When Sixteen Stone hit the shelves in December 1994, it catapulted Bush into the stratosphere of alternative rock fame. Their mix of post-grunge aggression, melodic accessibility, and Gavin Rossdale’s brooding charisma made them an international sensation. Despite not gaining much traction in their native Britain, Sixteen Stone was certified 6x Platinum in the U.S. and Canada and 2x Platinum in Australia and New Zealand. Bush instantly shot to super-stardom, headlining sold-out arena shows with No Doubt and Goo Goo Dolls. It was seemingly impossible to turn on rock radio in the mid-90s without hearing at least one of the many hits from this album. As Sixteen Stone hits its thirtieth anniversary, Craft Recordings is giving this mammoth album its first wide reissue in a decade. Featuring six color variants available at different retailers, this reissue features the same remastering and artwork as the much-celebrated and sought-after twentieth-anniversary reissue.
The first four chords on the album are instantly recognizable to anyone who turned on the radio in their car in the 90s. “Everything Zen” is an explosive mission opener, with Gavin Rossdale’s raspy, yearning vocals cutting through Nigel Pulsford’s angular guitar riffs. The track’s mix of aggression and melody sets the tone for what follows: a collection of songs that are heavy enough to satisfy grunge fans but accessible enough to appeal to a broader audience. This formula is ultimately what led to Bush’s success as rock fans were beginning to look for some optimism after Cobain’s death earlier that year. Bush fit right into that musical taste shift that saw the rise of bands like Weezer, No Doubt, Green Day, and The Offspring all in the same year.
Though “Everything Zen” began the popularity of Bush on the radio and MTV, it would be three other songs from the album that would launch them into the stratosphere; “Comedown”, “Glycerine”, and “Machinehead”. The most unabashedly anthemic track on the album, “Machinehead” is pure adrenaline. Its opening guitar riff is instantly recognizable, setting the stage for one of Bush’s most energetic performances. The song’s relentless drive and infectious chorus make it a natural crowd-pleaser. One of the album’s most iconic tracks, “Comedown” is built around a hypnotic guitar riff, the song captures the anguish of love and its inevitable collapse. The song’s layered guitars and subtle shifts in intensity create an immersive listening experience, making it a cornerstone of Bush’s catalog. Perhaps Bush’s most famous song, “Glycerine” is a stunning departure from the rest of the album’s heavy, guitar-driven sound. Stripped down to Rossdale’s voice and a simple electric guitar arrangement, the track is raw and intimate. Its lyrics, simultaneously vague and deeply emotional, evoke a sense of longing and regret that resonates universally.
Outside of the huge hits, Sixteen Stone has a lot more to offer on its tracklist. An early single and fan favorite, “Little Things” builds from a subdued, almost meditative intro into a soaring rock anthem. The song epitomizes Bush’s ability to create dynamic shifts within their music as quiet verses explode into cathartic choruses. A hidden gem on the album, “Testosterone” blends pulsating basslines with jagged guitar work to create an unsettling yet compelling atmosphere. The lyrics are a mix of machismo and vulnerability, hinting at themes of identity and insecurity. “Alien” is a slow-burning, introspective track that feels almost cinematic in its scope. The ethereal opening gives way to throbbing basslines and soaring guitar work, with Rossdale’s vocals dripping with melancholy. Closing the album with a burst of energy, “X-Girlfriend” is raw, fast, and almost punk-like in its delivery. At just under a minute and a half, it’s the shortest track on Sixteen Stone, but its frenetic pace and cheeky lyrics provide a fittingly abrupt end to an emotionally charged album.
Sixteen Stone is a masterful debut that combines grunge’s rawness with undeniable pop sensibility. Every track contributes to its cohesive yet varied sonic palette, ensuring there’s no filler. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its nostalgic value but in the strength of its songwriting and performances, which remain as compelling today as they were in 1994. At its core, Sixteen Stone is an album of contrasts: heavy yet melodic, introspective yet radio-ready. It captured a specific moment in rock history when grunge’s rawness was evolving into something sleeker and more commercially viable. The remastering on this release really lets the vocals and instrumentation shine that you just don’t get from its digital counterpart. This is a must-own version for any fan of this album.
