Chris Cornell
It's rare that a member of a major group is able to reach the top again but that's just what Chris Cornell did. A Seattle native, born Christopher John Boyle (he and his siblings took their mother's maiden name when their parents divorced), started as a drummer (just like Kurt Cobain) before vaulting to the forefront. He was the vocalist for Soundgarden, one of the Grunge-era's major groups, from '84 to '97. He also found time, in the early '90s, for the Temple Of The Dog project (a tribute to one-time roommate/vocalist Andrew Wood - Mother Love Bone - who had died of a heroin overdose) with a couple members of Pearl Jam.
Following Soundgarden's demise, Cornell released the solo album, "Euphoria Morning." Though the single "Can't Change Me" earned a Grammy nomination for "Best Male Rock Vocal Performance," the album was a commercial failure. It looked as though the next time anyone would hear from Cornell would be when Soundgarden decided to do a reunion tour or record a "comeback" album. As it turned out, Cornell's next shot was just around the corner. Zack de la Rocha had left the politically charged Rage Against The Machine. So the remaining members, Tom Morello (guitar), Tim Commerford (bass) and Brad Wilk (drums) went looking for a new vocalist. At the suggestion of producer Rick Rubin they hooked up with Cornell. Three successful albums ("Audioslave," "Out Of Exile" and "Revelations") resulted.
In '06, Cornell began work on his second solo album, which eventually became "Carry On." Meanwhile, Morello, Commerford and Wilk decided to do a Rage reunion tour with de la Rocha. That obviously didn't sit well with Cornell.
In February, '07, came the announcement that Cornell had left Audioslave, effectively ending the supergroup. The Rage Against The Machine revival was listed among the reasons. "Due to irresolvable personality conflicts as well as musical differences, I am permanently leaving the band," said Cornell. "I wish the other three members nothing but the best." Four months later, "Carry On" was released.
The set contained a cover of Michael Jackson's pop classic "Billie Jean" which took on a quirky life of its own. In '08 Cornell wound up being peripherally involved with the American Idol singing competion when contestant David Cook covered "Billie Jean" but used Cornell's song arrangement. "I came up with this arrangement and reinvented the song," maintained Cornell. "You can clearly see that the judges are giving this guy credit for it on national television." Despite host Ryan Seacrest introducing the tune as Cornell's version, the judges still praised Cook for his originality. Maybe Cornell just wanted someone to say "he was the one."
Let's skip "Euphoria Morning." It was a long time ago and all the hardcore Cornell/Soundgarden fans already own it. Nobody else really needs it. "Carry On" is a much better effort but still, it's evident that Cornell works better in a group than on his own hook.
"Carry On" is a surprisingly low-key, easy-going effort filled with acoustic guitars and backing vocals. There's even a down-tempo take on Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." Jackson songs are tough to rework - for obvious reasons. Taking a different approach is wise. Still, as far as covers go this doesn't come close to Alien Ant Farm's version of "Smooth Criminal."
Back on familiar turf, Cornell does best with "Arms Around Your Love" and "No Such Thing," when the guitars are plugged in and the energy is on the rise. There's also the theme song, "You Know My Name," from the popular '06 James Bond flick, Casino Royale.
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