Top 5: Songs Off The ‘Singles’ Soundtrack

I bloomed a little late after the “grunge” explosion of the early 90’s, I truly started getting into Pearl Jam circa 2006 when they released their self-titled record. I became a little obsessed with Soundgarden and particularly Chris Cornell during that period too, and like you do with all your major influences, you trace back to their beginnings. That’s when I became fascinated with Seattle. For me, Seattle’s majestic skyline incites the same wonderment, as say, a Harry Potter fan would get from standing on Hogwarts doorstep (that may be the most random analogy ever written on this site), but to appreciate the gravitas of how the artists on this soundtrack revolutionised music and popular culture, you need some pretty out there analogies. And so we arrive at Singles, set in Seattle, and billed as a romantic comedy amidst the burgeoning alternative rock scene of 1992. The Notebook it isn’t, but this is a great love story nonetheless, albeit to the scene and the music. Amazon have a tentative release date of May 19th for a Deluxe Edition Double CD and triple-LP reissue, so I’ve equipped myself with the unenviable task of trying to rank the soundtrack five to one.

So here goes, and as an honourable mention as it didn’t quite make the cut, here’s Alice in Chains with Would?

5

Paul Westerberg – Waiting For Somebody

So, uh, Paul Westerberg of The Replacements is more synonymous with Minneapolis than Seattle but there’s no need to get geographical, if we’re talking fucking good music we’re talking Paul Westerberg. Interesting to note Paul Westerberg is actually credited as having wrote the score for Singles. Which I didn’t know before writing this list. I hang my head in shame as a ‘Mats fan and a fan of this soundtrack.

4

Mother Love Bone – Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns

A bit of sombreness shrouds this one with the untimely death of Andy Wood, but ultimately it’s a perfect prelude to not only Pearl Jam but the scene as a whole. Definitely watch Pearl Jam Twenty, which is also directed by Singles director Cameron Crowe, as Mother Love Bone and Andy Wood are discussed by the people that knew him best.

3

Screaming Trees – Nearly Lost You

This is taken from Screaming Trees sixth album Sweet Oblivion. They’re not a headline act on the soundtrack by any means, but arguably this is one of the best songs on it. Fortunately, they benefited from the soundtrack’s huge commercial success, and for fans like me, this was an incredible gateway song into their catalogue.

2

Pearl Jam – State of Love and Trust

This would usually be on top of any best of list, which really just goes to show what a phenomenal soundtrack this is. Full of energy, State of Love and Trust is probably Pearl Jam at their thrashiest best. Swapping out Matt Dillon for Eddie Vedder paid off, aye?

1

Chris Cornell – Seasons

It may be a little bizarre that the best song on a soundtrack compiled of bands and musicians that are renowned for making a lot of noise, is the slowest one. I’m sure any Superman fan might agree with our pick though, as the song is used remarkably well in a soul-searching scene in 2015’s Man Of Steel.

https://youtu.be/P2BYQql3ydA

Singles Soundtrack (Deluxe Edition) CD Tracklist:
Disc 1:
01. Alice in Chains – Would?
02. Pearl Jam – Breath
03. Chris Cornell – Seasons
04. Paul Westerberg – Dyslexic Heart
05. The Lovemongers – Battle of Evermore
06. Mother Love Bone – Chloe Dancer / Crown of Thorns
07. Soundgarden – Birth Ritual
08. Pearl Jam – State of Love and Trust
09. Mudhoney – Overblown
10. Paul Westerberg – Waiting for Somebody
11. Jimi Hendrix – May This Be Love
12. Screaming Trees – Nearly Lost You
13. The Smashing Pumpkins – Drown

Disc 2:
01. Citizen Dick – Touch Me I’m Dick
02. Chris Cornell – Nowhere But You
03. Chris Cornell- Spoonman
04. Chris Cornell – Flutter Girl
05. Chris Cornell – Missing
06. Alice in Chains – Would?
07. Alice in Chains – It Ain’t Like That
08. Soundgarden – Birth Ritual
09. Paul Westerberg – Dyslexic Heart
10. Paul Westerberg – Waiting for Somebody
11. Mudhoney – Overblown
12. Truly – Heart and Lungs
13. Blood Circus – Six Foot Under
14. Mike McCready – Singles Blues 1
15. Paul Westerberg – Blue Heart
16. Paul Westerberg – Lost in Emily’s Woods
17. Chris Cornell – Ferry Boat #3
18. Chris Cornell – Score Piece #4

What do you think of our list here at So, Is It Any Good? Let us know in the comments below! And if you have any suggestions for a future top 5 soundtrack listing please suggest!

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