Higher Truth
Chris Cornell · 2015
49 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A soulful blend of acoustic melodies and introspective lyrics, reflecting Cornell's emotional depth and vulnerability.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart Start here — This track features an emotive vocal performance that captures the essence of heartbreak and resilience, setting the tone for the album.
-
→
Before We Disappear — The song's haunting melody and reflective lyrics delve into themes of mortality and introspection, highlighting Cornell's lyrical prowess.
-
→
Higher Truth — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's overarching themes of searching for meaning and connection in a complex world.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with a cohesive sound that evolves throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent use of acoustic instrumentation, while the second half introduces more layered arrangements and electric elements.
- Several tracks employ a verse-chorus structure, but 'Murderer of Blue Skies' stands out with its extended instrumental section that shifts the focus from lyrics to melody.
- The album closes with 'Our Time in the Universe,' which gradually builds in intensity before fading out, creating a reflective ending.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady melodic introspection
- haunting reflections on life
- thoughtful listening for quiet moments
- cathartic emotional release
- in-order journey through vulnerability
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party vibes
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases continued vitality and emotional depth in Cornell's later work.
- Career context
- Released on September 18, 2015, Higher Truth was Chris Cornell's fourth solo studio album, following his 2009 effort, Scream. By this time, he had established himself as a prominent figure in rock music, transitioning from grunge icon to a seasoned solo artist exploring more intimate themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Soundgarden· Audioslave· Alice in Chains
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Murderer of Blue Skies
The shift from depicting idyllic imagery to confronting darker realities illustrates a profound sense of loss and disillusionment.
This contrast enhances the emotional weight of the narrative, revealing Cornell's ability to navigate complex feelings through vivid storytelling.
Tracklist
- 1 Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart Start here 3:54
- 2 Dead Wishes 4:55
- 3 Worried Moon 4:32
- 4 Before We Disappear 3:51
- 5 Through the Window 4:41
- 6 Josephine 3:38
- 7 Murderer of Blue Skies 3:42
- 8 Higher Truth 5:06
- 9 Let Your Eyes Wander 3:42
- 10 Only These Words 3:29
- 11 Circling 3:28
- 12 Our Time in the Universe 4:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.