Chris Cornell's first post-Soundgarden release, 1999's Euphoria Morning, was an artistic triumph and a commercial flop. Apparently, most of the fans who loved him in Soundgarden didn't care for his more introspective side. Perhaps in response, Cornell hooked up with three quarters of Rage Against the Machine to form Audioslave. Anxious to get to work on his second solo album, Cornell left Audioslave after three albums last February.
Cornell soon surfaced with "You Know My Name," the theme song for the James Bond film Casino Royale. It was a promising signal of things to come - but it turns out to have been a misleading one as well, as Carry On is a an uninspired bore of an album.
Things begin promisingly enough. The album opener, "No Such Thing," bursts out of the gate with more energy than anything on Euphoria Morning, and seems to reveal Cornell as re-energized by his time in Audioslave. The song is done in by two things, however - an extremely awkward chorus and Cornell's voice, which is not nearly as powerful as in years past.
The second track, "Poison Eye", is Badmotorfinger-era Soundgarden with the instruments turned down. It's got an almost funk feel to it and is it one of the few highlights on the album. From there, things get worse in a hurry.
"Arms Around Your Love" shows Cornell settling into middle-aged MOR rocker mode. It's a safe song, but still catchy. But after that, a run of four equally bland and forgettable songs ("Safe and Sound", "She'll Never Be Your Man", "Ghosts", and "Killing Birds") grinds the proceedings to a halt.
Cornell's decision to include a cover of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" has gimmick written all over it. The whole idea of reworking a famous pop song as a more serious one is tired at this point. At least Alanis Morissette had the good sense to put her cover of "My Humps" on her website for free.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Bradley Monroe
Totally shit review. This album is great, if you appreciate diverse music, and don't peg artists... great exploration and musical growth for Chris. Fuck this review. It you arn't a child of MTV and have mind of your own, check it out.
2 - Chris
Wow, I got the s-bomb and the f-bomb, must be my lucky day!
3 - J.J. Hunsecker
"Anxious to get to work on his second solo album, Cornell left Audioslave after three albums last February."
Where have you read that was the reason he left? That hasn't been in any of the interviews I have read. Then your timeline gets totally skewed.
"Cornell soon surfaced with "You Know My Name," the theme song for the James Bond film"
What? How could he "soon surface" after leaving the band in February with this song, considering the movie came out in November?
If "Billie Jean" didn't work for you, that's your loss. Also, you apparently didn't get what Alanis was trying to do with "My Humps" if you think she was "reworking a famous pop song as a more serious one". It went way beyond that.
4 - Chris
You are correct, my timeline is skewed. However, my opinion of the album stands. I never cared for Audioslave, so I had high hopes for Carry On (I love Euphoria Morning). I didn't want to be disappointed, but I was.
I know that Alanis was going for satire with her cover version, and Chris most likely wasn't. But I just don't think his version of "Billie Jean" really brought anything fresh or insightful to the table.
5 - Chris Beaumont
Good review, though I can't really agree. I am still letting the album sink in, but I am really digging it so far.
6 - Michael Jones
While it isn't a disaster of an album " it sounds like a tepid echo of Audioslave, actually " you're right in that it doesn't hold a candle to Euphoria Morning.
Having said that, though, tepid Cornell is still tons better tham much that is out there in the mainstream.
7 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
It's unfortunate that he didn't wait a little longer to release an album. I think the timing was bad and the songs don't really sound, well,worked on. Not in comparison to his days with Soundgarden(though they had quite the few disappointments,i.e.Down..& Super) and not even close to Temple of the Dog, which is still my ultimate favorite(second is Louder than Love(or should I say the song Hands All Over).
I do have to agree with the reviewer on most things including Euphoria Morning. That solo album had some catchiness without him sacrificing musicianship. And...Unfortunately,Mr. Cornell's voice is mostly gone. I noticed that w/ Audioslave and didn't really care for them as well, though I did appreciate them more than 99.98% of the mainstream crap!!
(totally off subject)Kinda talking here about "supergroups"(Audioslave)I'm suprised no one has done a review of Army of Anyone - s/t
8 - Chris
I wasn't a reviewer here when Army of Anyone's album was released, and for the most part I try to stick to new releases. That said, I think their album is quite good, and it's a shame it didn't sell more. That said, I rue the day STP ended, as they were my favorite rock group of the last 15 years.
9 - warriorwoman
I love the album! I don't listen to reviewers or critics. I have always enjoyed Cornell's work whether he is roaring in my face or crooning in my ear.
You did totally miss what "Billie Jean" was all about. The story behind the cover ... who would be the LAST person Chris would do a cover song by? Michael Jackson ! You should hear it in concert. He's brought goosebumps to my arms during both concerts I attended.
And speaking of his voice! Gone people say? Hardly, Sport! He sounds the same as his "Temple of the Dog" era. Crystal clear and powerful. At the St. Louis concert, he performed 2 1/2 hours and was as strong at the end as he was in the beginning.
Don't write this man off! You would be foolish!
10 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
"He sounds the same as his "Temple of the Dog" era."
HA! You're kidding right? He doesn't have anywhere near the range that he had with Temple.Did you even listen to that CD?
Even so, during that project, he didn't have the range as he did in Louder Than Love.
With that being said, I loved his tonality & passion on Euphoria Morning.
I don't say this stuff to insult the guy,it's just the truth.I think he screamed too much during his Soundgarden days and that can ruin things. Unfortunately, this album doesn't compare to Euphria and I am saddened because Mr. Cornell is one of my idols! I was turned off when I heard the song he did for the Bond movie. It just sounds so slick & over produced.
11 - Douglas Mays
Chris Cornell. Exploring his diversity. That is a good thing. If one was here in Seattle during the proto-grunge years and seeing the outstanding bands your Soundgardens, Pearl Jams and others were honing their chops to, this departure for Chris is good.
I should put my rare indy single of Chris singing (1985) for a band called Center for Disease Control Boys...mint condition, unplayed and all that. Politics and humor.
The guy is quite diverified. Let him be that. Great music will come.
12 - Clare O'Brien
This review doesn't really seem to have anything to say except that the reviewer doesn't like the album. It doesn't really get into any informed or insightful criticism of the songwriting or execution (calling something "middle-aged" is not a criticism, merely a categorisation) and it indulges in one absolute falsehood - that his voice is on a downward spiral. Quite the reverse is true, as this reviewer would hear had he bothered to attend any of Cornell's recent concerts.
The criticism of "Billie Jean" is particularly ill-informed - as someone else has said here, it was done as a deliberate exercise in the unlikely. Its orginal live acoustic incarnation (as on the radio session from Stockholm) reinvented it as adark murder ballad in the tradition of someone like Nick Cave - and although the plugged-in version of the album tends more towards the blues, it's still a valiant and imaginative attempt at reinvention. It certainly deserves better than this casual dismissal.
13 - Mark Beetlestone
'But I just don't think his version of "Billie Jean" really brought anything fresh or insightful to the table'
Huh? It is an entire upheaval musically, and the mood/ tone has been suitably adapted to that which reflects what the song is actually about!
Chris has done for this song what Jimi Hendrix did for Dylan's 'all along the watchtower', given it the correct music & environment it should have had from the start.
In terms of the review I would also strongly disagree, I am thoroughly enjoying this album without the need to skip any tracks, which is very unusual for me
14 - sandrak
Ok, I am really getting sick and tired of reviews criticising Chris' voice. Yes, his voice is different from the Soundgarden era. Yes, it is not as powerful as it used to be. However, it is still an amazing instrument, and in that, way better than most of the crap voices that top buildboard charts and get great reviews these days. Carry On is a great album, worth listening to, especially if you want to get away from the same old boring shit.
I should've stayed away from reading reviews of Carry On. I actually never do read reviews as they tend to be overly pompous and written by people who know nothing of the artist (I should say non-mainstream artists). I'm sure they know a lot about Paris Hilton and her exceptional talents.
15 - Jeff
I think Chris Holmes is a little harsh in his review of this album. Its a good effort, though I find 2 things which are different or unfortunate compared to Euphoria Morning. A) Cornells voice is more strained than previous outings. I suppose AudioSlave added a lot of stress to his voice (ie. Original Fire etc) B) The songs are a little less sombre or lacking in direction, which Euphoria had. The previous album had more dirges but were also moody and interesting.. This is more poppy.
However.. the more you listen, it definitely grows on you.
16 - TexasJen
I can only offer MY opinion of this album. I have been a Cornell fan since I was a young twenty-something grunger- 17-18 years ago. I am having the experience with this album where each time I listen to it, I am more drawn to it. And, to different aspects of different songs. I am finding that, like Euphoria Morning, this is one of those albums I will probably appreciate for years to come.
As to his voice: Yes, it sounded strained during "the Audioslave years", but I saw Chris in concert a few weeks ago, and unless you have seen him live recently- please no voice/range criticism. I was dumbfounded to hear him blasting through Rusty Cage and Slaves and Bulldozers and it just gave me goosebumps to hear Chris hitting those beautiful high notes in Seasons. Damn!
I highly recommend Carry On. It is mellow, and isn't it nice that you can still pull out your Badmotorfinger when you want to?
17 - hear4cc
I can't imagine that the author of this review would think that Chris Cornell's voice is diminished in any way, shape or form. It has emerged into the instrument it was destined to be. He has taken great strides to take care of himself and it shows.
As for the musical content, Chris Cornell is at his best when he crawls under your skin and into your blood, and he does this with the ballad. He can be haunting and mysterious and affectionate without being cloying or coy.
Billie Jean is a matter of taste, but gimmick it is not. Personally, I prefer the acoustic version I have heard, but it is noteworthy insofar as the risk and sheer emotion.
All in all, I am very excited and thrilled with this solo cd.
Jill
18 - Silverbitta/Liz
I have also seen Chris live recently, and his voice just totally blew me away on all the songs, new and old. It was so powerful and just sounded amazing.
I have to STRONGLY disagree with the statement that Carry On is an uninspired bore of an album. To me, its anything but boring. I'm really intriged to hear Chris sing songs that are different from what he's done in the past, and to hear him sing happy sounding songs. In terms of uninspired, I'm hearing a lot of inspiration in it, from his wife, his family and his sobriety (in particular Ghosts, where to me all I can hear is his inspiration). I've been listening to it over and over, I really love this album!!!!!
19 - Sue
I love Euphoria Morning incredibly.
This album is nothing like that, and I'm glad. If I want to hear EM, I'll listen to it.
This album took a few listens for me to really get into it, but I did.
Chris' voice sounds better today than it has in a while.
I saw him in April and was pleasantly surprised, to say the least, by his performance,and the sound of his voice.
This is one opinion and that's you r right.
I think, give it a few more listens.
20 - Tosh
This is a great album. I love it......granted some songs more than others but so what? It IS a grower....to me, that's the best music. Like someone else said, it crawls under your skin.......and it stays........when you aren't listening to the cd, the music is playing in your head; you wake up hearing one or another track yet the cd is still in your car.....I have to disagree with Chris the blogcritic here......music is subjective and your opinion is yours to keep.....trust us fans when we urge you to see him in concert if he comes near you. It WILL change your mind..
21 - Dusty
I guess your musical views are in tune towards hard rock? That's fine, but that does not mean this album is bad. Just not your musical preference.
What you dislike about this album is exactly what I love. I love the fact the Chris Cornell is broadening his musical horizons and trying different things. How boring would it be if all musicians meandered down the same old path?
Personally I think every song on this album is a triumph and should be congratulated and not merely passed off as bad just because these songs aren't in line with your personal taste.
22 - warriorwoman
REPLY TO Brian aka Guppusmaximus
You do realize that the album was recorded back at the end of 2006, right? As I said, I just saw Chris in concert 05/28 and he was crystal clear. And yes, I'll stand by my statement that his voice is as clear as it was during Temple of the Dog. His range is there too!
Try checking out some of the YouTube clips and you'll see. (I especially thrilled to hear "Say Hello 2 Heaven" !!!!)
23 - Brett Munro
I haven't heard the whole album but the song he played on Jay Leno was bland as hell without any kind of catchy hook to it. I'm not surprised the album's bombing in the charts.
24 - Allison McBean
Hello, I just want to say that your review is very honest, but I don't totally agree with it.
I agree on the whole that the album isn't Chris's best work, and doesn't compare to Soundgarden/Audio days but herein lies in the problem. I believe the album should stand alone, and be reviewed on its own merits. This comparison has resulted in many fans being disappointed with the album. Including myself, but i've got over this and now consider the album to be brilliant. I do feel however, that the album requires several listens to fully appreciate it.
The main problem I have with the album is the order of the songs, soulfull ballads interspersed with up tempio tracks.
I don't agree that 'Safe and Sound', 'She'll never be your man', 'Killing birds' and 'Your soul today'are bland and/or forgettable. I didn't warm to 'Safe and Sound' until I heard Chris sing it acoustically on the radio, and with such emotion. 'She'll never...' is poppy and upbeat and his voice is fantastic. 'Killing birds' took a while to grow on me, partly due to its obscure lyrics, but it's one of favourites now. And as for 'Your soul today', come on, it's fantastic. It's upbeat, catchy and rocks hard!
'No such thing' is a great opener with incredible guitar riffs and 'You know my name', which in my opinion, made a great Bond theme. 'Billie Jean' is very slow and can be hard to listen to, but I like it because it gives you the chance to really listen to the lyrics. Cornell's version shines a new light on this Michael Jackson song, which is powerful and thought provoking.
Overall, Carry On is an album which shows Chris's versatility, and growth as a singer and lyricist.
He has great power and emotion to his voice (have you seen his MSN gig? his voice is very powerful), which draws the listener in. I'm looking forward to seeing what music Chris makes in the future.
25 - Greig Robertson aka Darth Elvis
I've been a fan of Chris since Soundgarden's Badmotorfinger and have loved everything piece of work he has done since, both solo and with Audioslave.
I found it took me a few listens of Carry on to really get in to it as it did with "I Know your name." I'm a huge Bond fan and fell in love with the song after seeing the film and hearing the song on MTV so many times.
Carry On is a totally different album from Euphoria Morning, an album which has been on my cd player solidly since it came out. It has taken me a few listens to really get into CO, but I'm glad I gave it the chance it so rightly deserves, tracks like Killing Birds, Scar upon the Sky and the cover of Billie Jean are the stand outs for me.
It is a progression for Chris and I personally can't wait to see him play these new songs alongside older tracks in Glasgow later this month.