New Chris Cornell CD, Carry On

Multi-talented, Grammy award winning artist Chris Cornell has recently released a brand spankin' new CD titled 'Carry On'. It isn't for everyone, but if you appreciate Chris Cornell, it's a must. No screaming, BadmotorChris here, nope. "He doesn't live here anymore", as the lyrics from one of the 14 tracks (15, 16 and 17 in some other countries outside of the US), 'Ghosts', states.

So, what happened to BadmotorChris? Well, I'll tell ya. He grew up, he got clean, he fell in love and he had a couple of children. Plain and simple. I wish him all the best...who wouldn't want t find that in their life? Change is constant and change is good.

As far as the album itself goes, it falls a little short. Not short of my expectations, just short in general. Some of the songs could have been a little longer and there could have been more of them, although I doubt there would ever be enough Cornell to make me happy.

There are some solid rockers here. 'No Such Thing', the first track on the album, is probably the biggest. It immediately hits you like a ton of bricks. You will undoubtedly see comparisons to Stone Temple Pilots and there is a similar feel to pieces of the song's music, but it isn't to the point that the song drowns in it. The chorus does take some getting used to, so be forewarned. The melody of the vocals just don't seem to mesh with the guitars at first, but eventually your ears will make sense of it.

On to 'Poison Eye'. This song is a big trek off the beaten path for Chris. Poppy to the brim. Very catchy. And maybe on purpose. The lyrics are a bit sinister and to mesh that with a additively peppy tune is typical ironic Cornell genius. "I put this hook inside so you won't soon forget". Indeed Chris, the catchy hook in this song won't let me forget. One listen and you will be humming this one all day long.