Review Summary: The Smashing Pumpkins smash through into their career with a true masterpiece that excels in musical prominence, and begins an era of melodic intercourse with alternative appreciation.
The Smashing Pumpkins have taken their sophomore album a gigantic leap forward since "Gish", released in 1991. Where simplicity strengthens "Gish", "Siamese Dream" only excels where the other areas failed. The issues of this release are few and far between. The situations presented in this masterpiece that were supposed to be in a family with “Gish” are all together removed. This album expresses true emotion, true art, and a very basic mentality that is safe for any opaque concept to be understood. This is where 'The Smashing Pumpkins' show their audience where the spotlight needs to be in their career.
"Siamese Dream" is an album that impales other bands of the similar genre at this point in time. Wherever this album took its inspiration, Billy Corgan has truly outdone himself, along with the massive audience which has surely been attracted like dogs to a fresh T-bone. From the very beginning with the excellent drum roll in 'Cherub Rock', to the sensational outro of 'Luna', this album is jam packed with excitement and emotion that will never drag itself, no matter how many times you indulge on this package. 'Siamese Dream' is very close to an understanding of what alternative is to always be. Hard riffs are balanced out by amazing interludes of substantial intensity. The rock exists, is very much alive, and well, and 'Smashing Pumpkins' trademark style influences every bit of it to its greatest extent. The musical power of this album could not have been better portrayed with the instruments, perfectly harmonizing themselves with Billy Corgan's superb vocals. The drumming on this album is so great; it's hardly likely you will lose the amazing beat. The bass sets the volume of this album fantastically, along with the hard riffs, while not discriminating the vocals. The vocals are a true masterpiece as much as any other part of this album. Everything is set exactly to where it ought to be, and the massive volume changes for all members’ parts, allows each member to emphasize their true talent at the most prominent points.
This album is all about attraction. About 3 to 4 songs in this album, it will be hard to stop. The curiosity of knowing what else there is to be said alone, keeps this album going till the very end. If there is any doubt that 'Siamese Dream' is not the ultimate alternative rock attraction for all generations, then this album does not deserve its high ratings. As far as issues in this album go, the flow of this album is somewhat off towards the middle, where most tracks go heavy and hard, and change quite rapidly out of the style into melodies, and occasionally off instrumentals. In some, but very little areas, the album seems to lose its beat, but only for a very short time.
chances are, that if you've ever heard of 'Smashing Pumpkins', you've heard something from this album, be it the radio, or your friend inspired you to try them. This album is where alt rock can really shine, and shine bright. It’s a must-have for any 'Smashing Pumpkins' fan. Without this album, you can’t truly appreciate any of 'Smashing Pumpkins' other content.
