Chris Cornell

Artist: Chris Cornell
Genre: Alternative
Album: Scream
Release: 2009



Aaaaah… Chris Cornell’s Scream, or shall I say, the impetus of Stereogasm’s existence. This CD was unexpectedly but fatefully thrust upon me at a Sunday barbecue. Between sips of brew & bites from the bratwurst, I heard something special going on within this album. Formula: Hip-Hop drums played at the pace of Alternative music, excellent songwriting, topped off by the belting skills of an iconic Rock voice. Oh, did I mention that one of Hip-Hop’s most legendary producers was at the controls? Timbaland? Shame on me. Aiight. Lemme finish my brat now.

Chris Cornell demonstrates those vocal chops of his on the song titled Long Gone. A trippie organ, electric guitar, and echoed vocals bring the song in. It takes the form of a modified R & B banger The song takes you through a once fruitful relationship that has gone bad due to a constant bout of disagreements. “You’re like a diamond and I’m like glass. Like oil and water, we always clash” he sings in a melodic alto tone to set you up for the hook. In come the live drums, the guitar and the harmonies. The hook absolutely grabs you. It’s catchy & you will find yourself singing along with it. I can almost guarantee it.

You may be inclined to just go ahead & let this album roll from track one all of the way through but, if your time is money, I will offer some notables. Never Far Away is a jam. The two verses are written to perfection. Equipped with symphony strings & a quasi choir this song definitely qualifies as a rider. Take Me Alive is strategically placed in the center of all other songs.

The thing of beauty on this album is the seamless transfers between songs. Just when you thought that song was over, the there seems to be somewhat of a continuation of sound. Before you know it, the melody changes. All of a sudden you have slid your way onto an entirely different track. I will offer this tid-bit: This album most certainly will require more than one spin before you can really feel it.

- Kojak