THE BEST OF CHRIS CORNELL

T here are some people who remember Chris Cornell for one song only; “Black Hole Sun.” Almost all of the tributes from musicians have centered around this composition, but there are so many better songs out there. Here are ten of his greatest to steer your way.

Soundgarden — “Outshined”

The groove to this track is ridiculous. Coupled with the bass and drum grind, Cornell’s howl has never been better.

Chris Cornell — “Seasons”

As the initial solo offering from the Soundgarden singer, this at the time uncharacteristic composition given its acoustic leanings ended up as the highlight to the early ‘90s soundtrack to the film ‘Singles.’

Temple of the Dog — “Say Hello 2 Heaven”

Cornell created this union of Seattle musicians to mourn the passing of his friend Andrew Wood, frontman for Mother Love Bone, the “next big thing” who never got a shot following their singer’s overdose.

Chris Cornell — “Sunshower”

His first post-Soundgarden track was a heartfelt, broken anthem to a relationship gone south.

Soundgarden — “Birth Ritual”

Easily the heaviest of the catalog of Soundgarden, this track which first appeared on the soundtrack to the Cameron Crowe film ‘Singles’ is as brutal today as the day it was released.

Audioslave — “Cochise”

The song which introduced the world to the union of the frontman from Soundgarden singing for the core of Rage Against the Machine. A rumbling bass line before the rest of the group kicks in is one of the greatest musical moments in rock and roll.

Soundgarden — “Jesus Christ Pose”

All credit given to guitarist Kim Thayil and his swirling, churning riff. Cornell just accentuates existing brilliance.

Chris Cornell — “Part of Me”

When Cornell enlisted the likes of Justin Timberlake and producer Timbaland, it resulted in a mish mash of good intentions, dance beats and the best voice of the ‘90s. This song though — and check out the video — withstands.

Audioslave — “I Am the Highway”

No one could’ve predicted the guys from Rage having a softer side. This shattered that inclination. The best ballad of the first 10 years of the new millennia.

Chris Cornell — “Cleaning My Gun”

One of the most interesting aspects of Chris Cornell’s recent years was his “Songbook” tours where he would play songs from every part of his musical catalog — including unreleased material. Culled from his ‘Songbook’ album, this is one of the more haunting he’s done, especially in retrospect.