Is Sixteen Stone a good place to start with Bush?

Yes, Sixteen Stone is recommended as a starting point for new Bush listeners. Raw, brooding alternative rock blends heavy guitar riffs with emotive lyrics, capturing the angst of the post-grunge era. Released in 1994, 'Sixteen Stone' was Bush's debut album, introducing them to a mainstream audience amidst the rising popularity of grunge. The album's success positioned Bush as a significant player in the alternative rock scene, particularly in the U.S., where they gained traction following their initial breakthrough with singles like 'Everything Zen'.

Who is Sixteen Stone for?

Sixteen Stone works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and contemplative late-night vibes.

How many songs are on Sixteen Stone?

Sixteen Stone has 18 tracks, running approximately 84 minutes.

Sixteen Stone

Bush · 1994

84 min · 18 tracks · alternative rock

Raw, brooding alternative rock blends heavy guitar riffs with emotive lyrics, capturing the angst of the post-grunge era.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Everything Zen Start here — As the album opener, this track sets a tone of existential anxiety and introduces Bush's signature sound with its catchy chorus and driving rhythms.
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Glycerine — This haunting ballad showcases Gavin Rossdale's emotive vocals and vulnerability, becoming one of the band's most enduring hits and a staple of 90s rock.
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Machinehead — With its aggressive guitar work and anthemic quality, this track exemplifies the band's ability to blend melody with heavier elements, making it a standout single.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Bush's debut blends raw energy with emotional depth, capturing the essence of post-grunge while maintaining a distinct sound.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with heavy guitar riffs, while the second half shifts to more introspective and slower songs.
Several tracks utilize dynamic contrasts, alternating between quiet verses and explosive choruses, particularly evident in 'Glycerine' and 'Comedown'.

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

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
contemplative late-night vibes
layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Debut album that established Bush's reputation and mainstream recognition.
Career context: Released in 1994, 'Sixteen Stone' was Bush's debut album, introducing them to a mainstream audience amidst the rising popularity of grunge. The album's success positioned Bush as a significant player in the alternative rock scene, particularly in the U.S., where they gained traction following their initial breakthrough with singles like 'Everything Zen'.
Stylistic neighbors: Stone Temple Pilots· Alice in Chains· Soundgarden