CD Review: Chris Cornell's Carry On

By Brendan Butler: 2007-06-06 17:15:20

Chris Cornell may have never become the rock God some predicted, but to assert him as anything short of one of the great American rock vocalists of our time is sacrilege. Equipped with the similar larger than life range of David Lee Roth, accompanied with the same embittered soul of Eddie Vedder, Cornell always finds a way to carry on, tackling music the best way he knows how--his way.

Some are writing off Carry On, the Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman’s second solo effort since 1999’s sexily titled Euphoria Morning, as a misfire of rock, fused with blues, fused with soul. While this may not be an album of jaw-dropping brilliance, it’s a positive step for an artist who has a lot to say and invites us along for the ride as he searches for his best way of saying it.

The curtain opens with “No Such Thing,” a track that feels as though it could have appeared on an Audioslave record. Its heavy riffs and blazing vocals are reminiscent of “Show Me How To Live,” and it exists here as the lone rock heavy melody.

“Poison Eye” doesn’t sound so catchy on the first listen, until you find yourself humming it minutes later. This could very well mean the album should be listened to more than once. Patience is always the key, folks.

Cornell nuzzles us into his spiritual side, a side he shows on a few of these songs, on “Safe And Sound”: “Think of a time when a morning will come and you will wake up without the feeling half the world has gone insane/I’ve never seen but I believe in a promised land.” This is the best track on the album, a true testament of his lyrical and vocal graces.

Cornell’s spiritual ponderings continue in impeccable fashion with “You Know My Name,” an affronted reflection on murder. “If you take a life/Do you know what you’ll give?/Odds are you won’t like what it is/I’ve seen angels fall from blinding heights/but you yourself are nothing so divine/Just next in line.”

Not to be outdone, “Silence The Voices” adds a sharp, raw edge to the ever persisting theme: “Where are the songs from the sane minds?/And where are the words from the sound mouths?/I can’t understand how they silence the voices.” This certifies Carry On as a relevant album of rock and soul caliber.

Carry On does, however, offer a minor assortment of filler songs, such as the quirky “She’ll Never Be Your Man” (in love with a tranny?), “Disappearing Act,” “Finally Forever” and “Scar On The Sky.” But the missteps can be forgiven due to the majority of correct steps taken.

Apart from future reunions with Soundgarden and Audioslave, all that can be requested of Cornell is that for his next solo piece, he should try and refine it into a more steadfast, solid ensemble of tunes. His voice has always been more suited for pure rock anyway, yet his propensity toward the soulful is welcome. Carry On, while not a perfect release, further establishes him as a man of unique talent and fury.

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Steve Shackelford
June 7, 2007 at 16:00

Chris Cornell said in concert in Noblesville, IN that "She'll Never Be Your Man" is about his friend that got divorced because his wife left for another woman.

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Brendan
June 7, 2007 at 18:32

Ouch! Sucks to be that guy.

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warriorwoman
June 8, 2007 at 16:28

“Poison Eye” doesn’t sound so catchy on the first listen, until you find yourself humming it minutes later. This could very well mean the album should be listened to more than once. Patience is always the key, folks.

You have that pegged right, Brendan! This whole album grows on you. But then, a lot of Cornell's music is like that. You have to listen to it more than once. And because the songs take their time growing on you .... you won't get bored by them.

I absolutely love this album. "Killing Birds" and "Ghosts" are ... for now .... my favorites. However, there is "She'll Never Be Your Man" . I find myself howling along with that one while driving in my car. And then again .... "Disappearing Act" is a song I'm listening to more and more.

Hell! My favorites change with whatever mood I'm in! Cornell is one of the most creative and talented musicians with a voice that swee-ly seals the deal !!!!

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Brett Munro
June 11, 2007 at 19:43

I heard his song on Leno or Letterman or something and it wasn't that great.

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TexasJen
June 12, 2007 at 12:27

Yes, Cornell is one of the greatest vocalists of all time! I agree with you there.

I wonder if the reviewer listened to the album more than once. I am finding myself really getting into the songs that didn't grab me on the first listen. Especially "Poison Eye", Killing Birds, and "Disapearing Act". In fact, I have a strong sense that like Euphoria Morning before, this cd will be one that I listen to for years to come without getting bored!

I highly recommend this album, and I can't wait for Cornell to do more solo stuff!

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sieron007
June 12, 2007 at 23:12

Chris Cornell on the Howard Stern Show on Sirius explained Shell Never Be Your Man, its on the subject that isn't talked about, when a man's woman leaves him for another woman.

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Silverbitta
June 14, 2007 at 22:53

I really love this album. Its funny how everyone has different songs that initially grab them, because I loved Poison Eye from the first listen, but I needed a few listens for Safe and Sound. Its definitely an album that becomes richer with each listen, and before you know it, you\'re totally addicted to it. And yes, he is one of the greatest vocalists of all times! His voice is an addiction for me!

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Tosh
June 15, 2007 at 14:25

me too.....I love this album more and more and I'm glad he threw a bunch of different styles and sounds here....makes it way more interesting and I wonder what's next....

current favs:
Dissapearing Act
Roads we Choose (UK Import version)

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Stew
June 21, 2007 at 18:55

This album is awesome. Some of the best material Cornell has ever written. Fans of soundgarden, audioslave, his first solo album, the classic Euphoria Morning and temple of the dog will love this. Every song is incredible. Favourites include dissapearing act, killing birds, no such thing, ghosts, Silence the voices and his cover of Billie Jean. Album of the year to date

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Jason
June 25, 2007 at 18:46

I am a huge Cornell fan!
Im a vocalist as well and sing along to a lot of his music. I like this album but not all the songs.
Poison eye is cool except that ching ching sound...Kinda poppy and you know ...gay
There are certain melodies he chose on this album that make the song go south.
I undertsnad his life is in a better place...but he a lot softer now. I will always be a fan no matter what!

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Bernadette
June 26, 2007 at 21:16

I have really enjoyed Chris Cornell's new CD Carry On. I have been a big fan of anything Chris has done and was not disappointed with his most recent solo album. I do like She'll Never Be Your Man as well as his cover of Billie Jean. I do agree the songs are more upbeat than in past albums but as many people have said Chris has grown into who he is and this means experimenting with different styles that may not always appeal to the masses. I will always be a fan of Chris Cornell's work.

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The Pusher
June 27, 2007 at 01:19

Carry on is a brillian cd. I know its not as hard rockin as people expected ,but its still gonna be high on my favorites for this year. I kinda like the new direction he is goin with his sound..So he's a lil more grown up now and is songs are reflecting it..I think its a wonderful thing!

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Steph
June 30, 2007 at 03:10

I love this album. Chris "cozying up to his spiritual side" is pure heaven to me! I love that song "Safe and Sound" for that reason. The album has so much to offer, and showcases Chris' beautiful voice and songwriting abilities off very well. People should have expected that Chris would do something different and versatile after being with Audioslave, since these are the kind of songs that he couldn't do with them.

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Pooksta67
July 2, 2007 at 12:36

Love the CD!

Only 2 songs should have been left off..Billie Jean being the worst.

I was raised on Rock and Soul. I have always loved the more soulful, blues based rock singers. Chris\' cd is more than incredible. I could not believe how beautiful his voice is..It still gives me chills. A lot of this cd reminds me a little bit of the Allman Brothes and being Southerner once removed, it brings such a cool comfort!!
It is funny, people keep talking about the \"blue eyed soul\" of Robin Thicke (yes, I know completely diferent genre) but CHRIS CORNELL has more soul than a million of these wanabees.
Take it from this Sista!

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Esther
July 6, 2007 at 02:06

Thank you so much Brendan for your insightful review.

I think \"Safe and Sound\" is a wonderful inspiring track. To me it almost sounds like a gospel song. I\'ve always loved how Chris sings all the background vocals too. I read in an interview somewhere that Steve Lillywhite (the producer of Carry On) wanted to bring in background singers for that song but Chris refused. He wanted to do it all himself. That is so like Chris. LOL He wanted to keep his stamp on this tune. I can appreciate his integrity and creativity. He is not afraid to step out of the safety zone of what everyone expects him to do. Sure.. he can write and sing songs with the same winning formula over and over again to play it safe and please the masses. But if he can\'t try something different and challenge his talents he wouldn\'t be the musician/artist that he is today.
Please Chris continue to carry on... I\'ve never seen but I believe in the promised land.....

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jimbo
July 23, 2007 at 14:05

Chris needs to get back to his roots with Sound Garden .
This album has no energy and leaves us wondering what happend ?

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jessiesgirl
July 24, 2007 at 12:47

I love his new cd, Carry On! It has totally grown on me and is on its way to being one of my favorites. It's different than anything he's done, which is refreshing. It's still Chris Cornell though...creative lyrics, great music, amazing voice! I think it shows his maturity personally and as an artist. The album has something for everyone and would fit in with any collection, regardless of your main music taste. I would definitely recommend it!

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BridgetZ
July 31, 2007 at 13:49

This album is so great, I grow more attached to it each time I listen to it. Currently my favorite song is Killing Birds. I have heard a lot of people say this album is too happy for Chris and devoted fans were expecting something similar to Euphoria Morning. If you listen to the album closely, it's really not all that happy. I think the happy tuned music makes you think that, but if you actually listen to the lyrics, you'll see a darker side. Either way you prefer, it's just a great album, one that is long overdue from Chris. I know most of us are happy to see him return to what he does best, writing and doing songs on his own, that are not political, but simply classic, soulful songs showcasing that wonderful voice. You can preview the entire album on myspace.com/chriscornell. Also, don't forget to check out Chris' version of Billie Jean and also check his website chriscornell.com for his latest tour dates. The tour is one not to be missed, as he plays hits from Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave as well as his solo albums. I have seen two shows on the tour, and it's been awesome! Pick up this CD today, and enjoy!

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Tezza-USA
October 18, 2007 at 22:47

I also love this album. Too many favorites to list only one but I do like Killing Birds & Ghosts. And I love his rendition of Billie Jean. Genious!

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