing it.
There are many parts that, only after a couple of listens, make us realize that the foundations for Superunknown were already in place; Searching With My Good Eye Closed is an example. The only flaw is the production not being up to par, especially since the drum sound is somewhat diminished, and I believe that if Badmotorfinger had the same sound as its successor, well, it would have been perfection.
It is a unique album in its style, and the only reason why today we do not see it ranking with Queens of the Stone Age & co. is simply because it was released in October 1991, a time when the first ones starting to break into the world were the unknown Nirvana with Nevermind... from then on, we know the history, and it just so happens that some of the most beautiful albums composed in 90s rock are from that period. Like for Kyuss, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and especially with Badmotorfinger, deserve space in our ears.
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Summary by Bot
Badmotorfinger, released in 1991, is an often overlooked but formidable album by Soundgarden. It blends rock, stoner, grunge, and psychedelia with Chris Cornell’s dynamic vocals. Though production quality, especially drum sound, could improve, the album lays the foundation for their later success with Superunknown. Songs like Rusty Cage and Outshined showcase the band's strength and deserve more recognition in 90s rock history.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Soundgarden
American rock band formed in Seattle in 1984, central to the 1990s grunge scene; best-known for albums such as Superunknown and Badmotorfinger and for Chris Cornell's distinctive voice.31 Reviews
Other reviews
By cliffburton86
The adrenaline that this record releases is terrifying!
The greatness of Soundgarden lies in their ability to create twelve hard, but not tiring tracks, creating an explosive mixture of dark and powerful guitar fits, unusual bass chords, and time changes.
By omegabass
"Soundgarden absorb rebellion and blasphemy into their titanism, blending... Zeppelin-like echoes and noisy intrusions."
"Badmotorfinger has the merit of literally shattering the minutes, compensated by powerful singles like 'Jesus Christ Pose.'"
