9 Powerful Performances: No One Sings Like Chris Cornell Anymore

Chris Cornell should have turned 60 this July 20. A true great of rock ‘n’ roll, Cornell passed away on May 18, 2017. Both anniversaries are now marked by a mix of sadness and admiration for the enduring songs that showcase his incredible vocal talents.

As the iconic voice of Soundgarden, Audioslave, and through a diverse solo career, Cornell acknowledged his unique gift in the 1994 hit “Black Hole Sun” from Soundgarden’s “Superunknown.” A line from the song, “no one sings like you anymore,” would later become a posthumous collection of his covers.

It’s true. No one sings like Chris Cornell anymore. To honor his birthday and memory, here are nine unforgettable vocal performances by Cornell (though we easily could have chosen 90).

From: Soundgarden’s “Ultramega OK”
What you hear: “Beyond the Wheel” (1988)

Cornell starts with a rumbling, modal baritone melody before hitting remarkably high, sustained notes like an ancient mystic. Even now, this song feels like a statement: not only does Soundgarden rock, but their frontman can create and manipulate mysteries with his voice.

From: Soundgarden’s “Louder Than Love”
What you hear: “Hands All Over” (1989)

With another unorthodox melody, Cornell packs multiple emotions and vocal characters into each note, presenting a complex and compelling performance.

From: Temple of the Dog’s self-titled album
What you hear: “Say Hello 2 Heaven” (1990)

Although it was difficult not to choose the iconic “Hunger Strike,” “Say Hello 2 Heaven” showcases Cornell’s range: cooing falsetto, restrained blues singing, and rock-god howling.

From: Soundgarden’s “Badmotorfinger”
What you hear: “Slaves and Bulldozers” (1991)

An epic seven-minute rock tone poem, the track is worth hearing just to experience Cornell bending the last word in the phrase “Every word I said is what I mean,” making “mean” both more trustworthy and unreliable.

From: Soundgarden’s landmark “Superunknown”
What you hear: “Fell on Black Days” (1994)

“Black Hole Sun” might be the memorable single, but “Fell on Black Days” features one of Cornell’s finest, dark, and confident vocal performances.

From: Audioslave’s self-titled debut
What you hear: “Like a Stone” (2002)

This might be Cornell’s most masterful vocal, a lesson in restraint. Each degree of change communicates entire worlds. His soft approach during the muted bridge and the beautiful ache in “Room by room, patiently” are unforgettable.

From: Cornell’s second solo record, “Carry On”
What you hear: “Billie Jean” (2007)

Proving himself a master interpreter, Cornell transforms Michael Jackson’s pop classic into an ancient blues ballad, stripping it down to its emotional core.

From: The underrated Cornell solo record “Higher Truth”
What you hear: “Wrong Side” (2015)

With a melody so pure and primal, it sounds like Cornell drew it from the very earth, creating a hauntingly beautiful vocal performance.

From: Released posthumously on “No One Sings Like You Anymore” (2020)
What you hear: “Nothing Compares 2 U” (2016 recording)

Like his cover of “Billie Jean,” Cornell’s rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” is raw and immediate, never betraying the original but entirely owning the performance.

Source: Columbia Daily Tribune