Carry On

Chris Cornell

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 5, 2007)
• Original Release Date: June 5, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Interscope Records
• ASIN: B000PDZJ08
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (132 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #37,108 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Change has been a constant in Chris Cornell's life since Soundgarden split in 1997. Sober and over 40 now, he lives in France with his wife and daughter. His first solo album (1999's Euphoria Morning) was lauded in the press, but disregarded by the public. And his supergroup Audioslave eventually fizzled after a trio of albums. But on Cornell's long-awaited sophomore solo effort, it's obvious something hasn't been altered: the voice, a distinguished instrument still pure and resonant--and authoritative enough to take on Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" and turn it from throbbing dancefloor anthem to portentous ballad. The unforeseen cover is sequenced midway through 14 tracks that have Cornell softening the edges of his music without losing the power of the messenger. No less than a half-dozen songs have hit potential, including "Arms Around Your Love," with its soaring chorus, the R&B-flecked "She'll Never Be Your Man," and "No Such Thing," where restrained verses give way to crunchy-riffed choruses. He uses the bluesy "Safe and Sound" to call for peace, asking "Why can't we pull it together?" Ten years after the breakup of his pioneering band, Chris Cornell has done just that, and it's evident that the change has done him good. --Scott Holter

Product Description

Carry On is the 13th album by two-time Grammy winner, singer-songwriter and voice of a generation, Chris Cornell. Steered by Grammy Award-winning British super- producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stones, Morrissey, Dave Matthews Band), Carry On is a mature and content departure from the acrimonious artist who brought us Soundgarden, Audioslave and Temple of the Dog.

The new album's fourteen tracks offer the bluesy and soulful "Safe and Sound," psychedelic "Scar On The Sky," country-flavored "Finally Forever"... paeans to persistence in "Disappearing Act" and a slow-grind cover of Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean" that gives the familiar song a completely new feeling. More personal selections include "Ghost," "Arms Around Your Love" and "She'll Never Be Your Man" and alt-rock experimentations ("Killing Birds" the anthemic "Silence the Voices"). Fans of Soundgarden and Audioslave will appreciate the harder edge of "No Such Thing" and "Poison Eye" and the redemptive "Your Soul Today."

Carry On also includes the Top 10 European smash hit "You Know My Name," the main title song for the current James Bond theatrical release, Casino Royale, appearing for the first time on a full-length release. Cornell wrote and recorded the track with long-time James Bond composer David Arnold for the film.

With this collection of songs, it is evident that Cornell was inspired by songwriters from Elvis Costello to Tom Waits. Cornell says that his own lyrical approach leans on stream-of-consciousness, "getting out of my own way" to allow themes to naturally arise, whether topical or biographical. "The most exciting thing is to let yourself expose your true, vulnerable feelings, which is what resonates with people most," he explains. As far as his vocal style, he points to such R&B singers as Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin for showing masterfully how emotion can best be conveyed, even in subtle phrasing, also praising Bob Marley's expressive range and Tom Waits' use of his voice as an instrument.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars He's still got it, July 20, 2007

By	N. Durham "Big Evil" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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Despite the negative reviews that are prevelant throughout "Carry On", make no mistake that Chris Cornell still has it. With the disbandment of Audioslave (which actually lasted longer than I thought it would), Cornell is once again on his own with his second solo release, and be glad he is. Give a listen to rousing opener "No Such Thing" which finds the former Soundgarden frontman demonstrating his always more than solid guitar work (along with Brian Ray) and his incredible voice work which never fails to impress even all these years later. Standout tracks include "Arms Around Your Love", "She'll Never Be Your Man", and "Finally Forever" which find Cornell tapping personal experience and mixing it with his somewhat new age-y outlook that isn't as prevelant here as it was with "Euphoria Morning" or his early work with Audioslave. His cover of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" is inventive, and the album is rounded out with the surprisingly awesome and rocking "You Know My Name", AKA the theme song from the latest, and excellent, James Bond film, Casino Royale. While "Carry On" doesn't excel the way "Euphoria Morning" did (let alone come close to any of Cornell's Soundgarden material), make no mistake that this is one solid, rocking album that further proves the notion that this pioneer still has what it takes to make a musical impact on his own.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Musically Diverse, June 6, 2007

By	M. Kidd "monicak42" (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Chris Cornell's 2nd solo effort is musically diverse. If you're expecting Chris Cornell the grunge god, you may be disappointed. This collection is introspective and soulful. The album gives homage to some of the early roots of rock and blues in the style and execution of a great vocalist. I am a huge Soundgarden and Audioslave fan, but I listen to all types of music. I never expected this CD to sound like the former bands Cornell graced with his talent - he's been talking lately about really exploring different musical styles. That said, I think this CD is a great addition to my collection

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Chris is Cool , June 6, 2007

By	R. Ohara (Florida) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Carry On, was not what i was expecting. But nothing Chris has ever done
has been. Chris proves again he will go his own way. the tracks all stand
alone and together. If you like Chris You'll like this.