Music Review: Chris Cornell - Carry On
Published July 27, 2007
Chris Cornell, lead singer of Soundgarden and a poster child for the 1990’s grunge music scene out of Seattle, is now a sober solo artist in his forties living in France with his family. How times have changed. On the cover of Cornell’s latest album Carry On, straggly hair and a flannel shirt has been replaced by a close cropped do and a leather jacket. Cornell’s all too brief stint with Audioslave in the early 2000s was a harbinger of things to come. With Carry On, Cornell seems eager to make a break with the style that made him famous and become known as a vocalist rather than just an accomplished singer.
Cornell was among the most vocally gifted rock singer to emerge out of the grunge scene. Instead of the overwrought vocal straining style of other lead singers at the time, Cornell’s voice had a steady rhythm and flow that complimented and enhanced the songs of Soundgarden, rather than just singing along with the band.
Regrettably, Cornell’s desire to be taken seriously as a vocalist doesn’t work as well when listening to Carry On as he might have hoped. As a whole, the album lacks a sense of direction. There are fourteen tracks, all different styles and genres, together on one record. The first track, “No Such Thing,” is a slice of rock, “Poison Eye,” a piece of pop, while “Arms Around Your Love,” was undoubtedly written to be a hit single, with its rock tempo and catchy hook. Cornell even takes on a ballad with “Scar on the Sky.”
While Carry On lacks fluidity, Cornell deserves some props for going out of his comfort zone and trying some new styles. However, the bluesy remake of Michael Jackson’s 1983 dance classic “Billie Jean,” was a serious overreach that should have been left on the cutting room floor. That track will leave you scratching your head.
Carry On isn’t a great album, nor is it terrible. Cornell has created an album of diverse music to showcase his vocal talents. Now in his forties, it’s hard not to wonder if Cornell, like so many others before him, just might do an album of classic songs in his sixties. After all, he’s already covered a Michael Jackson song. That would be interesting.
- Music Review: Chris Cornell - Carry On
- Published: July 27, 2007
- Type: Review
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Alternative Rock, Music: Rock
- Writer: Rebecca Wright
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I really enjoyed this review of Carry On. Chris Cornell leaving Audioslave was a big disappointment to me. I was listening to Revelations ("sound of a gun") and comparing the vocal quality to Carry On, and I just feel that Cornell's work with Audioslave (and Soundgarden and TotD) is much more powerful than his solo efforts. He has great voice and great talent; I'm sad that he's chosen to abandon such a great musical collaboration as Audioslave.
Patrick Williams
Those who are "scratching their heads" over the cover of Billie Jean should perhaps listen to the original acoustic version of the song he did during his Live in Stockholm session for Swedish radio last year. It has been widely disseminated and shows more clearly how the cover was perhaps first conceived - as an edgy, Nick Cave-ish murder ballad. Cornell chose the song to set himself a musical challenge by selecting the most unlikely material he could think of - and for me, it works as an audacious piece of reinvention.
I can see why some might not like the smoother full-band cover as much as the solo acoustic one, but it comes into its own during live shows as a blues tour de force and it's actually a marvellous showcase for Cornell's voice.
I could not agree more with the poster who stated:
'Give "Carry On" a few more listens. You'll find the music and lyrics will grow on you. Most of Cornell's work is like that. You never grow bored with it because you discover something new with each listen.' (-warriorwoman)
Big props, warriorwoman, because this is so true.
I absolutely love "Carry On". And yes, it took a few listens. Safe and Sound, Ghosts, Killing Birds, Scar on the Sky, Poison Eye... all great songs. This album has a ton of hidden gems that casual Cornell fans will probably never hear...
Cornell definitely deserves lots of credit for exploring different sounds on this album. Thats how an artist stays around in this business. However, I just thought he overstepped his range at times.
This cd is wonderful. You really need to listen to it several times to "get it". CHris Cornell has gone into a new direction with this cd, but it is really awesome. Sme of the songs to check out are Arms Around Your Love and She'll Never Be Your Man.
Hey,from Detroit,as a musician (unknown),and as a huge music fan who's seen hundreds of shows,possibly breaking into thousands of shows,and from a guy who has also been clean and sober for 10 + years,Chris's Detroit show was hands down the best show I've ever seen,and thats not being said in just.Though I should say this was not a surprise,when you consider that its now been 17 + years that we've been enjoying Cornells music,and from Soundgarden,Temple of the Dog,Solo,and Audio Slave,all (except B J)written by Chris,and the new album is typical.I think as a musician,especialy as good as Chris is,you learn to serve the music,and please yourself,if you have that then the rest will fall into place.
Thanks to Chris for a great show and keep it up!
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!
On a first listen, I didn't really like the album that much -- it had a lot of very good moments, but for me it never really synthesized. I can say, though, No Such Thing sounds good live. Just saw him in Philadelphia this past Sunday, it was great! :)
I agree You have to listen to his albums at least 4-5 times to appreciate them. I think Euphoria Morning is better than carry on. There are alot of heavy songs you just have to listen to them a couple of times. Follow my way, Moonchild, & Pillow of your bones are as good as anything he has done. Going to the NY show tonight. I hope he doesn't just make it a soundgarden audioslave greatest hits tour. That defeats the purpose of the solo albums (though I'm looking forward to outshined!) We'll see.
This album is diverse and that is what I love about it. His voice is the glue that holds it all together, and I think he totally pulls it off. He's constantly evolving and refuses to be forced to fit into a certain genre. His voice is better than ever, and with age has gained even more character and soul. I definitely recommend this album, and if you get the chance, you have to go see him live!
What can I say? I dig it. I have the advantage of having followed Cornell since the early days of Soundgarden (once known as the Schemps-ie 3stooges). Knowing his early influences and all, I can see what he is up to.
It is cool. Maybe not the greatest thing in the world right now, but better than one might think. He is much more diverse than one would think.
DM
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Diversity is what Cornell was striving for on this album. He succeeded admirably. Why do all albums have to be labeled by a "direction"?
Chris has a very creative talent. It shouldn't be restricted but allowed to flow wherever the inspiration leads. That, in itself, is where the fluidity appears.
Give "Carry On" a few more listens. You'll find the music and lyrics will grow on you. Most of Cornell's work is like that. You never grow bored with it because you discover something new with each listen.