The album Chris Cornell thought was released at the wrong time
In 1978, Casablanca Records executed a unique marketing strategy by simultaneously releasing solo albums from each of the four members of Kiss—an interesting gimmick, though the music itself garnered less attention. Similarly, Mick Jagger ventured beyond The Rolling Stones’ spotlight with his 1985 solo effort She’s the Boss, which stirred its fare share of controversy. Later, in 1999, Interscope Records followed suit with Euphoria Morning, the debut solo album from Chris Cornell, former vocalist, guitarist, and lyricist of Soundgarden.
It’s not unusual for band members to venture out on their own, seeking to establish themselves as solo artists and stepping away from the collective safety of their group. The motivation for going solo varies—some may feel creatively stifled by their bandmates, while others may simply crave more individual attention and recognition. In certain cases, circumstances beyond their control force them into solo careers, leaving them to navigate the risks and rewards of having their name solely tied to a new release.
In the late 1980s and early ’90s, Soundgarden went from superunknowns to ultramega stars of the punk-rock scene. Their success saw not only their own stock rise but also that of the label that had taken a chance on them in the first place. Their sales helped Sub-Pop grow as a business and even eventually helped influence the signing of Nirvana to the label.
When Soundgarden went on to sign with the major label A&M – becoming the first grunge rock act signed to a major label in the process – some of their fans felt the group had sold out. The step up seemed to cause a rift within the band, as well, which led to Cornell taking over more and more of the songwriting duties. Throughout the rest of the ’90s, tensions amongst the group continued to rise and eventually came to a head on the final night of their 1997 world tour. When bassist Ben Shepherd walked off stage mid-set, the rest of the group joined him before Cornell returned to see out the show with a solo performance.
It was a sign of things to come. The group disbanded, and Cornell was thrown into the spotlight on his own. Where other acts before him had left their bands to do side projects by themselves for more money or fame, Cornell now had no other choice but to press on ahead as a solo act.
Two years later, his debut solo album Euphoria Morning arrived to generally positive reviews, but Cornell himself was not so sure about the album in hindsight. “It was something I just wanted to do and move on,” he told Spin in 2006. “I think it just was not the time for me to have a big solo record. I was in such a bad way, personally and professionally.”
Cornell may not have felt ready to have a big solo record at that time, but the album sold steadily enough, was reviewed relatively well, and even received a nomination in the ‘Best Male Rock Vocal Performance’ category at the 42nd Grammy Awards for the lead single, ‘Can’t Change Me’.
The album showed off more of Cornell’s range than he’d been able to with Soundgarden. And while their echoes and presence can be felt at times, it is noticeable that there are plenty of older influences throughout. Some songs have elements of early rock and roll, a more blues-rock feel in others, a psychedelic edge at times, and plenty of straight-ahead singer-songwriter moments, too. Whatever the style, the songs all lend themselves to Cornell’s voice and allow him to spread out and display his full range as a singer on the album.
During his interview with Spin, Cornell said, “I’m working on songs now for another solo record, and it’s a vastly different world”. The songs he was working on at that time went on to make up the 2007 album Carry On, which was not as commercially or critically successful as its predecessor, Euphoria Morning.
Perhaps being thrown in at the deep end and not feeling ready to make Euphoria Morning was exactly what was needed to keep him on his toes creatively and help him come up with a more exciting, interesting, and, ultimately, enjoyable album than when he had more time to think things through.
