Discover the Most Iconic Grunge Album Openers That Define a Generation
The sequence of tracks on an album plays a crucial role in conveying the overall message that the artist seeks to communicate, and the opening track is particularly vital as it forms the listener’s initial impression. The first song sets the tone, drawing listeners into the album’s world.
In the past, artists rarely released multiple singles before an album’s debut. Therefore, unless audiences heard one or two singles on the radio or on music channels like MTV, purchasing and listening to the entire album was the primary way to become familiar with the music.
Reflect on the first time you experienced one of your favorite albums, and the emotions stirred by that opening track. If it’s a truly remarkable album, the opening song likely played a significant role in captivating you; otherwise, it might not have made that strong of an impression.
EXPLORE FURTHER: The Best Ballads by 10 Influential Grunge Artists
We took a nostalgic journey through some of the most influential albums from the grunge era, specifically selecting those with the most compelling opening tracks. The albums we highlighted were released between 1990 and 1994.
While our selections may seem expected, these tracks are popular for a reason—they’re undeniably exceptional. These artists understood the significance of first impressions, and they worked tirelessly to ensure that listeners were hooked from the very beginning.
-
1
Mother Love Bone’s Anthemic Opener ‘This Is Shangrila’
Mother Love Bone was poised to become one of the most significant rock bands of the ’90s, tragically cut short by vocalist Andrew Wood’s untimely death at just 24 years old. Their sole album, Apple, was released a few months later in 1990, and from the moment opener “This Is Shangrila” begins, it’s clear that they possessed something extraordinary.
The bands featured on this list exhibit strikingly different sounds, and Mother Love Bone certainly exemplifies that diversity. The track “This Is Shangrila” boasts a punchy, anthemic rhythm, allowing you to vividly imagine the charismatic Wood captivating an audience on stage. He was a true showman, and it’s unfortunate that Mother Love Bone never had the opportunity to fill arenas and showcase their talent fully.
-
2
Pearl Jam’s Explosive Track ‘Once’ as a Grunge Classic
Fortunately, some members of Mother Love Bone found success in their subsequent band, Pearl Jam, where they experienced the thrill of selling out arenas. Their debut album, Ten, opens with “Once,” which features an atmospheric intro that serves as a hidden track titled “Master/Slave,” also echoing as the outro in the final track “Release,” creating an intriguing auditory symmetry that enhances the listening experience.
As “Once” kicks in, it erupts with a powerful sound, highlighted by a menacing guitar riff from Stone Gossard. Eddie Vedder’s arrival is marked by a raw, snarling intensity, leading into a pre-chorus that is delivered with such velocity that it can leave listeners breathless. Each component harmoniously combines to instill a sense of urgency and panic, compelling audiences to eagerly anticipate the next track, “Even Flow.”
-
3
Nirvana’s Groundbreaking Opener ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’
Not only does one of the most iconic albums of all time feature “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” but it also begins with this groundbreaking track. This song single-handedly catalyzed a revolution, fueled in part by its heavy rotation on radio and MTV, and its immense popularity is rooted in its sheer brilliance as a composition.
The opening riff crafted by Kurt Cobain is so recognizable that it transcends music, appearing at sporting events, DJ sets, commercials, and more. However, it’s the anthemic chorus that elevates the track, solidifying it as the definitive anthem for an entire generation of artists. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” propelled Nevermind to dethrone Michael Jackson from the top of the Billboard 200 in early 1992, subsequently establishing grunge as a dominant musical subculture worldwide.
-
4
Alice In Chains’ Unsettling Opener ‘Them Bones’
“Aah!”
Alice In Chains excels at crafting music that simultaneously evokes feelings of unease and excitement, a talent brilliantly showcased in “Them Bones,” the opening track of their 1992 release Dirt. Choosing between this track and “We Die Young” from Facelift was a difficult decision, but “Them Bones” ultimately stands out.
Jerry Cantrell’s fierce guitar riff delivers an immediate impact, jolting listeners from their seats, and Layne Staley’s haunting screams amplify the track’s intensity. In just a brief duration, “Them Bones” delivers an unsettling punch, compelling listeners to confront their own mortality, all while leaving them yearning for more. Few album openers in rock music, particularly in the grunge genre, can compare to this powerful introduction.
-
5
Soundgarden’s Powerful Opening Track ‘Let Me Drown’
This track may be an underrated gem within Soundgarden’s extensive discography, yet the opening track on their 1994 album Superunknown serves as an excellent showcase of the band members’ diverse talents. The rhythm section maintains a swift pace, while Kim Thayil’s guitar riffs are thick and sludgy, complemented by Chris Cornell’s vocals that are as sharp and crisp as ever.
From the very start, the song exudes intensity and power, creating a dark and moody atmosphere that is both sophisticated and poetic. The richness of the composition highlights Soundgarden’s ability to blend complexity with accessibility, making “Let Me Drown” a standout track deserving of recognition.
