Jerry Cantrell Discusses His Favorite Soundgarden Songs

Alice in Chains vocalist and guitarist Jerry Cantrell has long expressed his admiration for the influential band Soundgarden. In a recent interview with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s YouTube channel, Cantrell shared insights into the tracks that he believes best define the legendary grunge group.

Jerry Cantrell’s Favorite Soundgarden Songs

In the video uploaded on November 28, Cantrell humorously admits, “I hate this because – I hate having to pair it down to three songs that define Soundgarden because I think Soundgarden is kinda undefinable.” He acknowledges the challenge of choosing favorites, stating:

“It’s always hard for me to do favorites. I’m really bad at this because I like it all. I mean, if it was a band that was, like, a one or two-hit wonder, it’d be a lot easier. But Soundgarden wrote so many great fucking songs. You know, the records that they made – what, six records? – they’re fucking brilliant, you know what I mean?”

Despite his struggles to narrow it down, Cantrell highlights “The Day I Tried to Live” from the 1994 album Superunknown as a particularly impactful song, describing it as one that gives him chills. He also lists several other Soundgarden classics, including:

• “Hunted Down”
• “Flower”
• “Limo Wreck”
• “Gun”
• “Burden in My Hand”
• “Superunknown”
• “Rusty Cage”
• “Black Hole Sun”

“I don’t think they ever did anything bad,” Cantrell concludes. “I don’t think they ever put a bad record out, and I don’t think they ever wrote a bad song. As far as the lyrical approach, it’s all poetry, man. It’s all super high-quality stuff.”

Reflecting on Grunge and Community

As the interview progresses, Cantrell shares his experiences growing up in Tacoma, Washington, a city he credits for producing much of his favorite music, Soundgarden included. He fondly recalls the sense of community among musicians from that era:

“When you see them, the smile just comes out and the warm embrace… if somebody’s doing a show, like Pearl Jam’s playing – I’m going! If we’re playing, somebody’s coming to see us. It’s still a sense of community.”

He emphasizes the lasting impact of music, stating, “Even if you’re not here – unfortunately [likely referencing Chris Cornell] – you do live on through your music. Your music lives on, and your music is you.”

Other Alice in Chains & Soundgarden News

In November, Loudwire reported on a new book titled This Angry Pen of Mine: Recovering the Journals of Layne Staley, which features heartfelt tributes from various prominent rock and metal artists. It includes personal insights, photographs, and artwork related to the late Alice in Chains frontman.

Additionally, Soundgarden was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this month, a moment celebrated by surviving members Matt Cameron, Hiro Yamamoto, Kim Thayil, and Ben Shepherd, who shared their gratitude during the ceremony. Jim Carrey introduced the band, noting their significant influence on rock music.

During the induction, Chris Cornell’s daughter, Lillian, gave a heartfelt speech honoring her father’s legacy. She expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of Soundgarden’s music and reflected on the profound impact it has had on fans:

“I will forever be grateful for those years… I’m so grateful I got to share this moment for him and with him, in some way.”

Conclusion

Jerry Cantrell’s insights into Soundgarden highlight not only his personal connection to the band’s music but also the broader impact that Soundgarden has had on the rock landscape. His candid reflections serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of both Soundgarden and the grunge movement.

FAQs

What are Jerry Cantrell’s favorite Soundgarden songs?

Some of Cantrell’s favorites include “The Day I Tried to Live,” “Hunted Down,” “Flower,” “Rusty Cage,” and “Black Hole Sun.”

Why does Jerry Cantrell find it difficult to choose favorite Soundgarden songs?

He believes that Soundgarden’s music is so diverse and brilliant that picking just a few tracks to represent the band is challenging.

What recent events have involved Soundgarden and Alice in Chains?

Soundgarden was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a new book about Layne Staley was released, featuring tributes from various artists.