Carry On

I have read many reviews of this album since it's release at the end of May and it would appear that there is a very mixed bag of feeling about it. I do feel that perhaps some of the reviews have emerged a bit too hastily without giving it the chance it so deserves. This is an album experience that has to be nurtured.

The common complaint does seem to be that 'it is not Soundgarden' or 'it is not Audioslave'. Yes, that is correct, it's not either of these superb bands. This is Chris Cornell, so why complain?

If you were expecting something along the lines of Soundgarden or Audioslave, forget it and shame on you for even thinking it would be. If that was what Chris wanted to give you, he would have. But he has decided to do his own thing and I for one would like to thank him for his immense talent and inspiration.

I have read tales of disappointment and even comparisons to Robbie Williams. Give me a break, please! Robbie has his place, but he will never be the songwriter or indeed singer that Chris Cornell is. I can understand why some fans might feel disappointment as this is a much more laid back ride through some deeply personal songs that without listening intently, the point would be entirely missed. I don't know what I was expecting, but even I had to listen a few more times before it all made sense to me. And, perhaps that is the point - this collection of songs was designed to be unexpected, forcing the listener to embark on a journey of musical discovery - but only if you are open minded enough.

There is a good mix of tracks, rock, blues, soul and ballads and even a subtle hint of country. Chris has taken these influences which have always been obvious in his music to date and has made a thoroughly enjoyable album with them. There are even subtle shades of Euphoria Morning, which remains one of my all time favourite albums and I see no reason for this one not to be up there with it in time.

There are some stand out tracks like the fabulous kick ass opener 'No Such Thing'. Others worthy of a mention are 'Poison Eye', 'Arms Around Your Love' and 'She'll Never Be Your Man', which sums up a relationship so bad the narrator's girlfriend left him for a woman. 'Safe & Sound' is a soulful track that begs the question 'why can't we pull this together', meaning why are we wasting so much time being mean to each other when life is so short as it is. The cover of 'Billie Jean' is dark and bluesy, preceded by the equally dark and alternative 'Killing Birds' and leads in total contrast straight into the comforting and mellow 'Scar on The Sky' followed by another catchy rock track in 'Your Soul Today'.

The rest of the album is just as good and includes the no. 7 hit 'You know My Name' from 'Casino Royale'. At first I didn't think that this should have really been on the album as I didn't think it would fit. However, after several more plays, I think it does it for me.

Even the bonus tracks, the infectious 'Today' and 'Roads We Choose', which is a beautiful song about commitment are worthy of a mention also and would have been just as at home amongst the main track listing.

All in all this is an outstanding album from one of the best voices in music history. His vocals are thoroughly mesmerising and there is an unbelievable amount of musical texture to this collection of songs that demonstrates Cornell's versatility as a writer and a singer. He has a basic instinct to explore and experiment with what he writes.

This is not a mainstream commercial album and there is nothing else out there right now that sounds quite like it. This album was created to be heard and appreciated as the timeless classic it will become.

And to write a timeless classic takes genius.

The music contained on this CD is generally good, some of the tracks are stunningly good (No Such Thing, Killing Birds, You Know My Name), others very average, Billie Jean is ruined by an awful guitar solo and complete lack of dynamic range (see mastering comments). The biggest problem here is the mastering. The mix is OK but the mastering appears to have been done by someone with no ears. Appallingly bad and basically unlistenable other than on an mp3 player. Another casualty of the loudness war.

Chris Cornell's only other solo effort Euphoria Morning is my favourite album of all time so this one had a lot to live up for this particular listener! I have to say - I am not dissapointed in the slightest. The most talked about aspect of Cornell is obviously the range and power of his voice but I feel the amazing songwriting ability and the manner in which he manages to convey emotion are often overlooked. This album is an eclectic mix of styles but does not feel disjointed in the slightest. I think there is something for everyone. The opener No Such Thing is a powerful frenetic rock song but blues, r n' b, ballads and even emotional happy love songs are all represented. My standout tracks at the moment are Disappearing Act and to me the much talked about cover of Billie Jean just works. It shouldn't but does and conveys a whole darker side of the song. In whole if you are looking for Soundgarden mark 2 then I suggest you head back 10 years but if you admire Cornell's voice in any of his incarnations then I would strongly suggest giving this album a go. I doubt you will be disappointed.