Scream (by Chris Cornell, Alternative Rock)

common sense media says

Rock icon reinvents himself with gloomy hip-hop CD.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that aside from a couple of swear words here and there, the lyrics contain nothing overtly shocking. However, most songs deal with dark themes that reflect Cornell's battle with depression -- pretty dark territory.

Positive messages: Many of the songs deal with the artist's battle with depression.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Refrain to one song, "Part of Me," repeats "No, that bitch ain't a part of me." Also, one use of the word "s--t."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Scream

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how writing down your feelings -- no matter how sad they are -- can actually make you feel better. Why do you think that certain creative pursuits, like writing and playing music, can have a positive effect on a person's well-being?

What's the story?

What's the story?
On his new CD, SCREAM, '90s grunge-rock legend Chris Cornell -- frontman of metal supergroup Soundgarden -- attempts to reinvent himself as a more mainstream artist with a hip-hop flair. To help his cause, Cornell recruited hip-hop producing titan Timbaland, who's also produced records for the likes of Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, and many other megastars. Lots of longtime Chris Cornell fans have dismissed this record as a joke, rejecting the subdued vocals and hip-hop beats that have replaced Cornell's signature screeching over a heavy metal sound.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
While any artist should have the creative license to experiment, one as well-known as Cornell should be darn sure such a drastic switch is going to work -- and Scream doesn't. Aside from the fact that it's just plain strange to hear Cornell like this, his vocals aren't strong enough to carry off the scrutiny that a less thunderous genre like hip-hop invites. Cornell's subpar performance even takes the shine out of Timbaland's typically solid rhythms.

Though the album is nowhere near as risque as early Soundgarden releases like "Big Dumb Sex," its overwhelmingly gloomy lyrics (for example: "It's been a long lonely road, I didn't know which way to go / You made my blood run cold, and filled me up with sorrow") will be better handled by mature teens.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: March 10, 2009
Label: Interscope Records
Genre: Alternative Rock

This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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