Are you looking for Chris Cornell songs? Look no further, we have a list for you! As you probably know, Cornell was one of the key figures of the 90s rock music scene.
While he was not as famous as the Beatles. he was definitely memorable. Along with the great Kurt Cobain, Cornell’s voice defined the sound of grunge more than any other artist.
Like many celebrities, they had tortured souls. Both entertainers ultimately ended their lives, devastating millions of fans around the world. While they passed away much too early, their music has a legacy of its own.
The Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman left behind an incredible legacy. While they are not like the Beatles, they have definitely made their mark in Amerian music history. And with it, many songs that will accompany true music lovers for decades. Below follow 25 Top Chris Cornell songs that give you a taste of his undeniable artistry.
The Promise (2017)
“The Promise” is a solo release by Chris Cornell. The song was part of the film’s soundtrack (The Promise).
It was released as a single on March 10, 2017, and unfortunately is the last solo release from Cornell prior to his death on May 18, 2017.
Jesus Christ Pose (1991)
“Jesus Christ Pose” was released as a single in 1991 by Soundgarden. In the United Kingdom, the song caused controversy for its lyrics and theme. It was also featured on the soundtrack for the 1994 film, S.F.W.
Fell on Black Days (1994)
“Fell on Black Days” is the definition of what grunge songs are supposed to be. It was written by Chris Cornell and it takes us back in a special era.
It was a time of chaos and fun when Nirvana and Soundgarden were competing for the grunge throne.
Revelations (2006)
“Revelations” is a song by Audioslave and is special but not for a good way. It was released on November 2006 with a message.
It was the second and final single from their third album Revelations, and it was meant to be the final single of their career.
Ty Cobb (1997)
Through “Ty Cobb” we learn that Soundgarden were fans of baseball. And more specific, fans of one of the greatest players to ever play the game: the great Ty Cobb.
He was a phenomenal talented player who was at the same time a very controversial figure in his personal life.
Your Time Has Come (2005)
This song was inspired by the 1980s song “People Who Died,” performed by The Jim Carroll Band.
It’s a touching goodbye song to the casualties of New York drug culture written by poet and singer Jim Carroll.
However, the lyrics also make a reference to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, “I’ve seen fifty-thousand names all engraved on a stone.”
What You Are (2004)
“What You Are” is an Audioslave song. It was released in March 2004 as the fifth and final single from their self-titled debut. The song was also used in a TV spot for the promotion of the Spider-Man 2 film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgr82Y6Imfk
You Know My Name (2006)
“You Know My Name” by Chris Cornell, is the theme song to the 2006 James Bond film, Casino Royale.
The film producers picked Cornell because they wanted a strong male singer and he was the perfect choice as they stated in an interview.
The single peaked at number 7 in the UK singles chart and received great reviews from the critics.
Show Me How to Live (2003)
“Show Me How to Live” is a song by Audioslave. It was released in June 2003 as the third single from their first album Audioslave.
What’s very intriguing with this song is that on the final note, Cornell achieves an unusual effect by repeatedly striking his throat with the side of his hand while changing pitch. You gotta listen to that!
Part of Me (2008)
“Part of Me” is a song by Chris Cornell, from his third solo studio album, Scream. The song refers to a fictional incidence in lusting after a girl and a possible ‘fling.’
One of the song’s biggest fan was DJ Steve Aoki, who made a remix of the song. The music video features a cameo appearance from the greatest heavyweight boxing champion of the 21st century, Wladimir Klitschko.
I Am the Highway (2003)
On this early Audioslave track, Chris Cornell is claiming his self-worth after being taken for granted in his relationships.
“I am not your rolling wheels, I am the highway,” he sings. He determines the only person he can rely on is himself, but the road to independence is a long one: “I put millions of miles under my heels, and still too close to you I feel.”
Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart (2015)
“Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart” is a song by Chris Cornell. It was released as the lead single from his fifth solo album Higher Truth.
Cornell stated in an interview that he wrote the song while he was on a tour with Soundgarden.
He also added what this song’s all about by saying, ”Sometimes we get so distracted by a new person or a new thing in our life that we kind of forget that we had given up on life.”
Been Away Too Long (2012)
“Been Away Too Long” is a song by Soundgarden, which is featured on their fifth studio album King Animal as its opening track.
The song topped the Mainstream Rock Charts and is featured in Sons of Anarchy series, NHL 14 and Guitar Hero Live.
Burden in My Hand (1996)
“Burden in My Hand” is a song by Soundgarden. Written by Chris Cornell, “Burden in My Hand” was released in1996.
It’s the second single from the band’s fourth studio album Down on the Upside. It topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and stayed there for five weeks.
Scream (2008)
“Scream” is a song by Chris Cornell, from his third solo studio album, with the same name.
Interestingly, Timbaland is featured in an interlude of the song, but he’s not credited as a featured artist.
Be Yourself (2005)
“Be Yourself” is the first single from the second album (Out of Exile) of Chris Cornell’s band Audioslave.
The song was released in 2005 and topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart for seven weeks. It is considered one of the band’s most popular and successful songs to this day.
Gun (1989)
The version of “Gun” on Soundgarden’s album titled Louder Than Love is a truly great song.
Back when the band was still developing musically (1989), the live version of this song is one of their finest moments.
Doesn't Remind Me (2005)
“Doesn’t Remind Me” by Audioslave, was released back in 2005 as the third single from their second studio album Out of Exile.
The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance at the 48th Grammy Awards.
Rusty Cage (1991)
Written by Chris Cornell, “Rusty Cage” was released in 1992 as the third single from the band’s third studio album, Badmotorfinger.
The song became an instant hit and was released as a single in several different formats.
The song was covered by the great Johnny Cash on his1996 album, Unchained, which won a Grammy Award for Best Country Album.
Original Fire (2006)
“Original Fire” by Audioslave isn’t an ordinary song. It has a strange guitar solo that Tom Morello describes as “monkey laughter.”
What does he mean exactly? You will have to listen to the song to get a better idea. We recommend listening to it a few times.
4th of July (1994)
“4th of July” by Soundgarden is the type of song that will make you love Cornell’s vocal skills.
Cornell starts to sing in this dreamy, far-off manner, through the first verse, that instantly puts you ill-at-ease. Keep in mind that he wrote this song reminiscing an acid trip he had as a youngster.
Outshined (1991)
Written by Chris Cornell himself, “Outshined” was released in 1991 as the second single from Soundgarden’s third studio album, Badmotorfinger.
The song’s lyrics inspired the title of the 1996 film ”Feeling Minnesota.” It’s a catchy song that stays with you long after you’ve listened to it.
Like a Stone (2003)
“Like a Stone” is a song by Audioslave. It topped both the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks and Hot Modern Rock Tracks charts.
It became the biggest hit of the band. “Like a Stone” was certified gold in the US for selling more than 500,000 copies.
Cochise (2002)
This song was originally titled “Save Yourself” after a line in the song’s chorus. However, Audioslave members ended up with “Cochise.”
“Cochise” is an Apache Indian chief who had the same name. He was the one who declared war on the Southeast and drove out thousands of settlers.
Black Hole Sun (1994)
Even if you’re not a Soundgarden or Chris Cornell fan, there’s a good chance to know of this song.
By far the most popular song of the band and a true 90s classic, “Black Hole Sun” will always creep us out with its spooky video.
