Cornell was among the most vocally gifted rock singers to emerge out of the grunge scene. Instead of the overwrought vocal straining style of other lead singers at the time, Cornell’s voice had a steady rhythm and flow that complimented and enhanced the songs of Soundgarden, rather than just singing along with the band.
Regrettably, Cornell’s desire to be taken seriously as a vocalist doesn’t work as well when listening to Carry On as he might have hoped. As a whole, the album lacks a sense of direction. There are fourteen tracks, all different styles and genres, together on one record. The first track, “No Such Thing,” is a slice of rock, “Poison Eye,” a piece of pop, while “Arms Around Your Love,” was undoubtedly written to be a hit single, with its rock tempo and catchy hook. Cornell even takes on a ballad with “Scar on the Sky.”
While Carry On lacks fluidity, Cornell deserves some props for going out of his comfort zone and trying some new styles. However, the bluesy remake of Michael Jackson’s 1983 dance classic “Billie Jean,” was a serious overreach that should have been left on the cutting room floor. That cut will leave you scratching your head.
Carry On isn’t a great album, nor is it terrible. Cornell has created an album of diverse music to showcase his vocal talents. Now in his forties, it’s hard not to wonder if Cornell, like so many others before him, just might do an album of classic songs in his sixties. After all, he’s already covered a Michael Jackson song. That would be interesting.
