The Roots of Genius: What Really Shaped Young Chris Cornell's Artistry

An insightful review of The Roots of Genius: What Really Shaped Young Chris Cornell's Artistry—uncover what experts are saying.

Soundgarden quickly realized that Cornell was too magnetic to remain hidden behind tom-toms. In 1985, the group recruited Scott Sundquist to take over the drum stool, liberating Cornell to step out to the front of the stage. When Sundquist departed in 1986, the band welcomed Matt Cameron, locking in a rhythm section capable of handling any metric labyrinth Cornell and Thayil dreamed up.

As independent label Sub Pop was coming into its own, Soundgarden became their premier flagship. Singles like "Hunted Down" and the 1987 EP Screaming Life showcased a vocalist unlike anyone in the American underground. Cornell possessed the heavy timber of vintage blues shouters, the precision of a classical tenor, and the terrifying shriek of a hardcore punk frontperson. His vocal delivery was visceral, athletic, and utterly free of the commercial polish dominating 1980s Los Angeles hair metal.