Audioslave - Self Titled

Rap followed up by alternative rock. That's my kind of day! I think I've been typically critical of supergroups in the past - since usually they have such high expectations and then fail to live up to them. Audioslave here is 25% Soundgarden (Chris Cornell) and then 75% Rage Against The Machine (Morello, Commerford and Wilk). Their sound identity was a really good mix of those two bands. They prided themselves on the same RATM standard of only using guitar, drum and bass over vocals when producing music. No generic computer editing or sound additions done. Straight up rock n' roll. They started making music in 2001 - with this album dropping in 2002. It is a nice 3x platinum in the states, their highest selling album to date. Audioslave in it's time was nominated for three grammy awards. Not super surprising, because the album were all solid and they generated a pretty good following. They were also the first band to put on an open air concert in Cuba - I think ever. I'm not sure an open air venue was ever done there before they did it in 2006. In 2007 though, Cornell released a statement saying he was leaving the band due to personality conflicts and musical differences. The real issue was the 75% was back working on a RATM reunion, as well as two of the Rage guys doing solo work. It all worked out though, as Soundgarden is now back together and working on new music. In terms of sheer music quality - this album is up and down. There are a few tracks on here I think are flat out amazing, and then a few that are quite lackluster. Overall, it's a solid record - but not one I'd go and put in any Top whatever lists. I still feel they are one of the most successful supergroups for a reason, and their music is very worth listening to - all there albums. Start with this one though, as it was the original. There is some progression over the albums, and starting with numero uno is the way to go.

TRACK LISTING:
1. Cochise
2. Show Me How to Live
3. Gasoline
4. What You Are
5. Like a Stone
6. Set It Off
7. Shadow on the Sun
8. I Am the Highway
9. Exploder
10. Hypnotize
11. Bring Em Back Alive
12. Light My Way
13. Getaway Car
14. Last Remaining Light, The

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Like A Stone
2. Show Me How To Live
3. Cochise

FINAL RATING:
3.5 out of 5 stars