Smashing Pumpkins
Siamese Dream

THE REVIEW

The Smashing Pumpkins, the band of that genius called Billy Corgan, an immortal icon of rock. Gifted with a highly varied voice. He manages to convey deep anger in certain songs, and infinite sweetness in others. The undisputed leader of the band, as well as an impeccable musician. From some of his statements, you can see how much he cares about what he does: ‘' I couldn't continue something if I see that it's truly not worth it. In that case, I would immediately stop doing what I was doing ‘'. These were his words at the moment when the band finally split.

The album, ‘' Siamese Dream ‘', was composed in addition to Billy, by James Iha on guitar and vocals, D'Arcy Wretzky on bass, and Jimmy Chamberlin on drums. There is also an excellent collaboration on the record, Mike Mills from R.E.M. playing the piano on ‘' Soma ‘'. All the songs on the album were written and arranged by Billy Corgan, except for ‘' Soma ‘' and ‘' Mayonaise ‘' which were written in collaboration with James Iha. During the recordings, Billy said multiple times that this new project they had been working on for so long was really exciting him, and he was enthusiastic about what was coming out. Also, the relationship with the other band members at that time was excellent. All of this contributed to the calm realization of the album.

The album was released on July 27, 1993, and was immediately a great success. In fact, this release marked the first major success for the Smashing Pumpkins on the world rock scene. An extraordinary success also thanks to the many singles within the album.

The album begins with ‘' Cherub Rock ‘', characterized by a brief drum intro that then unfolds into a hard yet melodic sound at the same time. ‘' Quiet ‘' and ‘' Today ‘' are similar to the first track, and in my opinion, there are few albums in the history of rock that have such an overwhelming and splendid start. These three tracks create an impenetrable sonic wall, with Billy Corgan's guitar as if it enters inside you and shakes you. Not to mention Jimmy Chamberlin, one of the best drummers of all time. It's unbelievable how the guitar and the drums have the same momentum. Jimmy with the drums follows every time change of the guitar, something unique and spectacular, and very difficult to execute. ‘' Hummer ‘' and ‘' Racket ‘' showcase the group's compositional skill. ‘' Soma ‘', an excellent piece with Mike Mills on the piano adding that extra touch that makes the song unique. ‘' Mayonaise ‘', one of the most beautiful songs on the album, a synthesis of power, sweetness, melody, feeling. In general, one of the best pieces of the band's entire career. The other tracks are very inspired, witnessing that there are no dead points in the album; the tracks are all on the same level, and the level is very high. The cover is very beautiful, featuring two smiling girls.

Even if this is only the band's second album, one can easily talk about a masterpiece. Over time, the group will release splendid records, with ‘' Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness ‘' above all, but this album definitively marked the group's worldwide affirmation. Every track remained in the charts around the world for a long time. If we take into consideration what Billy had said, that he would do something only if it was truly worth it, well, this time it was worth it. Years later, it still manages to move, thanks to a sound that is still profoundly original and innovative. A milestone of rock, immortal.