Is A-Sides a good place to start with Soundgarden?

Yes, A-Sides is recommended as a starting point for new Soundgarden listeners. A dynamic collection of grunge anthems that encapsulates the raw power and lyrical depth of Soundgarden's career. Released in 1997, A-Sides serves as Soundgarden's first greatest hits compilation following their commercial peak with the album Superunknown in 1994. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their status as pioneers of the grunge movement and faced a transitional phase leading to their eventual breakup in 1997.

A-Sides works well if you're into dynamic progression with emotional peaks, raw emotion in every track and wave-like pacing throughout album.

How many songs are on A-Sides?

A-Sides has 17 tracks, running approximately 79 minutes.

A-Sides

Soundgarden · 1997

79 min · 17 tracks · alternative rock

A dynamic collection of grunge anthems that encapsulates the raw power and lyrical depth of Soundgarden's career.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Nothing to Say Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Black Hole Sun — This track became one of Soundgarden's most recognizable songs, featuring haunting melodies and surreal lyrics that captured the disillusionment of the '90s.
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Jesus Christ Pose — Known for its provocative themes and heavy instrumentation, this song exemplifies the band's ability to blend complex musicality with deep social commentary.
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Spoonman — With its unique percussion-driven arrangement and upbeat energy, this track highlights Soundgarden's innovative approach while remaining accessible to mainstream audiences.
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Outshined — This song showcases Chris Cornell's powerful vocals and features a compelling narrative about self-doubt, making it a staple in the band's catalog.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

A-Sides captures the band's range but lacks the cohesive narrative of a studio album.

What we noticed

The final track, 'Bleed Together', serves as a reflective conclusion, contrasting with the intensity of earlier songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic progression with emotional peaks
raw emotion in every track
wave-like pacing throughout album
for reflective moments
great for late-night listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification tracks
prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — A-Sides solidified Soundgarden's legacy post-commercial peak, showcasing their influential hits.
Themes: 90s disillusionment· grunge movement legacy· social commentary rock
Moods: Nostalgic· Cathartic
Career context: Released in 1997, A-Sides serves as Soundgarden's first greatest hits compilation following their commercial peak with the album Superunknown in 1994. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their status as pioneers of the grunge movement and faced a transitional phase leading to their eventual breakup in 1997.
Stylistic neighbors: Alice in Chains· Stone Temple Pilots· Pearl Jam

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Fell on Black Days

The narrator reflects on a sudden shift from hope to despair, evoking feelings of confusion and loss without providing clear answers.

This moment captures the essence of existential dread, employing ambiguous imagery that leaves listeners contemplating their own struggles.