Carry On is the 13th album by two-time Grammy winner, singer-songwriter and voice of a generation, Chris Cornell. Steered by Grammy Award-winning British super- producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stones, Morrissey, ... more »Dave Matthews Band), Carry On is a mature and content departure from the acrimonious artist who brought us Soundgarden, Audioslave and Temple of the Dog. The new album's fourteen tracks offer the bluesy and soulful "Safe and Sound," psychedelic "Scar On The Sky," country-flavored "Finally Forever"... paeans to persistence in "Disappearing Act" and a slow-grind cover of Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean" that gives the familiar song a completely new feeling. More personal selections include "Ghost," "Arms Around Your Love" and "She'll Never Be Your Man" and alt-rock experimentations ("Killing Birds" the anthemic "Silence the Voices"). Fans of Soundgarden and Audioslave will appreciate the harder edge of "No Such Thing" and "Poison Eye" and the redemptive "Your Soul Today." Carry On also includes the Top 10 European smash hit "You Know My Name," the main title song for the current James Bond theatrical release, Casino Royale, appearing for the first time on a full-length release. Cornell wrote and recorded the track with long-time James Bond composer David Arnold for the film. With this collection of songs, it is evident that Cornell was inspired by songwriters from Elvis Costello to Tom Waits. Cornell says that his own lyrical approach leans on stream-of-consciousness, "getting out of my own way" to allow themes to naturally arise, whether topical or biographical. "The most exciting thing is to let yourself expose your true, vulnerable feelings, which is what resonates with people most," he explains. As far as his vocal style, he points to such R&B singers as Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin for showing masterfully how emotion can best be conveyed, even in subtle phrasing, also praising Bob Marley's expressive range and Tom Waits' use of his voice as an instrument.« less
Carry On is the 13th album by two-time Grammy winner, singer-songwriter and voice of a generation, Chris Cornell. Steered by Grammy Award-winning British super- producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stones, Morrissey, Dave Matthews Band), Carry On is a mature and content departure from the acrimonious artist who brought us Soundgarden, Audioslave and Temple of the Dog. The new album's fourteen tracks offer the bluesy and soulful "Safe and Sound," psychedelic "Scar On The Sky," country-flavored "Finally Forever"... paeans to persistence in "Disappearing Act" and a slow-grind cover of Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean" that gives the familiar song a completely new feeling. More personal selections include "Ghost," "Arms Around Your Love" and "She'll Never Be Your Man" and alt-rock experimentations ("Killing Birds" the anthemic "Silence the Voices"). Fans of Soundgarden and Audioslave will appreciate the harder edge of "No Such Thing" and "Poison Eye" and the redemptive "Your Soul Today." Carry On also includes the Top 10 European smash hit "You Know My Name," the main title song for the current James Bond theatrical release, Casino Royale, appearing for the first time on a full-length release. Cornell wrote and recorded the track with long-time James Bond composer David Arnold for the film. With this collection of songs, it is evident that Cornell was inspired by songwriters from Elvis Costello to Tom Waits. Cornell says that his own lyrical approach leans on stream-of-consciousness, "getting out of my own way" to allow themes to naturally arise, whether topical or biographical. "The most exciting thing is to let yourself expose your true, vulnerable feelings, which is what resonates with people most," he explains. As far as his vocal style, he points to such R&B singers as Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin for showing masterfully how emotion can best be conveyed, even in subtle phrasing, also praising Bob Marley's expressive range and Tom Waits' use of his voice as an instrument.
"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."
Musically Diverse
M. Kidd | Austin, TX | 06/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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"
What are all you critics REALLY listening to??
Rhonda L. | S Florida | 10/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Chris is Cool
R. Ohara | Florida | 06/06/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"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."
If you like Euphoria Morning, read on...
hippie Matt | denver, co | 06/03/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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.