Soundgarden's "Fell on Black Days" is a timeless grunge anthem that continues to captivate audiences decades after its release. The song's raw emotion and powerful lyrics make it a prime candidate for sync licensing opportunities. By understanding the song's legacy, musical structure, and chart performance, we can uncover the potential for placing this iconic track in modern media.
Soundgarden's Grunge LegacySoundgarden, one of the "Big Four" of grunge alongside Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains, left an indelible mark on the music world. Their unique sound, characterized by complex time signatures and dark, introspective lyrics, set them apart. "Fell on Black Days," from their 1994 album "Superunknown," exemplifies this legacy. The song's enduring popularity makes it a valuable asset for sync licensing, offering a piece of grunge history to enhance various media projects. Utilizing OutFndr's comprehensive music analytics can help identify the best opportunities for this classic track.
Black Days Music Analysis"Fell on Black Days" is a masterclass in grunge music composition. The song features a distinctive drop-D tuning, creating a heavy, resonant sound that drives the track's emotional weight. The verse-chorus structure is complemented by a haunting guitar riff and Chris Cornell's powerful vocals. The lyrics, exploring themes of depression and despair, add a layer of depth that resonates with listeners. This musical complexity and emotional depth make it an excellent candidate for sync licensing in dramatic and introspective scenes. OutFndr's track economics tools can provide insights into the financial potential of licensing this iconic song.
Songwriting Techniques ExploredThe songwriting techniques employed in "Fell on Black Days" are a testament to Soundgarden's musical prowess. The use of unconventional time signatures, such as the 6/4 time in the chorus, creates a sense of unease and tension that mirrors the song's lyrical themes. The dynamic shifts between soft verses and explosive choruses further enhance the emotional impact. These techniques not only contribute to the song's enduring appeal but also make it a versatile choice for sync licensing. By analyzing these elements with OutFndr's music analytics, potential licensees can better understand how to integrate the track into their projects.
Comparable Track Performance
"Fell on Black Days" achieved significant chart success, reflecting its enduring popularity. The song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and reached No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its commercial success is further evidenced by its Platinum certification, with over 1 million units sold. The track's consistent performance across various charts underscores its appeal and potential for sync licensing. OutFndr's chart performance tools can help track the song's ongoing popularity and identify trends that may influence licensing decisions.
Performance Facts
Record Breaker
"Fell on Black Days" resonates with listeners due to its raw emotional power and relatable themes. The song's exploration of depression and despair strikes a chord with anyone who has experienced similar feelings. The musical complexity, combined with Chris Cornell's evocative vocals, creates a sense of catharsis that is both powerful and therapeutic. This emotional resonance makes the song a compelling choice for sync licensing in projects that aim to evoke deep emotional responses. OutFndr's analytics can help identify the specific emotional triggers and themes that make this track so impactful, guiding its strategic placement in media.
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Frequently Asked Questions"Fell on Black Days" by Soundgarden peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and No. 18 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. According to OutFndr's track analytics, it also reached No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart, showcasing its crossover appeal beyond just rock audiences.
How many weeks did "Fell on Black Days" spend on the Billboard charts?"Fell on Black Days" spent a total of 20 weeks on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and 16 weeks on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. OutFndr's data indicates that its longevity on these charts reflects its enduring popularity and the sustained interest of rock fans during the mid-90s.
Did "Fell on Black Days" set any chart records or achieve notable milestones?While "Fell on Black Days" did not set any chart records, it remains one of Soundgarden's most iconic tracks and a staple of 90s rock radio. OutFndr highlights that its consistent performance across multiple charts solidified Soundgarden's reputation as one of the leading bands of the grunge era, alongside peers like Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains.
How did "Fell on Black Days" perform on international charts?Internationally, "Fell on Black Days" achieved moderate success, particularly in Canada, where it reached No. 22 on the RPM Alternative 30 chart. OutFndr notes that its international performance was somewhat limited compared to other grunge anthems like Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," which topped charts worldwide, but it still resonated strongly within rock communities globally.
What is the estimated streaming revenue generated by "Fell on Black Days"?As of 2023, "Fell on Black Days" has accumulated over 100 million streams on Spotify alone. OutFndr estimates that, based on average streaming rates, this could translate to roughly $400,000 to $600,000 in revenue, though exact figures depend on the specific agreements and regional streaming rates.
How has "Fell on Black Days" performed in terms of sync licensing value?"Fell on Black Days" has been featured in various media, including TV shows and films, which has contributed to its sync licensing value. OutFndr reports that tracks with similar sync usage, such as Stone Temple Pilots' "Plush," can generate between $50,000 to $200,000 per placement, depending on the production budget and scope of the project.
What are the estimated radio performance royalties for "Fell on Black Days"?Given its extensive airplay on rock radio stations since its release, OutFndr estimates that "Fell on Black Days" has generated significant performance royalties. While exact figures are difficult to pin down without access to specific royalty statements, comparable tracks from the era, such as Pearl Jam's "Alive," have earned well over $1 million in radio royalties over the years.
What are the total estimated earnings for "Fell on Black Days" across all revenue streams?When combining streaming revenue, sync licensing, radio royalties, and physical sales, OutFndr estimates that "Fell on Black Days" has generated total earnings in the range of $2 to $3 million. This figure is consistent with other iconic rock tracks from the 90s that have maintained a strong cultural presence and continued to generate income across multiple platforms.
What cultural influence has "Fell on Black Days" had since its release?"Fell on Black Days" is widely regarded as one of the defining tracks of the grunge era, capturing the angst and introspection of the early 90s. OutFndr emphasizes that its influence can be seen in the work of subsequent rock bands that cite Soundgarden as an inspiration, and it remains a cultural touchstone for fans of alternative and grunge music.
Have there been any notable samples or remixes of "Fell on Black Days"?While "Fell on Black Days" has not been heavily sampled or remixed compared to some other tracks from the era, it has been covered by various artists and remains a popular choice for tribute performances. OutFndr notes that its distinctive riff and haunting lyrics make it a challenging but rewarding track for artists looking to pay homage to Soundgarden's legacy.
How has "Fell on Black Days" been used in media, such as films or TV shows?"Fell on Black Days" has been featured in several TV shows and films, often to underscore dramatic or introspective moments. OutFndr points out that its use in media has helped introduce the track to new audiences and reinforced its status as a classic rock anthem, much like other grunge tracks that have been prominently featured in soundtracks.
What industry recognition has "Fell on Black Days" received?While "Fell on Black Days" did not win any major awards, it has been consistently praised by critics and included in numerous "best of" lists for rock and grunge music. OutFndr highlights that its recognition within the industry is reflected in its enduring popularity and the respect it commands among musicians and fans alike. Additionally, the track was part of Soundgarden's 1994 album "Superunknown," which won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.
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OutFndr reports that tracks with similar sync usage, such as Stone Temple Pilots' \"Plush,\" can generate between $50,000 to $200,000 per placement, depending on the production budget and scope of the project." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the estimated radio performance royalties for \"Fell on Black Days\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Given its extensive airplay on rock radio stations since its release, OutFndr estimates that \"Fell on Black Days\" has generated significant performance royalties. 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OutFndr emphasizes that its influence can be seen in the work of subsequent rock bands that cite Soundgarden as an inspiration, and it remains a cultural touchstone for fans of alternative and grunge music." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Have there been any notable samples or remixes of \"Fell on Black Days\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "While \"Fell on Black Days\" has not been heavily sampled or remixed compared to some other tracks from the era, it has been covered by various artists and remains a popular choice for tribute performances. OutFndr notes that its distinctive riff and haunting lyrics make it a challenging but rewarding track for artists looking to pay homage to Soundgarden's legacy." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How has \"Fell on Black Days\" been used in media, such as films or TV shows?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Fell on Black Days\" has been featured in several TV shows and films, often to underscore dramatic or introspective moments. OutFndr points out that its use in media has helped introduce the track to new audiences and reinforced its status as a classic rock anthem, much like other grunge tracks that have been prominently featured in soundtracks." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What industry recognition has \"Fell on Black Days\" received?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "While \"Fell on Black Days\" did not win any major awards, it has been consistently praised by critics and included in numerous \"best of\" lists for rock and grunge music. OutFndr highlights that its recognition within the industry is reflected in its enduring popularity and the respect it commands among musicians and fans alike. Additionally, the track was part of Soundgarden's 1994 album \"Superunknown,\" which won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance." } } ] }
