Solara
The Smashing Pumpkins · 2018
4 min · 1 track · alternative rock
A vibrant fusion of roaring guitars and soaring melodies that heralds a return to the band’s alternative rock roots.
Top tracks — play these first
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Solara — The title track encapsulates the band's blend of heavy guitar riffs and melodic hooks, serving as both a nostalgic nod to their past and a fresh take on their sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single showcases strong melodies and familiar structures but lacks depth for repeated listens.
What we noticed
- The track features a dynamic interplay between distorted guitar riffs and melodic hooks, creating a sense of urgency throughout.
- The song structure follows a traditional verse-chorus format, with the chorus providing a soaring contrast to the verses.
- There is a noticeable use of layered vocals in the chorus, enhancing its anthemic quality.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Marks the return of founding members, generating significant attention and nostalgia.
- Themes
- nostalgic resurgence· heavy guitar riffs· founding members reunion
- Career context
- Released in 2018, 'Solara' marks The Smashing Pumpkins' first new music in over 18 years featuring founding members Billy Corgan, James Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlin. This single came ahead of their subsequent album, 'Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1', signaling a creative resurgence for the band after years of lineup changes and varied musical directions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Alice in Chains· Soundgarden· Radiohead
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Solara 4:21
What to play next
Cyr
2020
Continues the vibrant energy with a modern twist, expanding on the sound of Solara.
Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun.
2018
Sets the stage for Solara's return to roots with its own blend of alternative rock.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Rainier Fog
Alice in Chains
Shares heavy guitar riffs and a similar sense of nostalgic resurgence in sound and spirit.
Concrete and Gold
Foo Fighters
Combines roaring guitars with melodic hooks, echoing the alternative rock essence of 'Solara'.
In Utero
Nirvana
Captures raw energy and emotional depth, aligning with the heavy guitar-driven nostalgia of 'Solara'.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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