Soup
Blind Melon · 1995
46 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
Eclectic melodies blend with introspective lyrics, creating a textured landscape of alternative rock that captures the spirit of the mid-90s.
Top tracks — play these first
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2 × 4 — As one of the album's prominent singles, this track encapsulates Blind Melon's introspective style with its heavy guitar riffs and poignant lyrics about isolation and struggle.
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Skinned — This hauntingly brief song uses stark imagery to address themes of vulnerability and fear, showcasing Hoon's emotive vocal delivery in a stark yet impactful way.
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Mouthful of Cavities — The track stands out for its intricate layering of sounds and dynamic shifts, reflecting the band's ability to blend melodic beauty with darker lyrical content.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's eclectic sound and thematic depth create a notable but uneven listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a dual track that combines two distinct melodies, setting an eclectic tone right from the start.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Skinned' which transitions from a slow build to a frenetic climax.
- The lyrics often explore dark themes, with songs like 'Dumptruck' and 'Mouthful of Cavities' using vivid imagery to convey emotional struggles.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- steady mid-tempo for reflection
- introspective vibes for quiet moments
- for afternoon drives
- sing-alongs with nostalgic lyrics
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy tracks
- want instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 1995, 'Soup' is Blind Melon's second studio album, arriving three years after their self-titled debut which featured the hit single 'No Rain'. The band was navigating the pressures of sudden fame and personal struggles, particularly following lead singer Shannon Hoon's rising issues with addiction, which would later shape their music and legacy.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Smashing Pumpkins· Pearl Jam· Soundgarden
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hello Goodbye / Galaxie 3:31
- 2 2 × 4 4:00
- 3 Vernie 3:15
- 4 Skinned 1:57
- 5 Toes Across the Floor 3:07
- 6 Walk 2:47
- 7 Dumptruck 3:40
- 8 Car Seat (God’s Presents) 2:43
- 9 Wilt 2:30
- 10 The Duke 3:37
- 11 St. Andrew’s Fall 4:12
- 12 New Life 3:35
- 13 Mouthful of Cavities 3:34
- 14 Lemonade 3:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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