The Smashing Pumpkins’ 3 Greatest Hits That Cemented Their Rock Legend Status

The 1990s marked a golden era for grunge and alternative rock, a decade dominated by influential acts like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Soundgarden, and Nine-Inch Nails, among many others. These artists helped shape the sound of the ’90s, resonating deeply with past generations as well as newer ones. Of course, in any conversation about defining alternative rock of the ’90s, The Smashing Pumpkins can’t be left out — it would be a bit criminal to do so. In a crowded era of iconic bands, the American rock band carved out a sound that was unmistakably their own.

Renowned for blending multiple genres, The Smashing Pumpkins emerged as one of the most remarkable of their time. Despite numerous line-up changes over the years, frontman Billy Corgan has remained the primary songwriter and the band’s constant driving force. Their music has stood the test of time, producing some of the most memorable moments in the history of alternative rock. Below, we highlight three of The Smashing Pumpkins’ best tracks and explore what makes each one a standout in their legendary catalog.

"Mayonaise" (1993)

Album: 'Siamese Dream'

Written by Corgan and The Smashing Pumpkins co-founder James Iha, "Mayonaise" — intentionally spelled incorrectly — was not initially released as a single until November 20, 2023, in celebration of Siamese Dream’s 30th anniversary. Despite its non-single status, the track has managed to garner immense fan acclaim, standing as one of the band’s most beloved deep cuts in their discography. And Siamese Dream wasn’t just any album; it is highly acclaimed and widely regarded as one of the greatest alternative rock albums of the 1990s and of all time, thanks largely to tracks like "Cherub Rock," "Today," "Disarm," and, of course, "Mayonaise."

Opening with layered guitar instrumentation in a 1-minute build-up, “Mayonaise” unfolds into a dreamy and melancholic track filled with introspective lyrics. The song especially received renewed interest when it was featured on the Netflix series Beef in 2023, appearing in the final episode. Its ability to connect with listeners across generations cements its place as a timeless fan favorite and a testament to The Smashing Pumpkins’ enduring musical legacy.

"Today" (1993)

Album: 'Siamese Dream'

Another standout from the Siamese Dream album, “Today” stands as one of the most iconic songs from The Smashing Pumpkins. It has a deceptively upbeat melody, with lines like “Today is the greatest day I've ever known” suggesting that it is a positive, celebratory song. Yet, it hides a darker meaning. Written during a period when Corgan was struggling with suicidal thoughts, the lyrics, “Can't wait for tomorrow, I might not have that long,” are juxtaposed against the song’s accessible, radio-friendly tune, creating a powerful contrast between sound and subject.

The track combines bright, upbeat melodies with themes of despair and emotional struggle, making it one of those songs that feel light on the surface but reveal deeper undertones on closer listening. The song’s accompanying music video, featuring surreal imagery, became emblematic of the band’s 1990s aesthetic and helped cement its place in alternative rock history. In an interview, Corgan revealed: “I lost the ability to function. I didn’t want to go outside. I was eating like a pig and gaining weight. I couldn’t write songs.”

"1979" (1996)

Album: 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness'

The Smashing Pumpkins have, without a doubt, delivered some of rock’s most beloved tracks. But when it comes to the band’s most successful song — and one that truly defined them as a band — there’s no denying that “1979” takes the crown. Released as the lead single from Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, “1979” marked a defining moment in the band's career and became their biggest mainstream hit.

A coming-of-age anthem about the transition from the carefree days of childhood to the challenges of adulthood, the dreamy alternative rock single is beloved for capturing the universal feeling of growing older while exuding a nostalgic, atmospheric appeal, praised for its relatable lyrics and distinctive sound. The song earned Grammy nominations and won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Alternative Video, giving The Smashing Pumpkins not only one of their most beloved songs but also their highest-charting single to date. On writing the track, Corgan said:

“There was a particular feeling that I got, which was, like, in the rearview mirror of my life was youth, childhood. And it was about to go away. In front of me was everything that I hoped to become, everything that I was hoping to do in life. For some reason, in this exact particular moment at this particular stoplight with the wipers going off in front of me, that’s the feeling that I wrote the song of. So, I wrote a poem."