Songbook
Chris Cornell · 2011
77 min · 18 tracks · alternative rock
An intimate collection of stripped-back performances revealing the raw emotional depth of Cornell's songwriting.
Top tracks — play these first
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As Hope and Promise Fade Start here — establishes the emotional core of the record
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Black Hole Sun — This haunting rendition strips away the grunge production, allowing Cornell's poignant vocals to take center stage, revealing the song's deeper emotional layers.
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I Am the Highway — The track exemplifies Cornell’s ability to convey vulnerability through simplicity, showcasing how his voice can evoke profound feelings even in an unembellished setting.
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Like a Stone — This performance highlights Cornell's command over dynamics and emotion, transforming the original into a deeply reflective piece that resonates with listeners.
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Imagine — Cornell’s cover of this classic infuses it with a fresh sense of hope and sincerity, demonstrating his interpretive skills and respect for the original material.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Cornell's vocal strength shines in this intimate live setting, though some tracks feel repetitive.
What we noticed
- Tracks are often extended with spoken interludes, providing context and personal anecdotes that enhance the intimacy of the performances.
- The arrangement is consistently stripped-back, allowing Cornell's vocal delivery to take center stage without additional instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- intimate acoustic storytelling moments
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- reflective listening during solitude
- haunting vocals for deep focus
- cathartic release through lyrical depth
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party vibes
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Showcases Cornell's songwriting in an intimate setting, appealing to dedicated fans.
- Career context
- Released in 2011, Songbook is Chris Cornell's first live album, capturing performances from his solo acoustic tour. This release comes after his work with Soundgarden and Audioslave, showcasing a more personal and introspective side of his artistry during a time when he was re-establishing himself as a solo artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Soundgarden· Audioslave· Alice in Chains
Tracklist
- 1 As Hope and Promise Fade Start here 3:47
- 2 Scar on the Sky 3:40
- 3 Call Me a Dog 4:51
- 4 Ground Zero 2:58
- 5 Can’t Change Me 4:18
- 6 I Am the Highway 4:56
- 7 Thank You 4:48
- 8 Cleaning My Gun 5:18
- 9 Wide Awake 3:33
- 10 Fell on Black Days 5:05
- 11 All Night Thing 3:25
- 12 Doesn’t Remind Me 4:08
- 13 Like a Stone 4:04
- 14 Black Hole Sun 4:37
- 15 Imagine 4:06
- 16 The Keeper 3:57
- 17 As Hope and Promise Fade Start here 4:15
- 18 Call Me a Dog 5:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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