Customer Reviews

Carry on

5 star:		(52)
4 star:		(31)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(17)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

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.

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

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.

I'm truly surprised that so many Chris Cornell fans aren't more enthusiastic about "Carry On", his 2nd solo release. After all, one of Cornell's trademarks has always been his dislike of repetition (ever hear of "expect the unexpected?"), and it's through his fearlessness to experiment with different genres of music that we, as fans, have come to hear some of the most brilliant music of our time. "Carry On" is certainly no exception. Cornell has probably put the broadest range of musical styles on "Carry On" than he has on any of his previous works - be it with Soundgarden, Temple Of The Dog, Audioslave, or any other solo attempts, and the bottom line is, he has unquestionably succeeded with "Carry On"!! It doesn't matter which of the "former" Chris Cornell's one may have preferred: It can still be found here, but with much, much more. Being first a rock fan, songs such as "No Such Thing", "Poison Eye", and "You Know My Name" were immediate standouts for me. However, after several more listens to "Carry On", I found myself slipping into the more bluesy tracks like "Arms Around Your Love", "Killing Birds", and Chris's fantastic take on Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." One of my personal favorites, "She'll Never Be Your Man", I'm hard-pressed to even categorize. One thing's for certain, though, Chris Cornell's much publicized clean-up act has left one of this generation's greatest voices much smoother, with a range that doesn't need to be screamed to be heard. If you've followed Cornell's career from the beginning, as I have, it's not too difficult to see that "Carry On" is probably his most personal release to date. As a fan who has constantly tried (like most other fans) to decipher Chris's lyrics, I think that "Carry On" seems to represent an "act two" of both his career and his life. Do yourself a favor, and don't prejudge anything Chris Cornell puts out there. Eventually, he WILL draw you in.

comparisons to CC's sound with major bands is unfair. His 1st solo album was a sizable departure from Soundgarden after their demise. I have to say that i'm a major vocal/music person. owning Euphoria Morning for 5 years, i've still never sat down & absorbed the lyrics to it. people have said the new album lyrics are lame, but i don't think they're much different than the 1st album 8 years before. Cornell's vocal ability & attack on the songs is what i appreciate the most. Maynard from TOOL/A Perfect Circle is the only singer who can come close to the vocal control/play CC has. Maybe add on Serj Tankian from System of a Down - how much do we care what he sings about? banana terracotta anyone?

If you really like Cornell's voice, it's worth it to pick up this album. i spoke to a fan the other day & we agreed that we'd listen to a song about pooping in your hand if Cornell did the singing/music! You can almost hear it in your head & it makes you smile when you know you'd dig it, at least a little...

the album is book-ended by the 2 coolest songs in my opinion: 'No Such Thing' at the front & the bond theme song he did at the back. the weight varies from song to song on which ones will hit you personally, but there isn't a weak one that stands out to me.

Chris Cornell (& Maynard) is the best thing to come out of the early 90's, & we're so blessed that he's still making music. We lost Layne Staley, so the other shining star to come from Seattle is gone. AIC & Soundgarden are the crux of the long-lasting effects of grunge. NONE of their albums lose their strength as time goes on. GO see Cornell live - you'll hear Soundgarden (1/2) & Audioslave (1/4) songs. Then go see AIC with their new singer, it's a great show & if you close your eyes - it's there. i missed them a few times & i'm grateful to get to hear those songs live.

word,

I'm really surprised at all the bashing against this album. I have to say, I haven't read many favorable reviews for this anticipated album (which sometimes could sway my critique). I reluctantly purchased this yesterday and was blown away. The song writing is very strong and many of the chord progressions recall lots of Soundgarden. They were very strong in their later period to incorporate pretty unexpected chord and key changes. His voice sounds very strong and a bit rested too.

I honestly think this is a great record. There are some very cool laid back tunes and a bunch that truly rock out like he has in the past.

Key tracks are 'Poison Eye' & 'Scar On The Sky'.

I think Chris Cornell is one of the best singers in rock history and certainly an excellent songwriter as evidenced by his Soundgarden and Audioslave work. His previous solo effort, "Euphoria Morning" is, in my opinion, a superior example of both his vocal and songwriting talent. I also believe that Cornell saved Audioslave from being a one-record band. But this new record, "Carry On" is a major disappointment.

Sure, sure...he's moving in a different artistic direction. And yes, there are brief moments (very brief) when I hear a glimpse of that artistic talent. But the bulk of this record is awful, just awful. The songs here just seem uninspired and done in a half-hearted way. This has to be one of the most boring "pop/rock" albums I have ever heard. I could hardly get through it. So pedestrian, so limp. Only the final track is worth a second listen.

This isn't about wanting the old Soundgarden sound back, or wishing for another Audioslave CD. It's not the "artistic growth" thing either, as the excellent "Euphoria Morning" shows Cornell can be ever-changing and exteremely original and interesting in several formats. No, no...this is just one bad record that seems to have been put out without much thought or effort. Very disappointing.

"You Know My Name" from CASINO ROYALE is an unbelievable song and really blows you away. As for the rest of the album the songs seem rather perfunctory and almost fillers. The main selling point or should I say interest in this Cd was primarily for "You Know My Name." It was omitted from the soundtrack for CASINO ROYALE and thus many Bond fans and others wanted to know why, where and when "You Know My Name" would show up. In an interview I read with Chris Cornell he stated that he would be releasing this song on his own album and did not want it included on the CASINO ROYALE soundtrack. After nearly two years since the release of CASINO ROYALE it almost seems a mute point. CARRY ON as an album just does not seem up to Cornell's previous work with the exception of "You Know My Name" which is an outstanding song. On first hearing it, it is not your typical James Bond song but by the end of the film it really hits its mark.

I can understand all the poor reviews..You may have been expecting something more like Soundgarden/Audioslave but this is not that at all. It is Cornell doing what he wants. Which is amazing songwriting. And what about the voice? Still one of the top voices in the business. How can you not get your teeth knocked in with No Such Thing? Then mellow out with Arms Around Your Love and other great songs such as Ghosts, Killing Birds, Silence The Voices...Ah, too many good things about this album. Just have to get it and listen to it a few times and you'll understand.

I am trying to write this review without mentioning Chris' outstanding group work. But it's so hard. It's like talking about a Pete Townsend solo effort and pretending he never played with The Who. I will try.

The songs on this cd are not bad at all (I particularly like the third track, Arms Around Your Love), but they seem disjointed (with each other). It's as if he had this catalog of songs he was carrying around, and he finally got a chance to record them.

I guess it is very hard for an artist like Chris to bust out on his own and impress each of us.