After Soundgarden's breakup in 1997, lead singer Chris Cornell stayed largely under the radar. Two years later, hel formally reemerged with his debut solo album, "Euphoria Mourning" (originally titled "Morning"). Though the album was not a commercial success, it succeeded in showing a new side to Cornell's artistry, and remains his best solo effort.
Those looking for the heavy riffs and ferocious screaming of Cornell's Soundgarden heyday will be disappointed, as "Euphoria Mourning" largely avoids Chris's edgier side for a more subdued affair that incorporates elements of soul, folk and straightforward pop. It is easily his most diverse offering in terms of genre, and the vast stylistic palette allows him to showcase his growth as a vocalist. Compare, for example, the mezza voce singing on "Preaching the End of the World" to the gritty, soulful belting on "Mission"; it sounds like two completely different singers, each with their own distinct sound, and Cornell sounds equally at ease with both techniques. He also showcases a newfound sense of emotive delivery and dynamics on the Jeff Buckley tribute "Wave Goodbye," the album's best song and a rare display for his beautiful, haunting falsetto as well as his warm mid-range.
Lyrically, "Euphoria Mourning" has a heavy focus on soul searching ballads. Cornell's depression and addiction hit a peak during this period, and songs like "Can't Change Me" and "When I'm Down" portray a Lennon-esque vulnerability that recalls earlier works such as "Fell on Black Days." Unlike those previous tracks, these songs don't wallow in their anger and self-loathing, but show a narrator coming to terms with his flaws and demons and actively searching for a way out. They are all deeply moving and personal, and unfortunately bittersweet in the wake of Chris's passing.
While I greatly enjoy Chris's work in Audioslave and his subsequent solo releases, "Euphoria Mourning" remains Cornell's most consistently rewarding solo effort, with the perfect tandem of sonic versatility, lyrical depth, and the fantastic singing he will be remembered for.
