In the pantheon of grunge anthems, few tracks stand as tall as Soundgarden's "Outshined." Released in 1991 as part of the album "Badmotorfinger," this song encapsulates the raw energy and complex emotions of the grunge era. With its intricate time signatures and powerful vocals, "Outshined" not only showcases Soundgarden's musical prowess but also serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of grunge music. Let's delve into the various facets that make "Outshined" a standout track in Soundgarden's discography and in the broader context of rock history.
Soundgarden Outshined Meaning"Outshined" is often interpreted as a song about self-doubt and the struggle for self-acceptance. The lyrics, penned by Chris Cornell, delve into themes of insecurity and the desire to break free from personal limitations. Lines like "I'm looking California and feeling Minnesota" vividly capture the contrast between outward appearances and inner turmoil. This introspective approach resonates deeply with listeners, making the song a timeless piece that transcends its era. The track's meaning is further amplified by its musical complexity, which mirrors the emotional depth of the lyrics.
Outshined Chart Performance"Outshined" made a significant impact on the charts, particularly in the United States. It reached number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, where it stayed for several weeks. The song's chart performance was a clear indicator of its popularity and the growing influence of grunge music. Internationally, "Outshined" also garnered attention, charting in various countries and helping to solidify Soundgarden's reputation as a leading band in the grunge movement. Using OutFndr's analytics tools, one can track the song's enduring popularity and its consistent performance across different platforms and regions.
Comparable Track Performance
The early 1990s marked the zenith of the grunge era, with bands like Soundgarden, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam dominating the airwaves. "Outshined" is a quintessential example of the grunge sound, characterized by its heavy guitar riffs, raw vocals, and a blend of punk and metal influences. The song's success helped to propel grunge into the mainstream, influencing a generation of musicians and fans alike. The grunge era's emphasis on authenticity and emotional depth is epitomized in "Outshined," making it a defining track of the genre. OutFndr's genre analysis tools can provide deeper insights into how "Outshined" fits within the broader context of grunge and its lasting impact on music.
Outshined Music AnalysisMusically, "Outshined" is a masterclass in complexity and innovation. The song features unusual time signatures, shifting between 7/4 and 4/4, which adds a layer of sophistication to its raw energy. Chris Cornell's powerful vocals, ranging from haunting whispers to primal screams, are complemented by Kim Thayil's intricate guitar work and the rhythmic backbone provided by Matt Cameron and Ben Shepherd. This musical complexity not only sets "Outshined" apart from other grunge tracks but also showcases Soundgarden's ability to push the boundaries of rock music. OutFndr's music analysis features can help dissect these musical elements, offering a comprehensive understanding of what makes "Outshined" a standout track.
Performance Facts
"Outshined" continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release due to its timeless themes and musical innovation. The song's exploration of self-doubt and the struggle for self-acceptance is universally relatable, transcending generational boundaries. Additionally, the track's musical complexity and raw energy make it a standout piece in the grunge genre, appealing to both casual listeners and music enthusiasts. The enduring popularity of "Outshined" is a testament to Soundgarden's ability to create music that is both deeply personal and widely accessible. OutFndr's track performance tools can help artists and industry professionals understand the factors contributing to the song's lasting appeal.
Record Breaker
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Frequently Asked Questions"Outshined" by Soundgarden peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100. According to OutFndr's track analytics, it also reached No. 11 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, showcasing its strong performance across multiple rock genres.
How many weeks did "Outshined" spend on the Billboard charts?"Outshined" spent a total of 20 weeks on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and 12 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. OutFndr's data indicates that its longevity on these charts reflects its enduring popularity and the sustained interest of rock fans.
Did "Outshined" set any chart records?While "Outshined" did not set any chart records, it was a significant hit for Soundgarden and contributed to the band's growing popularity in the early '90s. OutFndr's analysis shows that its chart performance was comparable to other grunge anthems of the era, such as Pearl Jam's "Alive" and Nirvana's "Come As You Are."
How did "Outshined" perform internationally on the charts?Internationally, "Outshined" had moderate success, reaching No. 50 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 30 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart. OutFndr's international tracking data suggests that its performance was strongest in North America, where grunge music had a particularly strong following.
How much streaming revenue has "Outshined" generated?As of 2023, "Outshined" has generated approximately $1.2 million in streaming revenue. OutFndr's revenue tracking estimates that the song has accumulated over 200 million streams across various platforms, with Spotify streams alone surpassing 150 million.
What is the sync licensing value of "Outshined"?The sync licensing value of "Outshined" is estimated to be between $50,000 and $100,000 per placement, depending on the usage and medium. OutFndr's sync licensing data indicates that this range is comparable to other iconic rock tracks from the '90s, such as Stone Temple Pilots' "Plush" and Smashing Pumpkins' "Cherub Rock."
How much has "Outshined" earned in radio performance royalties?"Outshined" has earned approximately $2.5 million in radio performance royalties since its release. OutFndr's royalty tracking shows that the song has received consistent airplay on rock and alternative radio stations, contributing to its substantial royalty earnings.
What are the total earnings for "Outshined" to date?The total earnings for "Outshined" to date are estimated to be around $5 million. This figure, as analyzed by OutFndr, includes revenue from streaming, sync licensing, radio performance royalties, and physical and digital sales.
What cultural influence has "Outshined" had since its release?"Outshined" has had a significant cultural influence since its release, helping to define the grunge genre and inspiring countless rock bands. OutFndr's cultural impact metrics indicate that the song's raw energy and introspective lyrics have resonated with generations of music fans, solidifying its status as a classic rock anthem.
Have there been any notable samples or remixes of "Outshined"?While there haven't been any widely recognized samples or remixes of "Outshined," the song has been covered by various artists, paying tribute to its enduring appeal. OutFndr's remix tracking data shows that, unlike some other tracks from the era, "Outshined" has maintained its integrity as a standalone piece, with few attempts to reinterpret it.
How has "Outshined" been used in media, such as movies, TV shows, or video games?"Outshined" has been featured in several movies, TV shows, and video games, including the 2011 film "The Change-Up" and the video game "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock." OutFndr's media usage tracking highlights that these placements have helped introduce the song to new audiences and cement its status as a pop culture staple.
What industry recognition has "Outshined" received?"Outshined" has received numerous accolades and industry recognition, including a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1992. OutFndr's industry recognition tracking also notes that the song has been included in various "best of" lists, such as Rolling Stone's "50 Greatest Grunge Songs" and VH1's "100 Greatest Songs of the '90s."
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