Songbook

Many-sided vocals of Chris Cornell

Chris Cornell, the vocalist and guitarist of Soundgarden and ex-frontman of the famous Audioslave does not really have to be introduced. That musician knows the essence of the rock music, but at the same time he does not mind experimenting with various styles and genres. Thus, his previous studio attempt titled Scream brought a lot of surprises for both listeners and the artist himself, because initially he had been planning to make an album of remixes for songs from the long play Carry On (by the way, Carry On, in it’s turn, had proved to be a huge surprise for Cornell’s fans as well). However while working on remixes, some new ideas appeared, so the original album Scream saw the light. Chris decided to surprise the music lovers once again, and in 2011 the rocker issued his first live acoustic long play. Songbook, which had been recorded during the tour in the USA in the spring of 2011, included a good number of compositions. Among them there are Cornell’s solo songs (including two brand new tracks), Soundgarden and Audioslave compositions and also not less interesting interpretations of famous performers’ hits. The musical intuition had never let Chris down; thereby Songbook has all the chances to become another truly amazing album. Sixteen songs, charged with pure energy and emotions are already waiting for the listeners: the atmosphere of an acoustic show is especially interesting, just because it is impossible to achieve such energy while working in the studio.

Songbook: the real acoustic rock

That atmospheric long play is opened by the song As Hope and Promise Fade, which is well-known to music lovers, who managed to find the hidden track on the album Scream. That composition was presented there, but the artist used to call it Two Drink Minimum. It is followed by the minor creation Scar On The Sky that is not giving its ground in emotional aspect to the first song. And that is a great thing about concert albums: the direct communication and connection with the audience just infuses energy and forcefulness to every single song. In the studio, as a rule, the most of attention is paid to the quality of the record, first of all, and every note is played in the way it was supposed to be played. But on the stage, the musician may enjoy the full freedom and give free rein to his feelings. And that is the very moment, when the magic begins. Can't Change Me, I Am The Highway and other songs sound just amazing. It is interesting, that compositions of Soundgarden and Audioslave, performed by Cornell alone, do not lose their wholeness. Well, the acoustic guitar can do a lot indeed, especially if it’s part is accompanied by Chris’ universal vocals. In that case it is possible to enjoy almost the ideal acoustic performance.

Excellent choice of songs

It is quite possible that if Cornell had chosen all the songs, which he had performed during the tour, the total length of that long play would make a couple of hours. However Songbook lasts just a little bit more than an hour, but the artist chose those songs, which could reflect perfectly both his recent tour and the musician’s spiritual condition. So, the sixteen fascinating songs are presented to listeners, including the hits of bands, where Chris played or still plays, cover-versions for masterpieces of Led Zeppelin and John Lennon, and, of course, solo compositions of Cornell. Obviously, the rocker’s two new creations will attract special attention: The Keeper and Cleaning My Gun. Traditionally strong songs fit the album’s concept just fine. It must be mentioned that acoustic rock is quite a blurred notion, but it feels that Chris Cornell somehow managed to cope with that musical direction as well. The rocker keeps on discovering the new edges of creativity, while listeners patiently wait for his new works. And nobody questions Chris’ ability to approve himself in any genre.