"I Am One" is the first single by The Smashing Pumpkins. It was the band's first ever release and remains the only single issued by the band with co-writing credits to both Billy Corgan and James Iha.
Two recordings of the song were released. One was recorded in 1990 and was the Pumpkins' first release and first on Limited Potential. This recording was financed with the money from Corgan's college tuition fund left by his grandmother. "I Am One" was re-recorded for Gish and a new single was released on Caroline Records and Hut Recordings. Corgan later stated his regret with not re-working the song for Gish, as the two versions are nearly identical. A video for the song was also filmed, but never released (until 2001) due to the band being unhappy with the result. Footage from the video was instead used on the long form video, Vieuphoria.
Due to this historical significance of the single, and its rarity with only 1500 copies pressed, the release is highly sought after by collectors. There are apparently 3 test pressings also in existence, 2 owned by Billy Corgan and one by Limited Potential owner, Mike Potential.
"I Am One" features a doubled guitar solo - a technique later used on Pumpkins songs like "Ava Adore", "Tarantula", and "Bring the Light."
