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Whenever I’ve discussed the question of “who is the best rock vocalist in the world” in the last few decades, one name has kept cropping up that has always been difficult to argue with. 

From the soft and delicate to the cutting and powerful, from the catchy and melodic to the highest tripped-out ethereal insanity…  in Soundgarden, Chris Cornell did it all.

Following the demise of the legendary grunge band, Cornell had a brief spell as a solo artist before joining forces with Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello, Brad Wilk and Tim Commerforth to form Audioslave.

The sole album he produced at this time has been overlooked by many, which is a shame because it really should be considered alongside Superunknown as some of the best work he’s ever been a part of. 

That is not to say that you should expect another Superunknown. The harder rock elements of Cornell’s Soundgarden days are gone, but the space gives Cornell’s voice a chance to shine at the peak of his talents. 

Clearly this isn’t an official video, but have a listen to When I’m Down while you’re reading…

He began writing the album in 1998, collaborating with Alain Johannes and Natasha Shneider of the band Eleven.

Euphoria Morning was released on September 21, 1999, containing 12 tracks, some versions containing a bonus track of either a French version of Can’t Change Me or Sunshower, a version of which can be found on the Mission: Impossible II soundtrack.

Can’t Change Me was the “big single” from the album, but check out When I’m Down, Mission, Disappearing One, Flutter Girl and Wave Goodbye for the real gems of the album.

Incidentally, Flutter Girl was a leftover from the 1994 Soundgarden classic, Superunknown.

I’ve named a few songs there for you to check out, but the real beauty of Euphoria Morning is that is a true “album” in the best sense of the word.  One of those rare modern releases that works best as a whole, as oppose to just being a collection of songs, so stick your headphones on, get yourself onto Spotify and listen to the whole thing in order.  You won’t be sorry.

Eventually, Audioslave split up and Cornell returned to being a solo artist, releasing Carry On (2007) and more recently Scream (2009) with Timbaland… (er… what?)

After Euphoria Morning, I eagerly awaited the day Chris Cornell would release more solo material, but I felt short-changed with Carry On.  It just felt a bit rushed and too much emphasis on the poptastic with a blatant disregard for the interesting musicality that had worked so well on his solo debut.  Hopefully Scream will be a return to form.

Timbaland, you say?

Hmm.

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Tags: Alain Johannes, audioslave, Brad Wilk, Carry On, Chris Cornell, Eleven, Euphoria Morning, m down, Natasha Shneider, Rage Against The Machine, real music forum, Scream, Soundgarden, Superunknown, Tim Commerforth, Tom Morello, video, when i

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