Extreme discography

The discography of Extreme, the American hard rock band formed in Boston in 1985, comprises six studio albums, one live album, two extended plays (released exclusively in Japan), two compilation albums, and eighteen singles, spanning from their debut in 1989 to their most recent output in 2023.^[1][2] Extreme's recording career began with their self-titled debut album in 1989, which introduced their fusion of hard rock, funk metal, and glam influences but achieved modest commercial success. Their second album, Extreme II: Pornograffitti (1990), marked their breakthrough, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and earning double-platinum certification from the RIAA for sales exceeding two million copies in the United States.^[3] The album's acoustic ballad "More Than Words" topped the Billboard Hot 100 for one week and received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, while follow-up single "Hole Hearted" reached No. 4 on the chart, solidifying the band's mainstream appeal in the early 1990s.^[3][4] Subsequent releases III Sides to Every Story (1992) and Waiting for the Punchline (1995) explored more progressive and experimental sounds, though they underperformed commercially compared to their sophomore effort, leading to a hiatus after the latter. Extreme reunited in 2007, issuing Saudades de Rock in 2008, which blended their signature style with Brazilian influences and peaked at No. 78 on the Billboard 200. A live album, Pornograffitti Live 25/Metal Meltdown: An Evening with Nuno Bettencourt & Extreme (2016), celebrated the enduring legacy of their breakthrough record. Their sixth studio album, Six (2023), debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart, signaling a strong return with renewed touring activity.^[1][5][6]

Albums

Studio albums

Extreme, the debut studio album by the American rock band Extreme, was released on March 14, 1989, by A&M Records in formats including vinyl, cassette, and CD. It peaked at number 80 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album did not receive any major certifications. Extreme's second studio album, Extreme II: Pornograffitti, was released on August 7, 1990, also by A&M Records, available on CD, cassette, and vinyl. It achieved commercial success, peaking at number 10 on the US Billboard 200, number 27 on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart, and number 12 on the UK Albums Chart. The album was certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA in the United States for shipments of two million units, Gold by ARIA in Australia, and Gold by the BPI in the United Kingdom. A 25th anniversary deluxe edition was released in 2015, featuring remastered tracks, B-sides, and remixes on a double CD set. The band's third studio album, III Sides to Every Story, came out on September 22, 1992, under A&M Records in CD, cassette, and LP formats. It reached number 10 on the US Billboard 200 and number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. Certifications include Gold by the RIAA in the United States, Gold by the BPI in the United Kingdom, and Gold by Music Canada. Waiting for the Punchline, Extreme's fourth studio album, was released on February 14, 1995, by A&M Records, primarily on CD with limited vinyl pressings. The album peaked at number 40 on the US Billboard 200 and number 10 on the UK Albums Chart. It has not received any RIAA or BPI certifications. After a 13-year hiatus from full-length releases, Extreme returned with Saudades de Rock on August 12, 2008, via Frontiers Records in CD and digital formats. It debuted at number 78 on the US Billboard 200. No major certifications were awarded. The band's sixth and most recent studio album, Six, was released on June 9, 2023, by earMUSIC in CD, vinyl, and digital formats. It peaked at number 67 on the US Billboard 200, number 5 on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart, number 12 on the Top Rock Albums chart, number 22 on the UK Albums Chart, and number 32 on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart. As of November 2025, it has no certifications.

Live albums

Extreme has released two live albums, capturing their high-energy performances during key tours. The band's debut live album, Take Us Alive, was released on May 4, 2010, by Frontiers Records in the United States and April 23, 2010, in Europe.^[7] Recorded on August 8, 2009, at the House of Blues in their hometown of Boston, Massachusetts, it documents the final show of the East Meets West Tour supporting the 2008 studio album Saudades de Rock.^[8] The double-CD set features a 17-track performance blending hits and deeper cuts from across their discography, including extended renditions of "Decadence Dance" (8:12) and a medley of early tracks ("Kid Ego" / "Little Girls" / "Wind Me Up"), alongside staples like "Hole Hearted," "Get the Funk Out," and "More Than Words."^[9] Unique elements include the title track "Take Us Alive," an original composition debuted live during the tour, and instrumental showcases such as "Flight of the Wounded Bumblebee," highlighting guitarist Nuno Bettencourt's virtuosity.^[10] The album emphasizes the band's raw stage chemistry and audience interaction in an intimate venue setting. Their second live album, Pornograffitti Live 25 / Metal Meltdown, arrived on October 14, 2016, via Loud & Proud Records.^[11] Captured on May 30, 2015, at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, during their 2015-2016 tour, it commemorates the 25th anniversary of the 1990 studio album Pornograffitti by performing the entire record in sequence.^[12] The 14-track audio release runs approximately 75 minutes, delivering faithful yet amplified versions of classics like "Decadence Dance" (9:29), "Get the Funk Out" (6:16), and "More Than Words" (6:15), with the set closing on "Stop the World."^[13] Produced as part of the Metal Meltdown concert film series and directed by Brian Lockwood, the album stands out for its complete album recreation, showcasing the band's enduring appeal and technical prowess in a larger arena environment.^[14] It peaked at number 40 on the UK Independent Albums Chart.^[15]

Compilation albums

Extreme's compilation albums consist of two retrospective collections that aggregate selections from their early studio output, primarily drawing from the band's debut through Waiting for the Punchline (1989–1995). These releases highlight the group's fusion of hard rock, funk metal, and acoustic ballads, with a focus on commercial hits and select deeper cuts, serving as accessible entry points for fans and newcomers alike.^[16][17] The first compilation, The Best of Extreme: An Accidental Collision of Atoms?, was released on September 22, 1998, by A&M Records in association with Island Records, initially targeted at the Japanese market before wider international availability. This 13-track set compiles material exclusively from the band's first four studio albums, emphasizing their breakthrough singles such as the acoustic ballad "More Than Words" and the lighter "Hole Hearted," alongside heavier tracks like "Decadence Dance" and "Get the Funk Out." It includes an exclusive remix, the "Horn Mix" of "Cupid's Dead," which adds brass elements not found on the original III Sides to Every Story version, providing a fresh take on the song's introspective lyrics. The tracklist is as follows:

1. Decadence Dance
2. Rest in Peace
3. Kid Ego
4. Get the Funk Out
5. Tragic Comic
6. Hip Today
7. Stop the World
8. More Than Words
9. Cupid's Dead (Horn Mix)
10. Leave Me Alone
11. Play with Me
12. Hole Hearted
13. Am I Ever Gonna Change

This collection underscores Extreme's versatility, balancing their aggressive funk-infused rockers with vulnerable power ballads that propelled them to mainstream success in the early 1990s.^[18][16] In 2002, The Collection followed on Hip-O Records (distributed under Spectrum Music in some regions), offering a 15-track overview that spans the band's formative years with a slight emphasis on pre-Pornograffitti material. Released amid a period of band hiatus, it features remastered versions of core hits including "More Than Words," "Hole Hearted," and "Get the Funk Out," while incorporating rarities from their early career such as the punk-tinged "Mutha (Don't Wanna Go to School Today)" (a B-side) and "Little Girls" from the debut album, which highlight the group's raw, glam-influenced origins. Other selections like "Decadence Dance" and "Cupid's Dead" reinforce their hard rock edge, with the compilation avoiding later works to focus on the era that defined their commercial peak. The tracklist includes:

1. Mutha (Don't Wanna Go to School Today)
2. Little Girls
3. Kid Ego
4. Wind Me Up
5. When I'm President
6. More Than Words
7. It ('s a Monster)
8. Decadence Dance
9. Hole Hearted
10. Get the Funk Out
11. Song for Love
12. Cupid's Dead
13. Warheads
14. Hip Today
15. There Is No God

This release provides deeper insight into Extreme's evolution, blending familiar anthems with lesser-known tracks to appeal to dedicated collectors.^[19][17]

Extended plays and singles

Extended plays

Extreme released two extended plays, both exclusive to the Japanese market and issued by A&M Records. These EPs served as promotional tie-ins to the band's full-length albums, offering remixes, B-sides, live recordings, and outtakes to dedicated fans in that region. Extragraffitti was released on November 21, 1990, as a CD EP limited to Japan. It compiled edited versions and remixes of tracks primarily from the band's 1990 album Pornograffitti, along with singles from their debut album and a bonus message, presented in a compact format with unique packaging including an obi strip and promotional sticker. The EP was distributed solely through Japanese retailers, emphasizing the band's growing international appeal during their breakthrough period. No chart performance was recorded for this release in available Oricon data.^[20] Running Gag, the band's second EP, followed on July 7, 1995, also as a Japan-exclusive CD release. Drawing from sessions for the 1995 album Waiting for the Punchline, it included a radio edit of the single "Unconditionally" alongside live recordings and an unreleased outtake, "When Will It Rain," which featured acoustic elements reflective of the album's stripped-back style. The EP reached number 69 on the Japanese Oricon chart, underscoring its niche appeal amid the band's winding down of activities. Distribution remained limited to Japan, with no cassette or other formats noted, and artwork tied into promotional efforts for the parent album's tour.

Singles

Extreme's singles discography spans over three decades, beginning with their 1989 debut album Extreme and continuing with digital releases as recent as 2025. The band, signed to A&M Records for their early work and later to earMUSIC, released singles in various formats including 7" vinyl, CD, cassette, and digital downloads. Their commercial breakthrough came with the 1991 acoustic ballad "More Than Words" from Extreme II: Pornograffitti, which topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. Other notable hits include "Hole Hearted" and "Get the Funk Out," both from the same album, showcasing the band's blend of hard rock and funk influences. Later singles from albums like III Sides to Every Story (1992) and Waiting for the Punchline (1995) achieved moderate success on rock charts, while post-2008 releases from Saudades de Rock and Six (2023) have focused on digital promotion and touring support, with no major chart entries but strong fan engagement. The following table lists the band's officially released singles in chronological order, including release year, parent album, label, selected formats, B-sides where applicable, peak chart positions on major charts, and certifications. Charts include US Billboard Hot 100, US Mainstream Rock, and UK Singles Chart. Not all singles charted, and some were promotional or region-specific. Additional promotional singles include "Cynical" (1995, Waiting for the Punchline, promo only). ^[21] The band's singles often featured music videos, with early ones aired on MTV and recent ones on YouTube, contributing to their enduring fanbase. Post-2023 releases emphasize digital formats, aligning with modern promotion strategies.

Other releases

Guest appearances

Extreme's guest appearances primarily consist of original studio recordings contributed to charity compilations and film soundtracks, showcasing the full band's performance in a rock-oriented vein similar to their own singles. In 1992, Extreme performed "Christmas Time Again," an original holiday track written by Nuno Bettencourt and Gary Cherone, on the charity compilation A Very Special Christmas 2, released by A&M Records in association with Atlantic Records to benefit the Special Olympics.^[35][36] The album featured contributions from artists including Jon Bon Jovi, Barenaked Ladies, and Run-D.M.C., and achieved commercial success, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 1 on the Top Holiday Albums chart, while earning a triple platinum certification from the RIAA for sales exceeding 3 million units in the United States. The track, produced by Bettencourt, has been reissued in digital formats and included in subsequent Special Olympics compilation series. The following year, in 1993, Extreme contributed "Where Are You Going?," another original composition, to the Super Mario Bros. (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), issued by Capitol Records as a tie-in for the live-action film adaptation of the Nintendo video game franchise.^[37][38] The soundtrack compiled rock tracks from various artists such as Roxette, Joe Satriani, and Megadeth to complement the film's energetic tone, with Extreme delivering a full-band performance featuring Cherone's vocals and Bettencourt's guitar work. While the album did not achieve significant chart placement, individual singles from it, like Roxette's "Almost Unreal," reached number 94 on the Billboard Hot 100; the compilation has seen reissues in digital streaming services.

Video albums

Extreme's video album releases primarily consist of compilations featuring music videos, live performances, and supplementary material, documenting the band's visual output from their early career through their 2000s reunion. These releases complement their audio discography by providing visual context to key tracks from albums like Pornograffitti and III Sides to Every Story, often drawing from promotional videos and tour footage.^[39] The Best of Extreme
Released on August 3, 2004, by Universal Music Group in DVD format (NTSC), this compilation runs approximately 60 minutes and features 11 music videos and live performance clips, including "Kid Ego," "Decadence Dance," "More Than Words," "Hole Hearted," "Get the Funk Out," "Song for Love," "Stop the World," "Everything Under the Sun," "Cupid's Dead," "Rest in Peace," and a live rendition of "More Than Words" from the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards. Directed by various filmmakers such as David Hogan for "More Than Words," the collection highlights the band's hits from their first three studio albums without additional interviews or bonus features. It was primarily available in North America and Europe, with no major reissues noted, though individual videos have been uploaded to digital platforms like YouTube post-2020 for streaming access.^[40][41] Videograffitti
Issued on June 13, 2006, by A&M Records in DVD format (NTSC/PAL variants for regional compatibility), this 120-minute release mixes 13 music videos with live clips from the band's 1991-1992 tours at venues like Hammersmith Odeon and Wembley Arena in England, plus band interviews. Videos include "Rest in Peace," "Pornograffitti," "Color Me Blind," "Hole Hearted," "More Than Words," and others from Extreme II: Pornograffitti and III Sides to Every Story, alongside five live performance excerpts and two alternate performance videos. Directors for key videos include Julien Temple for "Decadence Dance." Targeted at international markets including the US, UK, and Europe, it saw a 2004 VHS precursor in some regions but no significant reissues; select content became available on digital streaming services like YouTube after 2020.^[42][43][44] Take Us Alive
Frontiers Records released this DVD on May 4, 2010, in NTSC format with a runtime of 120 minutes, capturing a full concert filmed on August 8, 2009, at the House of Blues in Boston, Massachusetts, during the band's Saudades de Rock tour. Synced with the accompanying live audio album of the same name, it includes the complete setlist of 18 songs spanning their catalog, such as "Decadence Dance," "More Than Words," and tracks from their 2008 album. Bonus features comprise four music videos—"King of the Ladies," "Interface," "Run," and "Ghost"—from Saudades de Rock, directed by David Hogan and others. Available globally with a digipak edition, it has no Blu-ray reissue but portions of the concert and videos are streamable on platforms like YouTube since 2020.^[45][8][46]