Description
Soundgarden – Down On The Upside – Double 180 Gram Vinyl Records
By the time Down on the Upside was released on May 21, 1996, Soundgarden had already cemented themselves as one of the most powerful and innovative bands of the grunge movement. Following the massive success of Superunknown (1994), which propelled them to mainstream rock stardom, expectations were high for their next move. Rather than repeating the polished, radio-friendly formula of their previous album, Soundgarden instead delivered a sprawling, experimental, and emotionally complex record—one that both expanded their sound and foreshadowed their eventual breakup.
Unlike Superunknown, which was produced with a high level of precision, Down on the Upside feels looser, rawer, and at times more chaotic. The band self-produced the album, leading to a more organic and unfiltered sound. The signature heavy, sludgy riffs are still present, but they’re interwoven with psychedelic textures, acoustic elements, and eerie, haunting melodies. The shift was divisive at the time, but in hindsight, it stands as one of their most daring and dynamic efforts.
Lyrically, the album is filled with themes of frustration, disillusionment, and personal struggle, reflecting the growing tensions within the band. Songs like “Blow Up the Outside World” and “Burden in My Hand” are drenched in melancholy and alienation, while “Ty Cobb” is an aggressive, punk-fueled outburst of rage and defiance. Elsewhere, tracks like “Zero Chance” and “Overfloater” lean into atmospheric, almost dreamlike despair, showcasing Chris Cornell’s ability to blend raw emotion with poetic lyricism.
Despite producing several successful singles—“Burden in My Hand,” “Blow Up the Outside World,” and “Pretty Noose”—Down on the Upside had a more subdued commercial impact than its predecessor. Tensions within the band escalated during the supporting tour, and by April 1997, Soundgarden officially disbanded, making this album their last studio release until King Animal in 2012.
Down on the Upside is a fascinating and underrated record, one that captured a band at its creative peak while also unraveling at the seams. Its blend of raw heaviness, introspective lyricism, and sonic experimentation makes it a compelling listen—not just as a farewell to Soundgarden’s first era, but as a bold statement that still resonates today.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Pretty Noose
Rhinosaur
Zero Chance
Dusty
Ty Cobb
Blow Up The Outside World
Burden In My Hand
Never Named
Applebite
Never The Machine Forever
Tighter & Tighter
No Attention
Switch Opens
Overfloater
An Unkind
Boot Camp
