What makes Tarantula by The Smashing Pumpkins notable?

The album's lead single, Tarantula, debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart, signifying a strong return for the band. Additionally, Zeitgeist itself received mixed reviews but reestablished The Smashing Pumpkins as a relevant force in alternative rock during a time when they faced both nostalgia and skepticism from long-time fans. Tarantula was released as the lead single from The Smashing Pumpkins' seventh studio album, Zeitgeist, marking their first release after a seven-year hiatus. At this point, the band was attempting to reconnect with fans while navigating a shifting musical landscape that had evolved since their peak in the 1990s.

How many songs are on Tarantula?

Tarantula has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Tarantula

The Smashing Pumpkins · 2007

7 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A turbulent blend of distorted guitars and introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of alternative rock's evolution in the mid-2000s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Tarantula — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of chaos and disillusionment, featuring driving guitar riffs that evoke the band's earlier sound while showcasing a modern twist.
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Death From Above — This track highlights the band's signature blend of heavy instrumentation and introspective lyrics, presenting a darker reflection on personal struggles amidst external chaos.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks lasting impact and cohesion as a standalone release.

What we noticed

The track 'Tarantula' features a driving rhythm with layered distorted guitars that create a dense soundscape.
The second track, 'Death From Above', shifts to a more subdued tempo while maintaining the heavy guitar presence, contrasting with the opener.
Both tracks utilize dynamic shifts in intensity, with verses that build tension leading into explosive choruses.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 3/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked the band's return after a hiatus, re-establishing their presence in music.
Themes: post-2000 disillusionment· mid-2000s alternative evolution
Career context: Tarantula was released as the lead single from The Smashing Pumpkins' seventh studio album, Zeitgeist, marking their first release after a seven-year hiatus. At this point, the band was attempting to reconnect with fans while navigating a shifting musical landscape that had evolved since their peak in the 1990s.
Stylistic neighbors: Alice in Chains· Soundgarden· Radiohead