Chris Cornell Songs Ranked

Christopher John Cornell (né Boyle; July 20, 1964 – May 18, 2017) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the rock bands Soundgarden and Audioslave. He also had a solo career and contributed to soundtracks. Cornell was also the founder and frontman of Temple of the Dog, a one-off tribute band dedicated to his late friend Andrew Wood. Cornell struggled with depression for most of his life. He was found dead in his Detroit hotel room in the early hours of May 18, 2017, after performing at a Soundgarden concert an hour earlier at the Fox Theatre. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging. Here are all of Chris Cornell songs ranked.

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20. Say Hello 2 Heaven (Temple of the Dog, 1991)

“This song demonstrates the best and the sheer range of Cornell’s vocal ability. Wicked song, along with Cochise, fell on black days, last remaining light, what you are and spoonman laugh out loud, all are awesome examples of his power and range”

19. When I’m Down (Euphoria Morning, 1999)

“This song leaves me speechless. It has been my favorite song of all time for 20 years. If a song elicits emotion, it has done its job. This song does that in spades.”

18. Sunshower (Great Expectations: The Album, 1998)

“This is a slow song, it is done acoustically. I wished he would have done it fast as he did with the groups that he was in. The song is cute and all like a Sunflower but we want to here about depressing stuff “

17. Live to Rise (Avengers Assemble, 2012)

“Just awesome lyrics and reflected some of the best times in my life. Chris Cornell is the best vocalist ever lived! This is one hell of a song!”

See more: Chris Cornell Albums Ranked

16. Burden in My Hand (Down on the Upside, 1996)

“Oddly, no radio was playing Cornell on the morning of his passing as I drove to work. I flicked from station to station until I found this song. It is one I always loved. It is such a difficult song to sing and play guitar. It sums up Cornell’s abilities and lyricisms perfectly. I cried while blasting it. And I still cry for him every now and then. A man I never met, whose artistry and beauty remains forever in my heart”

15. The Day I Tried to Live (Superunknown, 1994)

“First song that popped in my head when I found out he passed away. One of the best voices/growls in rock. This song is what got me into listening to Chris.”

14. Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart (Higher Truth, 2015)

“I can’t stop listening to this. He has been on top of his game for 30 plus years. Awesome! Except for the snotty lead guitar, a perfect song.”

13. Hunger Strike (Temple of the Dog, 1991)

“So much meaning and understanding in this song, and it reflects on all of us individually. My favorite! of all time”

12. Be Yourself (Out of Exile, 2005)

“The lyrics were inspired by events from the frontman’s, Chris Cornell’s, own life. “The ‘be yourself’ part really just came from a lot of things that I’ve gone through in my life and a lot of different changes and all the different tragedies and all the horrendously stupid mistakes I’ve made in my personal life, and wanting to be able to make up for those things and wanting to be able to not be ashamed all that stuff,” he explained. “You know, that’s the one thing about getting older that’s better, and this song kinda says it so simply, to a degree that 10 years ago I would’ve been embarrassed to put it in a song ’cause it is so simple. But there it is.”

11. Fell On Black Days (Fell On Black Days, 1993)

“This song means everything. We all fall into the dark from time to time. Hands down, the best tribute song out there.. It’s resonating lyrics fit few.”

10. Outshined (Badmotorfinger, 1991)

“What’s not to like about this song? Great guitar, lyrics and sung by the late Chris Cornell. Can’t believe we won’t hear anything new from him in the future. Left us too soon.”

9. Rusty Cage  (Badmotorfinger, 1991)

“The heavy stuff from the early nineties. You can’t beat this album for sure fire rocking power. It was hard to hear the studio version due to the high-pitched screeching noise, so I was hoping this live version would be much better. This exceeded my hopes, delivering top-notch Cornell lyrics against a tough-as-nails riff. This is one of the highlights of this album for me and I would strongly recommend you purchase it if you like Chris Cornell’s music.”

8. Heavy Is the Head (Jekyll + Hyde, 2015)

“This song is from a country band, but it has an old time rock song feel to it. Veteran vocalist Chris Cornell (soundgarden, audioslave, temple of the dog) lends his superb vocal talent to take this song from being really good to unforgettable!”

7. 4th of July (Superunknown, 1994)

“I’m happy to report that he did a fine job.  The song contains all the elements that one of these themes should and makes them rock a bit – this isn’t an Audioslave track after all.”

See more: Godsmack Albums Ranked

6. Pretty Noose (Down on the Upside, 1996)

“This man had exquisite talent and so much heart. He bared his beautiful soul and brought happiness to so many. I hope he is experiencing the peace of mind he was unable to grasp while here on earth.”

5. Spoonman (Superunknown, 1994)

“This album got me through some hard times. 20 years ago. When it first came out every song sed something to what I was going through. This album gave me the strength to pull threw with all the problems I was having. Thanks Chris and the rest of Soundgarden, for the album and for giving the will to fight and not give up.”

4. You Know My Name (The Best of Bond…James Bond, 1992)

“Forget about it being just a Bond theme, its just a bloody good song! His voice sounds great and it’s a joy to watch the film knowing the first thing you here is the best vocalist of a generation, and one of the best ever. 4 octaves of delight from this amazing man.”

3. Black Hole Sun (Songbook, 2011)

“The song is undoubtedly the best from his collaboration with soundgarden and is the one damn meaningful song beautifully sung and written.”

2. Show Me How to Live (Audioslave, 2002)

“Unbelievable song, hits me in the heart every time. Thanks Chris for all the amazing work,you will be remembered for eternity. I’ve never heard anything like that man’s voice..”

1. Like a Stone (Songbook, 2011)

“The truth in the lyrics is what makes this a timeless track. Couple that with Chris Cornell’s damning tone and this transcends music and becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy! One of a kind! The variations in his voice are pretty evident from this song and totally worth a listen for every fan.”