I’m not the biggest fan of grunge. I found it way too depressing, as it seemed as though all the bands thrived with a heavy downer vibe. Though musically, it had its moments and Badmotorfinger was definitely one of them as two of Soundgarden’s three best songs are on this album.
The album opens up with Soundgarden’s best track and quite possibly grunge’s finest hour in Rusty Cage. I mean what a freaking awesome tune to open up an album. The riff is super cool as it feels as though it’s played in a different time to the main groove, and Chris Cornell’s vocals are on a different level. My god, what a voice he had, and it’s so sad he is not with us today. Outshined is a nice follow up with a killer riff and a very busy groove. Slaves & Bulldozers has a very deep heavy groove and Cornell’s voice is huge, it’s just the main guitar that lets it down. Jesus Christ Pose follows and is another one of their best tunes, and I’ll forgive the wonky guitar at the intro as the main riff and groove are epic, and once again Chris’s vocals are otherworldly. Face Pollution is a fast paced up tempo rocker with that punky edge. Somewhere closes out Side 1 and is my least favourite track on the album.
Searching With My Good Eye Closed opens up Side 2, and it is grunge 101; very reminiscent of Nirvana. Room A Thousand Years Wide has a huge fat riff and a slow plodding riff that is carried by a great vocal. Mind Riot is up next, and it has an almost psychedelic trippy vibe. The rest of the album just seems to fade as they have loaded up the first part with all their best tracks. My favourite track is Rusty Cage, I mean how can it not be? It’s the bands best tune.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
