Reflecting on Chris Cornell's last album as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, the musician's melancholy-inspired creativity remains resonant.
Today marks the 10th anniversary of the release of Chris Cornell's final album, Higher Truth. This intimate and small album, devoid of a band, was a fitting send-off for one of the best rock singer-songwriters of his generation.
Before recording Higher Truth, Chris Cornell produced an album with Brendan O'Brien for his band Soundgarden. However, it was with this album that Cornell felt most at ease with himself. He enlisted O'Brien, a seasoned producer and Pearl Jam collaborator, to help with the stylistic makeover of the album.
Cornell compared Higher Truth to his early solo work and Temple of the Dog, stating it represented how he saw himself as an artist. The album's wistful, reflective nature is at the heart of some of Cornell's best songs, such as Temple of the Dog's All Night Thing and Seasons from the Singles soundtrack.
The songs on Higher Truth were motivated by a sense of melancholy. Cornell stated that they had a different feeling to them, like a church-y environment. He chose O'Brien for his focus, speed, and ability to make the right decisions.
In 2011-2012, Cornell embarked on a tour called the Songbook tour, playing a selection of cuts from across his career on an acoustic guitar. The tour was unlike any other that Cornell had done before. He enjoyed the freedom it gave him, allowing him to explore different sides of his artistry.
After the tour had concluded, Cornell decided to write an album in the same vein. He believed that Higher Truth was not geared towards mass exposure or specific fan bases, but towards himself. Despite the album's intimate nature, it serves the Songbook touring thing, making it a living thing as opposed to a nostalgic one that looks into the past.
Tragically, less than two years after the release of Higher Truth, Chris Cornell committed suicide. His untimely death left a void in the music industry, but his legacy lives on through his music, including this final album.
Higher Truth is considered a testament to Cornell's talent and a fitting tribute to a truly great artist. As we celebrate its 10th anniversary, let us remember the impact Chris Cornell had on the world of music and the lasting impression his music continues to make.
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