10 music supergroup moments you need to hear

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As a music enthusiast who’s been spinning records since the days of vinyl, I must say that these supergroups have certainly made their mark on the musical landscape. From the gritty rock of The Highwaymen to the genre-bending experiments of SuperHeavy, there’s something for every kind of audiophile in this list.

When music legends come together, the result can be spectacular, and some of these supergroup moments were pretty well known, especially when they occurred. However, not every collaboration gets the recognition it deserves, and it pays to look back and remember, “Oh yeah, that happened!” So, here’s a list of 10 (sometimes overlooked or forgotten) supergroup moments that deserve your attention.

1. Revolting Cocks – “Dead End Streets”

This heavyweight in the industrial music scene boasts a remarkable roster: Al Jourgensen (Ministry), Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys, political figure of sorts), Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick), and Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top). Their song “Dead End Streets” blends punk rock, southern rock, metal, and industrial genres for a dynamic, powerful performance.

This collaboration might surprise some, as it seems a bit unconventional, but for certain individuals, it’s just the right kind of unorthodox. Jello’s voice shines particularly well here, and even those who typically don’t appreciate his distinctive vocals might concede they fit remarkably well in this instance. The lyrics are powerful, and the slide guitar solos by Nielsen and Gibbons add an extra flavor, almost like a gourmet sauce. If there is one underestimated choice on this list, this could very well be it.

Layne Staley’s other band

2. Mad Season – “River of Deceit”

Mad Season was a musical collaboration featuring Layne Staley from Alice in Chains, Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, Barrett Martin from Screaming Trees, and John Baker Saunders. Their album “Above” and particularly the track “River of Deceit,” embodied the raw, introspective charm that defined the ’90s grunge era. (In another notable musical collaboration for a future list, Anne Wilson of Heart teamed up with Alice in Chains on their “Sap” EP.)

3. The Power Station – “Some Like It Hot”

This track embodies the iconic style of ’80s pop music. Some listeners might appreciate it sincerely or find it irresistibly reminiscent of ’80s cheese, but either way, it’s got that classic vibe. The Power Station, with members like Robert Palmer, John Taylor, Andy Taylor (from Duran Duran), and Tony Thompson (Chic), combined rock and funk in their songs, such as “Some Like It Hot.” Their sound was catchy and blended the distinct styles of each member into a unique blend that transcended genres.

In the music video, it’s true that there is a recurring theme of T&A, which was a characteristic style of Robert Palmer during that time. In the 1980s, young boys who were just discovering their adolescence might have turned to their fathers’ closets or MTV music videos for insights into girls. Robert Palmer seemed content to provide such insights. However, it’s important to note that our focus here is not on judgment…

Them Crooked Vultures had some swagger

4. Them Crooked Vultures – “New Fang”

Formed by Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), and Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana), Them Crooked Vultures unveiled their debut single “New Fang”, demonstrating their unique yet harmonious methods in hard rock music.

5. Electronic – “Getting Away with It”

In a collaboration that beautifully blends their unique styles, Bernard Sumner (New Order), Johnny Marr (The Smiths), and Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys) came together to form Electronic. Their synth-pop track “Getting Away with It” is an impressive fusion of each artist’s distinctive sound, albeit reminiscent of “Love My Way” by the Psychedelic Furs. Despite my personal preference for the latter song, this track remains a delightful throwback to the ’80s.

3 RATM members + Chris Cornell = supergroup magic

6. Audioslave – “Cochise”

In the 2000s, a renowned collective brought together Chris Cornell’s (Soundgarden) formidable vocal talents with the instrumental prowess of Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk (Rage Against the Machine). Their first album was launched with the anthemic track “Cochise,” setting the stage for a powerful debut. Despite their popularity during that time, it appears some notable highlights from this band’s career are being overlooked as the years pass by.

7. The Highwaymen – “Highwayman”

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d like to shed some light on an often-overlooked gem in the world of music. The Highwaymen, comprising Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, were a country supergroup who truly redefined the genre. Their song “Highwayman” is a classic tale of death, rebirth, and legend that transcends time, and it showcases an unforgettable moment in musical history. Whether you’re a country music aficionado or not, this tune has a certain allure, and it’s definitely worth remembering as a supergroup moment to cherish.

Blur, The Clash, The Verve, and an afro-beat legend

8. The Good, The Bad & The Queen – “Herculean”

Damon Albarn (of Blur and Gorillaz) spearheaded this endeavor in collaboration with Paul Simonon (The Clash), Simon Tong (The Verve), and Tony Allen (associated with Fela Kuti). The track “Herculean” is particularly noteworthy for its brooding, contemplative atmosphere and diverse musical elements.

9. Chickenfoot – “Soap on a Rope”

Showcasing Sammy Hagar (of Van Halen), guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony (also from Van Halen), and Chad Smith (from Red Hot Chili Peppers), the rock band Chickenfoot offered an electrifying performance on their debut single “Soap on a Rope.” With their exceptional skills, they produced an impressive debut, appealing primarily to those with a taste for this genre. It’s important to note that a lineup like this won’t cater to everyone’s preferences. However, it’s worth mentioning that not every playlist can please everyone.

10. SuperHeavy – “Miracle Worker”

Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart (of Eurythmics), Damian Marley, and A. R. Rahman came together to form SuperHeavy, a surprising blend of rock, reggae, and world music genres. Their song “Miracle Worker” is a testament to their genre-bending creativity. Whether this amalgamation works harmoniously is subjective; it’s something that different people might perceive differently. Regardless, if you have an open mind, it’s definitely worth giving SuperHeavy’s music a listen.

These collaborations show us how unusual pairings in music can result in something truly remarkable. Go back and listen to these songs again, as they might be hidden treasures you didn’t notice before. Don’t worry if some tracks don’t resonate with you; at least you gave them a chance!

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2024-11-15 16:01