Why Temple of the Dog Deserves a Second Listen

Temple of the Dog is arguably one of the most overlooked bands in music history. While their short lived career didn't produce a huge number of hits, there’s no denying that they were incredibly talented and impactful on both alternative rock and grunge movements. Their 1991 self-titled album was comprised solely of beautiful ballads and powerful anthems to emerge from Seattle during this era, leaving behind only five songs but a lasting legacy that still resonates with many fans today. Despite largely flying under the radar, here are some reasons why we should give Temple Of The Dog another listen - something critical about them along with some great aspects about why they remain special decades later.

It's easy to overlook the impact of a band that was only around for one album. But in the case of Temple of the Dog, this would be a grave mistake. Their self-titled album, released in 1991, was a heart-wrenching tribute to a beloved friend who had passed away. And while their short-lived career didn't garner the same attention as other grunge bands of the era, there’s no denying that they were a talented and impactful group. In this blog post, we’ll dive into why Temple of the Dog is one of the most overlooked bands in music history, and why they deserve another listen.

First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge the deep emotionality that infuses Temple of the Dog’s music. The band was formed in response to the death of Andrew Wood, the lead singer of Mother Love Bone, who was Chris Cornell's close friend and former roommate. In response to his passing, the members of Mother Love Bone and Soundgarden came together to make music that honored Wood's memory. As a result, their eponymous album is a raw and visceral expression of grief, with tracks like Hunger Strike and Say Hello 2 Heaven acting as emotional anchors for the record. In a time when grunge was often characterized by aggression and angst, Temple of the Dog stood out for its vulnerability and sincerity.

Another key aspect of Temple of the Dog's legacy is their experimentation with genre. Though they were often lumped in with the grunge movement, their music drew on a wide range of influences, including classic rock, blues, and soul. This is perhaps most evident in the album's closing track, All Night Thing, which features a jazzy piano riff and a slow, sultry groove. It’s this willingness to push beyond the boundaries of grunge that makes Temple of the Dog such an interesting and dynamic band to listen to.

Of course, it's impossible to talk about Temple of the Dog without mentioning their star power. The band featured some of the most talented and influential musicians of the time, including Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Audioslave), Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam), and Mike McCready (Pearl Jam, Mad Season). Their collaborative effort resulted in a sound that was both familiar and yet completely different from their individual projects. And while they only released one album, their influence on the world of alternative rock and grunge has been long-lasting.

Perhaps one of the most important reasons to give Temple of the Dog another listen is to honor the memory of Andrew Wood. His passing was a devastating loss for the Seattle music community, and the album that Temple of the Dog produced in his memory acts as a powerful tribute to his life and legacy. Listening to their music is a way to keep his memory alive, and to appreciate the impact that he had on the musicians who knew and loved him.

Temple of the Dog may not have had the same commercial success as some of their contemporaries, but their impact on the world of music cannot be overstated. Their self-titled album was a beautiful tribute to a lost friend, and remains a potent expression of grief and love to this day. From their genre-bending experimentation to their impressive roster of musicians, there are plenty of reasons to give Temple of the Dog another listen. And if you do, you'll find that their music still resonates with the same power and emotion that it did over 30 years ago.