The long awaited solo effort from Chris Cornell, one of the most influential voices of Generation X, has finally arrived. The long time lead singer for grunge kings Soundgarden has a stunning new release, Euphoria Morning. You’re not going to find the raw and heavy Soundgarden regurgitated, but a man on a mission to create a new sound and image. Much of the material on the record is an acoustic guitar layered over painted musical soundscapes. Listening to Euphoria Morning will remind the music world what a noble singer Chris Cornell is, and always will be.
The first single, “Can’t Change Me”, was in rotation on some radio stations in mid-August. It’s a good choice for a first single because most people remember Cornell’s singing from the chart topper, “Black Hole Sun”. The superstar moans and howls his way through “Can’t Change Me”, convincingly the listener of his vocal strength. The guitars that shape the song are heavy in echo, haunting, producing a fully textured sound. Alain Johannes plays most of the lead guitar parts, and sings the backup vocals as well. If you’ve heard Cornell’s past contributions to the Singles and Great Expectations soundtracks, you’ll likely appreciate the rest of this album and embrace his musical style, building more respect for him as a solo artist.
Cornell wanted to take Euphoria Morning and push the music into a more experimental effort that was influenced by his idols by creating a mixture of songs that are well balanced and diverse. Using modern technology and outdated 60’s amps, his band creates an organic and authentic collection of tracks. He strikes gold with “Follow My Way”. Cornell carries notes remarkably well, first to a sweet guitar twang, then gliding into a weeping, howling match with Johannes’s guitar. I think Cornell’s efforts are worth Beatles and Led Zeppelin comparisons.
Cornell tries new forms of music, outside of the standard Soundgarden songs we are accustomed to. “When I’m Down” is an R&B piano ditty. The mood of the music is reflective, full of emotion. “Flutter Girl” never would have worked on the past Soundgarden discs, but finds a home on Euphoria Morning. The track is very fluid and is highlighted by Chris’s wide-ranging vocals. The opening begins as if it might be a happy number, until Cornell moves in like a black cloud covering up the sun, singing “I’m drinking dust.”
The middle of the record is pretty thick, with “Mission”, “Wave Goodbye”, and “Moonchild”. “Mission” is the darkest track on the record, by far. This gloomy, slow- paced cut sounds like it could have been the B-side to “Reach Down” from the old Temple Of The Dog days. Cornell has always been one of the best screamers in rock and roll, and still is. The excellent tone of the wah-wah-bluesy “Wave Goodbye” and crisp production of “Moonchild” are indicative of his talents. “Moonchild” is probably the most well-produced track on the album. The structure of the music between the guitar, vocals, drums, and strings comes together to form a picture perfect melancholy soundscape.
All in all, Euphoria Morning is a record that will enrich your music collection; you just have to be in the mindset to listen to it. The music is quality and the lyrics rise up out of the mood that it sets. Don’t miss Chris Cornell and bandmates out on tour in the coming new year.
+ larry sarzyniak
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