Why Chris Cornell, Why?

Chris Cornell is making me scream, and not in a good way...
One of the most successful and well-known frontmen in alternative rock and, personally, one of my favorite singers is releasing a new solo album, Scream on March 10, 2009. Cornell, (who has been rocking out for three decades through projects such as Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave, and solo work including the theme for the Bond film, Casino Royale) has decided to reinvent himself musically by turning toward a R&B sound, even collaborating with Timbaland as his producer. Yes, I'm afraid this is not a prank or a joke, the man who made "Black Hole Sun" has made an album with the man who made "Sexyback."

Now I'm not saying that I don't like Timbaland. He crafts some great songs, and he seems to have the Midas touch with other artists, generating massive hits for JT, Madonna, and Nelly Furtado. Heck, I even appreciated Timbaland before he became massively popular (Anyone remember "Try Again" with Aaliyah? That was my jam) But, I am afraid that it DOESN'T work with Chris Cornell. You can listen for yourself as "Scream" and other singles are available at chriscornell.com. I understand the need to try out new creative directions, but I don't believe Cornell should betray his fans by leaving the genre he largely helped to define. His new soulful ballads are pretty mediocre, and the fact that an alternative legend is the one singing them doesn't help.

Well, this whole topic has made me depressed so I'm going to listen to some classic Soundgarden and try to forget this ever happened