It’s a straight up 90’s Seattle classic. One of the best albums of an era. And one of the most unique. After the death of influential Seattle frontman Andrew Wood, the scene was in mourning. In that mourning, a band emerged. A supergroup of sorts called Temple of the Dog. Consisting of Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell on vox and Matt Cameron on drums. Along with Pearl Jam members Jeff Ament on bass, Stone Gossard on rhythm guitar, with Mike McCready on lead guitar and vocalist Eddie Vedder providing guest vocals. They quickly came together to record their self titled and only album. Dedicated to Andrew Wood.
The album leads off with the emotional ‘Say Hello to Heaven.’ It’s a truly beautiful ballad that lets Chris Cornell expose some of his greatest vocal abilities. It’s a direct tribute to Andrew Wood. And also a song that represents all the fallen of the Seattle scene, of which there are numerous. ‘Reach Down’ is just an awesome jammer. The groove, the soul, the entire vibe of the track hits the sweet spot. Providing some excellent background vocals and possibly Mike McCready’s best guitar solo. The mega-hit ‘Hunger Strike’ is next. Known for it’s timeless duet between Pearl Jam vocalist Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell. The song also served as a boon for Soundgarden’s career. ‘Pushin’ Forward Back’ is one of, if not the best song on the record. Just a classic hard rocker. It’s just pure, excellent, no bs rock n roll. Something that’s harder and harder to come by as time goes on. ‘Call Me a Dog’ is another sensitive ballad right up there with ‘Say Hello to Heaven.’ It’s certainly in line with what the album is all about. There’s a lot of slower, mourning type tracks on the album. Which makes sense considering it’s purpose.
‘Times of Trouble’ keeps that slower, darker vibe going. The whole mood of the song is very effective. ‘Wooden Jesus’ is another ballad centerpiece. What makes this song different is it’s unique rhythm. But the lyrics are simply classic Cornell. The mandolin is also a nice touch. ‘Your Savior’ is a phenomenal riff. A seminal stoner rock piece. It grooves, it rocks, it’s phat with a majorly catchy riff. Personally, I think the album could have benefitted from another track or two like this. ‘Four Walled World’ is more Seattle scene than the Seattle scene itself. Slow, bluesy, dark and trippy. Cornell’s voice soars while Matt Cameron lays down the backbeat. The shuffle ballad ‘All Night Long’ closes the album in fine fashion. It really shows Cris Cornell’s vocal origins in a way. The vocals are very soulful, which is where his roots are. The thoughtfulness and tenderness of the song bring the album full circle. Just how ‘Say Hello to Heaven’ starts it.
The album is complete lightning in a bottle. What started as a tribute to a fallen brother led to one of the greatest albums of a generation. An album that breaks out of the scene it’s associated with. Timeless, classic and always relevant. Unfortunately, there’s only one. But I don’t think fans would have it any other way.
