Best Chris Cornell Songs

Chris Cornell, undoubtedly the most amazing vocalist of our time, had a lengthy career between his solo work and his collaborations with Temple of the Dog, Soundgarden, Audioslave, and more.

This list captures his best work.

The Top Ten

Like a Stone - Audioslave

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 true voice of Chris is reflected in this song. Number 4? Are you serious? No voice could be like his. This is the song! Best song ever!

The variations in his voice are pretty evident from this song. Totally worth a listen for every fan.
Show Me How to Live - Audioslave

Wow! I just rediscovered that voice! How powerful and emotional. I've never heard anything like that man's voice.

So moving and talented. My son enjoyed telling me about him and sharing his music.
Black Hole Sun - Soundgarden

The song is undoubtedly the best from his collaboration with Soundgarden. It is one damn meaningful song, beautifully sung and written.

How can this not be number one here?
Spoonman - Soundgarden
Outshined - Soundgarden
Rusty Cage - Soundgarden

His roots! Awesome like Slaves and Bulldozers.
You Know My Name - Chris Cornell

Forget about it being just a Bond theme. It's just a bloody good song! His voice sounds great, and it's a joy to watch the film knowing the first thing you hear is the best vocalist of a generation - and one of the best ever.
Four octaves of delight from this amazing man.

I fell in love with this song and took too long to realize it was because it's from the same singer as Soundgarden and Audioslave.
That voice can make you like any song. And the song itself is great, and hello, JAMES BOND movie, maybe?! Awesome...
Pretty Noose - Soundgarden

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.

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

And I don't like what you've got me hanging from. Pretty Noose is pretty pain.
4th of July - Soundgarden

I first heard this song when I was 13, and I loved it immediately. It's one of my favorites.
Heavy Is the Head - Zac Brown Band

The Newcomers

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Disappearing Act - Chris Cornell
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Let Your Eyes Wander - Chris Cornell

The Contenders

Fell On Black Days - Soundgarden

This song means everything. We all fall into the dark from time to time.

Seriously? Number 17? How is this not top 5?
Be Yourself - Audioslave

How is this song not on this list? Great lyrics, great message, great vocals by Cornell, and one of my favorite riffs by Tom Morello. What's not to like? RIP Chris.
The Day I Tried to Live - Soundgarden

First song that popped into my head when I found out he passed away. One of the best voices/growls in rock. RIP.
Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart

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.
Burden in My Hand - Soundgarden

Oddly, no radio station 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 on the guitar. It sums up Cornell's abilities and lyricism 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 remain forever in my heart.

Such a good mix of dirty rock and catchy hooks. In truth, Fell on Black Days is probably better, but I saw this first and couldn't help but click it.
Sunshower - Chris Cornell

It's the most beautiful song he's done. Love it. It's better than Black Hole Sun - that was all the kids played when I was in high school. Great Expectations was a great movie!

An absolutely beautiful song. Sad to see him go. The movie was very sad as well - if you've ever fallen in love with a woman that you can't have. (I'm speaking of the original movie.)

This song leaves me speechless. It has been my favorite song of all time for 20 years.
Hunger Strike - Temple of the Dog
When I'm Down - Chris Cornell
Live to Rise - Soundgarden
Cochise - Audioslave
Say Hello 2 Heaven - Temple of the Dog

This song demonstrates the best and sheer range of Cornell's vocal ability. Wicked song, along with Cochise, Fell on Black Days, Last Remaining Light, What You Are, and Spoonman - all are awesome examples of his power and range.

Hands down, the best tribute song out there. Its resonating lyrics fit few.

Chris Cornell and Pearl Jam - could I ask for anything better?
Seasons - Chris Cornell

I first heard this on the Superman: Man of Steel soundtrack. Loved it but had no idea it was Chris! This is one super talented man!

Great song from the "Singles" movie soundtrack.
Shadow on the Sun - Audioslave
Wide Awake - Audioslave

This song is different. It's legendary.
Before We Disappear - Chris Cornell