When the opening riff of "Cherub Rock" by Smashing Pumpkins first hit the airwaves, it was clear that the band was onto something monumental. As the lead single and opener from their seminal album "Siamese Dream," "Cherub Rock" not only set the tone for the record but also carved out a significant place in the annals of alternative rock history. The track's explosive energy and raw emotion resonated deeply with fans and critics alike, propelling it to become a defining anthem of the '90s grunge era. Utilizing OutFndr's comprehensive analytics, we delve into the multifaceted performance of this iconic track, exploring its chart success, cultural impact, and the intricate songwriting techniques that make it a timeless masterpiece.
Cherub Rock Analysis"Cherub Rock" is a masterclass in blending raw energy with intricate musicality. The track opens with a distinctive, heavily distorted guitar riff that immediately grabs the listener's attention. This riff, combined with the powerful rhythm section, creates a sense of urgency and excitement. Billy Corgan's vocals, ranging from melodic to anguished, add an emotional depth that complements the song's themes of disillusionment and rebellion. The song's structure, with its dynamic shifts between verse and chorus, keeps the listener engaged throughout. OutFndr's detailed track analysis tools can help dissect these elements further, providing insights into how each component contributes to the song's overall impact.
Smashing Pumpkins Chart Performance"Cherub Rock" played a pivotal role in establishing Smashing Pumpkins as a major force in the alternative rock scene. Upon its release, the track quickly climbed the charts, peaking at number 7 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Its success was not limited to the United States; the song also performed well internationally, contributing significantly to the global acclaim of "Siamese Dream." The album itself debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200 and has since been certified multi-platinum. OutFndr's chart performance tracking features offer a comprehensive view of how "Cherub Rock" and other tracks from the album have maintained their relevance and popularity over the years.
Grunge Era ImpactThe early '90s marked the height of the grunge era, with bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden dominating the airwaves. "Cherub Rock" emerged during this period as a standout track that encapsulated the angst and energy of the genre while also pushing its boundaries. The song's success helped to solidify Smashing Pumpkins' place alongside these grunge titans, and its influence can still be heard in the music of contemporary alternative rock bands. OutFndr's genre impact analysis tools provide valuable insights into how "Cherub Rock" contributed to the evolution of grunge and its lasting legacy.
Songwriting Techniques ExploredOne of the key factors behind the enduring appeal of "Cherub Rock" is its exceptional songwriting. Billy Corgan's ability to craft memorable melodies and thought-provoking lyrics is on full display in this track. The song's structure is a testament to Corgan's skill as a songwriter, with its dynamic shifts and layered instrumentation creating a rich and engaging listening experience. The use of unconventional chord progressions and time signatures adds an element of unpredictability that keeps the listener on the edge of their seat. OutFndr's songwriting analysis features can help aspiring musicians and industry professionals alike to dissect and understand the techniques that make "Cherub Rock" such a compelling piece of music.
Why Cherub Rock Resonates?"Cherub Rock" continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release due to its timeless themes and emotional depth. The song's exploration of disillusionment and rebellion strikes a chord with anyone who has ever felt at odds with the world around them. Additionally, the track's raw energy and powerful instrumentation make it a cathartic listening experience. The combination of these elements has ensured that "Cherub Rock" remains a beloved anthem for generations of alternative rock fans. OutFndr's resonance analysis tools offer insights into the factors that contribute to a song's lasting appeal, helping to explain why "Cherub Rock" continues to captivate listeners to this day.
Comparable Track Performance
Performance Facts
Record Breaker
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Frequently Asked Questions"Cherub Rock" by Smashing Pumpkins peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and No. 52 on the Billboard Hot 100. According to OutFndr, it also reached the top 40 in the UK Singles Chart, showcasing its strong initial impact. Compared to recent tracks, its peak positions are similar to those of other alternative rock hits like Cage the Elephant's "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked," which peaked at No. 8 on the Alternative Songs chart.
How many weeks did "Cherub Rock" spend on the Billboard charts?"Cherub Rock" spent a total of 20 weeks on the Billboard Modern 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, much like other grunge-era tracks that maintained a strong chart presence, such as Pearl Jam's "Alive," which spent 22 weeks on the charts.
Did "Cherub Rock" set any chart records upon its release?While "Cherub Rock" did not set any major chart records, it was a significant contributor to the success of the Smashing Pumpkins' album "Siamese Dream," which debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200. OutFndr highlights that the track's performance helped solidify the band's place in the alternative rock scene, much like how Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" defined the grunge movement.
How did "Cherub Rock" perform internationally on the charts?Internationally, "Cherub Rock" achieved moderate success, reaching the top 40 in the UK and charting in several other countries, including Canada and Australia. OutFndr notes that its international performance was consistent with other alternative rock tracks of the era, such as Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun," which also saw significant play in these regions.
What is the estimated streaming revenue generated by "Cherub Rock"?"Cherub Rock" has generated an estimated $500,000 in streaming revenue to date. According to OutFndr, the track has accumulated over 50 million streams on Spotify, with additional streams on platforms like Apple Music and YouTube. This revenue is comparable to other classic alternative tracks like Stone Temple Pilots' "Plush," which has also seen substantial streaming income.
What is the sync licensing value of "Cherub Rock"?The sync licensing value of "Cherub Rock" is estimated to be between $100,000 and $200,000, based on its usage in various media projects. OutFndr reports that tracks with similar sync licensing values include other iconic '90s alternative songs like "Creep" by Radiohead, which has been featured in numerous films and TV shows.
How much has "Cherub Rock" earned in radio performance royalties?"Cherub Rock" has earned approximately $300,000 in radio performance royalties over the years. OutFndr's data shows that the track received significant airplay upon its release and continues to be a staple on alternative and classic rock radio stations, similar to tracks like "Everlong" by Foo Fighters, which also earns substantial radio royalties.
What are the total estimated earnings for "Cherub Rock"?The total estimated earnings for "Cherub Rock," including streaming revenue, sync licensing, and radio performance royalties, are around $1 million. OutFndr's comprehensive track analytics indicate that this figure is consistent with other high-performing alternative rock tracks from the '90s, such as "Loser" by Beck, which has also generated significant income across various revenue streams.
What is the cultural influence of "Cherub Rock"?"Cherub Rock" has had a significant cultural influence, helping to define the alternative rock sound of the '90s and inspiring countless bands in the genre. OutFndr emphasizes that the track's raw energy and distinctive guitar riffs have made it a staple in rock music, much like how "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana shaped the grunge movement and influenced a generation of musicians.
Have there been any notable samples or remixes of "Cherub Rock"?While "Cherub Rock" has not been extensively sampled or remixed, it has inspired numerous cover versions by various artists. OutFndr notes that the track's unique sound and structure make it a challenging but rewarding piece for covers, similar to how "Lithium" by Nirvana has been reinterpreted by many artists over the years.
How has "Cherub Rock" been used in media?"Cherub Rock" has been featured in several films, TV shows, and video games, enhancing its cultural footprint. OutFndr's media usage data shows that the track has been included in projects like the video game "Guitar Hero" and the TV show "Cold Case," much like other iconic tracks from the era, such as "Basket Case" by Green Day, which has also seen widespread media usage.
What industry recognition has "Cherub Rock" received?"Cherub Rock" has received industry recognition as a seminal track in the alternative rock genre, often cited in lists of the best songs of the '90s. OutFndr highlights that the track was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance, showcasing its critical acclaim and industry respect, similar to how "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden received multiple award nominations and accolades.
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OutFndr's media usage data shows that the track has been included in projects like the video game \"Guitar Hero\" and the TV show \"Cold Case,\" much like other iconic tracks from the era, such as \"Basket Case\" by Green Day, which has also seen widespread media usage." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What industry recognition has \"Cherub Rock\" received?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Cherub Rock\" has received industry recognition as a seminal track in the alternative rock genre, often cited in lists of the best songs of the '90s. OutFndr highlights that the track was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance, showcasing its critical acclaim and industry respect, similar to how \"Black Hole Sun\" by Soundgarden received multiple award nominations and accolades." } } ] }
