Try, Try, Try
"Try, Try, Try" is a song by the American alternative rock band the Smashing Pumpkins, released as the third and final single from their fifth studio album, Machina/The Machines of God, on September 11, 2000.[1] Written by frontman Billy Corgan, the track was produced by Corgan and Flood.[1] Featuring a mid-tempo arrangement with acoustic and electric guitar elements reminiscent of the band's earlier hits like "1979," the song explores themes of resilience and perseverance amid personal struggles. It achieved moderate commercial success, peaking at number 73 on the UK Singles Chart.[2] The accompanying music video, directed by Swedish filmmaker Jonas Åkerlund, presents a narrative of a young couple navigating hardship and desperation in an urban environment, blending elements of romance and tragedy to underscore the song's message of endurance.[3] Described by Corgan as a "simple love story about a young couple trying to make their way in the world," the video's raw, unflinching portrayal of adversity garnered attention for its emotional intensity.[4] Critically, "Try, Try, Try" has been praised for its melodic accessibility and lyrical depth, with some reviewers hailing it as one of Corgan's standout compositions of the era, evoking a sense of hopeful determination within the album's broader concept of human machinations and spiritual awakening.[5] The single's B-side included "Here's to the Atom Bomb," further tying into Machina's thematic exploration of technology, destruction, and redemption.[1]Background and composition
Development and recording
"Try, Try, Try" was written by Billy Corgan as part of the songwriting for the Smashing Pumpkins' fifth studio album, Machina/The Machines of God, during sessions spanning late 1998 to 2000.[6] These sessions marked the band's return to a rock-oriented sound following the electronic and synth-heavy production of their previous album, Adore (1998), with drummer Jimmy Chamberlin rejoining after a three-year absence to provide live drum tracks.[6] Corgan handled primary songwriting and production duties, co-producing the album with Flood.[7] The track was recorded primarily at Pumpkinland, the band's rehearsal complex in Chicago, from November 1998 to September 1999, with additional work and mixing at the Chicago Recording Company.[6][8] The core band lineup featured Corgan on vocals and guitar, James Iha on guitar, D'arcy Wretzky on bass, and Chamberlin on drums.[7] Keyboardist Mike Garson contributed piano and keyboard parts to the album, including on "Try, Try, Try," enhancing its atmospheric elements with subtle piano that opens the track and accentuates the chorus.[9][10] Notably, the song's drums were recorded to a click track—a rare practice for the band—with Chamberlin's performance sped up in post-production to achieve its driving tempo.[6] An alternate acoustic version of "Try, Try, Try" was developed later for the fan-released Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music, featuring a stripped-down arrangement with acoustic guitar and repeating keyboard motifs, eschewing the distortion and synth layers of the original. This version emphasized a more intimate, sparse sound, aligning with the conceptual narrative of the Machina project as a whole.[11]Musical elements
"Try, Try, Try" runs for a duration of 5 minutes and 9 seconds and is composed in the key of D major at a tempo of 108 beats per minute. The song employs a conventional verse-chorus structure augmented by a bridge, creating a dynamic progression that builds tension through its repetitive refrains.[12][13][14] The instrumentation centers on distorted electric guitars that provide a gritty alternative rock foundation, complemented by Jimmy Chamberlin's propulsive drum patterns and steady bass lines that lock into the rhythmic drive. Subtle piano elements open the track and accentuate the chorus, offering an emotional contrast to the heavier elements and enhancing the song's melodic lift. This arrangement was facilitated by the album's recording approach, which incorporated live band performances to achieve a robust rock texture.[15][16][17][18] Billy Corgan's vocal performance delivers a raw and emotive plea, characterized by his signature nasal timbre and multi-tracked harmonies that swell in the choruses for added intensity. Stylistically, the track fuses alternative rock's edge with accessible pop hooks, incorporating guitar tones that evoke synth textures reminiscent of New Order's influence on the band's sound.[19]Release and commercial performance
Single release and formats
"Try, Try, Try" was released on September 11, 2000, by Virgin Records as the third single from The Smashing Pumpkins' album Machina/The Machines of God.[1] The single was primarily issued in CD format, with the standard track listing consisting of "Try, Try, Try" (5:09) backed by the B-side "Here's to the Atom Bomb" (4:26); digital formats became available in subsequent years.[1] International CD editions followed the same core track listing, though some promotional versions included additional album tracks.[1] The song appeared on the 2001 greatest hits compilation Rotten Apples, where it replaced "Landslide" in international editions outside North America.[20] In 2025, "Try, Try, Try" received a digital re-release as part of the remastered 25th anniversary edition of Machina/The Machines of God, issued on August 22 via UMe.[21]Chart performance
"Try, Try, Try" achieved modest commercial success upon its release in 2000. In the United Kingdom, the single peaked at number 73 on the Official Singles Chart, spending one week in the top 100.[22] In Italy, it reached number 36 on the FIMI Singles Chart.[23] The track received some airplay on U.S. alternative rock radio but did not enter the Billboard Hot 100. The single did not receive any certifications worldwide, reflecting its limited sales impact at the time, which were bolstered primarily by promotion tied to the parent album Machina/The Machines of God.[24]| Chart (2000) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Italy (FIMI) | 36 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 73 |