Jane’s Addiction was the very first alternative-rock band for whom the major record labels battled. They did it through great songs and through an extremist approach to presentation. The group’s end through a stage fight may have been said. But when all is said and done, Jane’s Addiction is one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

To celebrate the alt-rock’s undeniable legacy, I’ve ventured into its brief discography once more and have unilaterally decided that these are Jane’s Addiction’s 10 best songs.

Greatest 10 Songs by Jane’s Addiction

10. “Underground”

Ok. Ok. Jane’s Addiction was a groundbreaking force. But this isn’t, in my estimate, a tremendously versatile group. Not that the musicians haven’t tried solo, under their famous moniker.

Besides, one half of the band, singer Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro, became reality television stars during the 2000s. That was rather distracting for long-time fans.

The faithful didn’t quite react to the comeback album “The Great Escape Artist.” It’s a shame. It’s a good album, and it features Guns N’ Roses’ Duff McKagan on bass guitar. The opener, “Underground,” is the best cut here and worth discovering.

9. “Classic Girl”

Perry Farrell may have designed his stage persona as a modern, unhinged Jim Morrison-like character. But he was a romantic at heart.

“Classic Girl” is the softest, prettiest of songs by the alt-rock band. And, perhaps, most importantly, it’s inspired by Casey Niccoli, the band’s muse, and, as it turns out, an essential reason for the band’s creative prowess.

8. “Been Caught Stealing”

It’s more than a little ironic that “Been Caught Stealing” was the song that finally turned Jane’s Addiction into MTV-approved stars.

By the time of the video’s release, the group was already legendary. Labels had outbid each other to sign them. The band had inspired a musical scene. And Ferrell had launched the alternative extravaganza of the Lollapalooza festival.

Still, “Been Caught Stealing” is a charming song. It’s driven by a funk groove. It has Ferrell rapping about ripping off department stores. And, it’s the band’s most famous tune.

7. “Whores”

Oh, Jane’s Addiction could rock! Don’t let anybody tell you different! This group wasn’t just an artsy set of ideals better remembered through stories than through music.

“Whores” sounds ferocious. And, it very much encapsulates the band’s early philosophy. They were going to live their lives as close to street level as they could. Sure, that nearly cost them their lives. But, just take a listen to those Dave Navarro guitar riffs!

6. “Just Because”

They came back! And, would you believe it… people missed them! The alternative-rock community couldn’t be more excited by the return album, 2003’s “Stray.” But then they heard it.

That’s overselling the idea just a little. “Strays” was a fine, if slightly underwhelming record, which, for one thing, did not include the great Eric Avery.

“Just Because” is the top cut and a real highlight. It’s one of the best rock singles of the early 2000s.

Even if nostalgia played a big part in the band’s continued attempts at regaining its form, “Just Because” was a hint that greatness could still exist in a mix that included Ferrell, Navarro, Perkins and, with luck, Avery.

5. “Stop!”

Jane’s Addiction had the element of surprise in their favor. The group’s early efforts were as wild as they were legendary.

Everyone expecting some leftfield rock music must’ve been pleased with “Stop!” the hard-rocking opening track off the legendary album “Ritual de lo Habitual.”

This didn’t seem like a group built to last (that turned out to be both true and false). But, at its peak, it was a sensational band.

4. “Ocean Size”

Jane’s Addiction made exciting, dangerous music. Not all of it was about kinky sex, stealing things from stores, and taking drugs.

“Ocean Size” is a surf song. But the band play it with the commitment of Mongol invaders. It’s a real highlight of the band’s discography.

3. “Three Days”

“Three Days” was, really, the song that tied “Ritual de lo Habitual” together. It was the song Jane’s Addiction had been working toward since the group’s debut.

A Zeppelin-like mystical journey delivered through Dave Navarro’s expressive guitar and Farrell’s lyrics about threesomes and dearly departed friends, there wasn’t any band producing music like this in 1990.

Fittingly, this was, in many ways, the band’s final breath. Farrell split up the band. Hard drugs entered the equation. Sure, they returned eventually (even a few times). But those who want to remember Jane’s Addiction at its best will point to this one.

2. “Jane Says”

Not many bands tell the story of the group’s name through song. Black Sabbath, Bad Company, and Green Day did it, too, for sure.

But does any of the songs provide a harder emotional punch than “Jane Says?” I don’t think so.

A song about emotional abuse, addiction, and broken promises, this is one of Jane’s Addiction’s songs that has aged best.

1. “Mountain Song”

It’s that Eric Avery bass riff that plugs you into “Mountain Song,” one of the band’s earliest singles and doesn’t allow you to live!

In fact, Avery’s playing was a force of nature and element that the band missed upon his numerous departures. Beyond that, he and Stephen Perkins are one of the most underrated rhythm sections in rock.

Early on, the members of Jane’s Addiction were ferocious hippies. Hearing “Mountain Song” should give you some hope about your own pursuit of freedom. This is the band’s finest hour, after all, and one of the greatest songs ever recorded.