OK, so Chris Cornell, the former lead singer of the 90s breakthrough grungy band Soundgarden, went solo back in 1998, released some lackluster albums, helped form the supergroup Audioslave, which, like so many supergroups, didn't overwhelm anyone but sold OK. But then someone had a genius idea: team up Cornell with mega-super-producer Timbaland. You can almost see record label executives salivating, with dollar signs bulging from their eyes. HERE is the breakthrough idea. This is going to be HUGE.
Scream is a disaster. The cover shows Cornell smashing his guitar ('cause the music is going to be all electronic - get it?). The album is rife with Autotune, and the songs are lackluster at best. It's an album that falls between the two stools without hitting either of them. Cornell fans (insofar as they exist) won't get the rockin that they want, and Timbaland fans couldn't care less about some rocker trying to make it commercial (and who ends up sounding like everyone else).
I'm sure Timbaland got paid a bundle and really doesn't care, but this will have a significant impact on Cornell, I'd think.
Hey, why not (1) write good songs, (2) find some creative partners who want to share their talent, and (3) have some fun? You know, the "formula" that helped you break out in the first place?
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In Cornell's own words, recording Scream WAS fun. It's a good album and I love it. But, like a lot of his music, it takes time to soak in. A majority of his fans can't get past the teaming up with Timbaland. They can't get past the electronic beats.
ReplyDeleteListen to his voice, the words, and the melodies. It's Cornell. Was Euphoria Morning a hard rockin' album? NO! Was Temple of the Dog a hard rockin' album? NO! Yet both albums are cherished by long-time Cornell fans. (Not to mention Sunshower & Seasons!) Yet, why can't they wrap themselves around Scream? They can't get past Timbaland. I call that being a rock snob!
If an unknown had recorded this album, it would've been a hit. But, since so many people have a preconceived notion of what Cornell SHOULD sound like, it's not given a chance. And that's a shame.
Let me ask you. Have you heard Cornell perform these songs live? Absolutely fantastic. He sings them from his heart!
Thanks for reading my opinion!!