Smashing Pumpkins Discography

The Smashing Pumpkins discography traces the evolution of modern alternative rock. Since their emergence in the early 1990s, Smashing Pumpkins have made their mark on the music world with layered and melodic rock albums. Throughout the band’s discography, the songwriting and vocal styles of front man Billy Corgan have provided a unique and recognizable sound.

1. “Gish” This 1991 release, the major label debut in the Smashing Pumpkins discography, hinted at the band’s potential as arena rock juggernauts. The album features a wide range of musical experimentation, from the down-and-dirty “I Am One” to the psychedelic pop of “Rhinoceros.” There’s even a hint of folk with “Daydream,” featuring bassist D’Arcy on lead vocals. Though the album just barely cracked the Billboard top 200, it laid the foundation for Smashing Pumpkins’ musical future.
2. “Siamese Dream” The band’s first taste of success came with the release of this 1993 album. Smashing Pumpkins’ layered instrumentation is more prevalent on this record, even though a troubled recording process led Corgan to play most of the instruments himself. The album features four songs released as singles: the rockers “Today,” “Rocket” and “Cherub Rock,” as well as the laid-back “Disarm.” The first album in Smashing Pumpkins’ discography to debut in the Billboard top ten, “Siamese Dream” confirmed the band’s arrival on the alt-rock scene.
3. “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” The 1995 follow-up to “Siamese Dream” was the most ambitious album of Smashing Pumpkins’ young discography. It features 28 songs, spanning a whopping two hours of music. The massive musical scope is still there, with songs like “Zero” and “Bullet with Butterfly Wings” serving as heavier fare. Softer, more subdued songs like “1979” have their place as well. The album hit number one on the Billboard top 200, staying on the charts for 93 weeks.
4. “Adore” Even though creative inspiration and lineup changes slightly altered Smashing Pumpkins’ sound, this 1998 album wasn’t much of a departure for the band. Corgan increased the synthesizer presence on this record, likening the music in some ways to 1980s pop. In skewed comparison to the previous album in Smashing Pumpkins’ discography, “Adore” is a relatively modest effort, containing 18 songs. Noteworthy tracks include “Ava Adore” and “Perfect.” “Adore” spent 25 weeks on the Billboard top 200, peaking at number two.
5. “MACHINA/ The Machines of God” Moving the band into concept album territory, this 2000 release is yet another ambitious record in their discography. Straightforward rock anthems “The Everlasting Gaze” and “Heavy Metal Machine” provide the album's guitar-driven substance, while songs like “Stand Inside Your Love” attempt to add depth. This album hit number three on the Billboard 200, falling off the charts after 13 weeks.
6. “Zeitgeist” After a seven year hiatus, Corgan and Smashing Pumpkins added one more album to their discography in 2007. “Zeitgeist” is another step forward for the processed and layered guitar element, featuring a multi-dimensional sound that borders on the overproduced. A departure from the cross-genre sweep of previous albums, this record is an unapologetic rocker, with seemingly less emphasis on syrupy ballads. The standout tracks include “That’s the Way (My Love Is)” and “Tarantula,” adding depth and sensibility to the album. “Zeitgeist” spent 14 weeks on the Billboard top 200, peaking at number two.