Chris Cornell’s untimely passing on May 18th left a void in the music world. Known for his phenomenal four-octave vocal range and deeply poetic lyrics, Cornell fronted iconic bands that defined the 90s and beyond, including Soundgarden and Audioslave. Beyond these groups, he co-founded Temple of the Dog, a tribute to his late friend Andy Wood of Mother Love Bone, alongside members who would later form Pearl Jam. Furthermore, Cornell carved out a significant solo career, showcasing his versatility and artistry across genres. His impact on rock music is undeniable, and his songs continue to resonate with millions.
In June 2016, fans at The Capitol Theatre were treated to a remarkable Chris Cornell performance during his Higher Truth solo tour. That night showcased the breadth of his career, featuring songs from his solo albums, Soundgarden’s grunge anthems, Audioslave’s rock power, and Temple of the Dog’s heartfelt tributes. He even surprised the audience with covers spanning Mad Season to Michael Jackson, The Beatles to Prince, and Led Zeppelin to Bob Dylan. A particularly memorable moment was his rendition of Audioslave’s “The Last Remaining Light,” played live for the first and only time outside of Audioslave, complete with unique, alternative lyrics.
As we remember Chris Cornell and his enduring musical contributions, we delve into 15 essential songs that highlight the scope of his career and the profound impact he had on music lovers worldwide. These Chris Cornell Songs represent just a fraction of his incredible catalog, but they offer a powerful glimpse into his genius.
1. “Like A Stone” – Audioslave (Audioslave, 2002)
“Like A Stone” stands as a testament to Chris Cornell’s lyrical depth. He described it as a song focusing on the hopeful vision of an afterlife, contrasting with conventional religious perspectives of earning salvation. Instead of fearing damnation, the lyrics explore anticipation for a desired spiritual destination. This introspective track resonated deeply, hitting number one on both Billboard’s Mainstream Rock and Alternative charts, solidifying its place among Audioslave’s and Chris Cornell’s most impactful songs.
2. “Black Hole Sun” – Soundgarden (Superunknown, 1994)
“Black Hole Sun” is arguably Soundgarden’s signature song and a defining anthem of the grunge era. Its surreal lyrics and mesmerizing, swirling melody captured the zeitgeist of the 90s. The song dominated rock radio, reaching number one on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart and number two on the Modern Rock chart. “Black Hole Sun” also earned Soundgarden a Grammy Award in 1995 for Best Rock Performance, demonstrating how the band achieved mainstream success while maintaining their unique and powerful sound. It remains one of the most recognizable Chris Cornell Soundgarden songs.
3. “Say Hello 2 Heaven” – Temple of the Dog (Temple of the Dog, 1991)
“Say Hello 2 Heaven” poignantly opens Temple of the Dog’s self-titled album and serves as a direct and emotional tribute to Andy Wood. The lyrics are raw with grief and loss, expressing Cornell’s personal farewell to his friend. Musically, the song carries a flavor leaning towards Pearl Jam, unsurprising given the band’s instrumental lineup. “Say Hello 2 Heaven” is a powerful example of Chris Cornell’s ability to channel deep emotion into song, making it a standout track within the Temple of the Dog project and his overall discography.
4. “Spoonman” – Soundgarden (Superunknown, 1994)
The genesis of “Spoonman” is uniquely tied to Cameron Crowe’s 1992 film Singles, a cinematic snapshot of the Seattle music scene. Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam, creating props for the movie, listed fake song titles on a demo tape. Chris Cornell, intrigued, drew inspiration from these titles, crafting three songs: “Spoonman,” “Flutter Girl,” and “Seasons.” “Seasons” appeared on the Singles soundtrack, marking Cornell’s first solo hit. “Flutter Girl” later surfaced on his debut solo album Euphoria Mourning, and “Spoonman” became a cornerstone of Soundgarden’s Superunknown. “Spoonman”‘s distinctive rhythm and unconventional lyrics earned Soundgarden a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 1995, further solidifying Chris Cornell’s songwriting prowess.
5. “Fell On Black Days” – Soundgarden (Superunknown, 1994)
“Fell On Black Days” showcases a different side of Soundgarden, revealing a more stripped-down and emotionally vulnerable sound. Cornell described it as one of the easiest Soundgarden songs to perform acoustically on his Songbook Tour, requiring minimal arrangement changes. Despite its relative simplicity, the song resonated deeply with audiences, reaching number four on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart and enduring as one of Soundgarden’s most beloved and recognizable hits. Its raw honesty and relatable themes of despair contribute to its lasting appeal among Chris Cornell’s songs.
6. “Moth” – Audioslave (Revelations, 2006)
Revelations saw Chris Cornell’s lyrics delve into darker, more introspective territories, and “Moth” perfectly embodies this shift. Intriguingly, “Moth” was a last-minute addition to the album. After completing Revelations, producer Brendan O’Brien felt the album needed one more track. Audioslave rose to the challenge, writing and recording “Moth” in a single day, making it the final song they ever recorded together. This spontaneous creation became a powerful closing statement for Audioslave, highlighting Cornell’s ability to deliver impactful lyrics even under pressure.
7. “Rusty Cage” – Soundgarden (Badmotorfinger, 1991)
“Rusty Cage” explodes as the opening track of Badmotorfinger, setting the album’s intense and experimental tone. Soundgarden were known for their use of odd time signatures, and “Rusty Cage” was an early example of their mastery. Its complex rhythmic structure, particularly in the second part, is notoriously difficult to dissect. However, Cornell’s vocal melodies and lyrics seamlessly navigate this complexity, transforming it into a powerful and engaging rock anthem. “Rusty Cage” has been covered by numerous artists, but Johnny Cash’s version remains the most famous, demonstrating the song’s broad appeal and enduring impact beyond the rock genre.
8. “Burden In My Hand” – Soundgarden (Down On The Upside, 1996)
By 1996’s Down On The Upside, Soundgarden began to explore a more diverse sonic palette, moving away from their solely heavy guitar-driven sound. “Burden In My Hand” exemplifies this evolution, opening with Cornell’s vocals over an unexpected upbeat piano melody. While the song builds in intensity and incorporates heavier elements, the piano remains a central element, proving its surprising compatibility with hard rock. “Burden In My Hand” showcased Soundgarden’s willingness to experiment and expand their musical boundaries, further establishing Chris Cornell’s versatility as a songwriter.
9. “Hunger Strike” – Temple of the Dog (Temple of the Dog, 1991)
“Hunger Strike” is notable not only for its powerful verse and chorus but also for marking the beginning of a significant musical friendship. Recorded during Pearl Jam’s formation, the song features a duet with Eddie Vedder, who had just arrived in Seattle to join his future bandmates. Cornell welcomed Vedder to contribute to “Hunger Strike,” forging a lasting bond between the two iconic vocalists. “Hunger Strike” stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Seattle music scene and the powerful vocal synergy between Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder.
10. “Murder Of Blue Skies” – Chris Cornell (Higher Truth, 2015)
Director Cameron Crowe aptly described “Murder Of Blue Skies” as a “loving anti-love song” in a 2015 interview with Chris Cornell. The song begins gently with Cornell on acoustic guitar, gradually building to a powerful crescendo featuring his signature soaring vocals, a dynamic guitar solo, and full band instrumentation. This track from Higher Truth demonstrates Cornell’s ability to craft nuanced and emotionally complex songs within his solo work, blending acoustic intimacy with rock intensity.
11. “Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart” – Chris Cornell (Higher Truth, 2015)
“Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart,” the lead single from Higher Truth, offered fans a taste of a more introspective yet still edgy Chris Cornell. The song showcases his musical versatility by featuring him playing the mandolin, an instrument he had previously incorporated into Soundgarden’s “Ty Cobb.” “Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart” highlighted Cornell’s continued evolution as a solo artist, exploring softer textures while retaining his signature vocal power and emotional depth.
12. “Cochise” – Audioslave (Audioslave, 2002)
“Cochise” holds the distinction of being the first Audioslave song released to the public, immediately establishing the band’s explosive energy. Originally titled “Save Yourself,” it was renamed “Cochise” after the famed Native American chief. “Cochise” was among the first songs Audioslave wrote together, becoming a staple of their live performances, often closing out their sets with its raw power and intensity. It remains a quintessential Audioslave track and a high-energy example of Chris Cornell’s vocal prowess.
13. “Been Away Too Long” – Soundgarden (King Animal, 2012)
“Been Away Too Long” marked Soundgarden’s triumphant return in 2012 after a 13-year hiatus. As the lead single from King Animal, it signified the band’s first recording session together in 16 years. The song recaptured Soundgarden’s signature sound, proving their enduring relevance and creative energy. “Been Away Too Long” served as a powerful statement of Soundgarden’s comeback and reminded fans of the band’s unique place in rock history, spearheaded by Chris Cornell’s unmistakable vocals.
14. “Show Me How To Live” – Audioslave (Audioslave, 2002)
“Show Me How To Live” is an adrenaline-pumping anthem guaranteed to test any singer’s vocal cords. Chris Cornell’s voice is pushed to its limits in this track, particularly in the soaring chorus. The song’s music video famously featured a replica of the 1970 Dodge Challenger from the movie Vanishing Point, adding to its high-octane energy. “Show Me How To Live” exemplifies Audioslave’s hard-rocking intensity and Chris Cornell’s incredible vocal range and power.
15. “You Know My Name” – Chris Cornell (Carry On, 2007)
“You Know My Name” holds a unique place in Chris Cornell’s discography as the theme song for Daniel Craig’s debut James Bond film, Casino Royale. Cornell broke ground as the first American male artist to perform a James Bond theme and the first male vocalist since 1987, following A-ha’s “The Living Daylights.” “You Know My Name” successfully blended Cornell’s rock sensibilities with the cinematic grandeur of the James Bond franchise, resulting in a powerful and memorable theme song that broadened his reach to a global audience.
