New Chris Cornell Single: “When Bad Does Good”

by Alec Plowman, Sep 23, 2018 . 3 min read

It’s been almost 18 months since the world lost Chris Cornell. The Soundgarden, Audioslave, and Temple of the Dog frontman’s untimely death

hit the music world hard, leaving a void that will likely never be filled.

“Chris Cornell”

Now, a new Chris Cornell CD and vinyl release have been announced. Simply titled “Chris Cornell,” it’s a retrospective of the singer’s work in bands and as a solo artist. And, as Rolling Stone reports, the compilation, assembled by Cornell’s wife, Vicky, will feature previously unreleased material. One of those tracks is a previously unheard studio recording, titled “When Bad Does Good.”

According to RS, it was Cornell’s friend Josh Brolin, “who reminded Vicky of “When Bad Does Good” and encouraged her to release it. Producer Brendan O’Brien, who worked with Cornell over the years, helmed the project and Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament worked on its packaging.”

Moreover, the song is ethereal, almost hymnal, a poignant reminder of the immense talent that Cornell wielded. The vocals are, as you would expect, stunning.

“Chris Cornell” will be released in two versions. A single disc, 17-track compilation version serves as a sort of introduction to the singer and his music.

In addition, it includes original Chris Cornell compositions, as well as his covers of Prince and Michael Jackson. To add,  a 44 track, four-disc box set version, meanwhile, gives a more comprehensive overview and features 11 previously unreleased recordings.

Statement

In a statement about the album, Vicky Cornell noted:

“Since Chris’ sudden passing I have put all my efforts and energy into sharing his music and legacy with his fans from all over the world. I felt we needed to create a special collection to represent all of him – the friend, husband and father, the risk taker and innovator, the poet and artist. His soaring vocals found their way into the hearts and souls of so many. His voice was his vision and his words were his peace. This album is for his fans.”

Liner notes for the album feature contributions from Soundgarden members Kim Thayil and Pearl Jam‘s Matt Cameron & Mike McCready, Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello, and producer Brendan O’Brien.

Tracklisting

The tracklisting for the single-disc version of “Chris Cornell” is as follows:

1.“Loud Love” (Soundgarden)
2. “Outshined” (Soundgarden)
3. “Hunger Strike” (Temple of the Dog)
4. “Seasons”
5. “Black Hole Sun” (Soundgarden)
6. “Can’t Change Me”
7. “Like a Stone” (Audioslave)
8. “Be Yourself” (Audioslave)
9. “You Know My Name”
10. “Billie Jean”
11. “Long Gone” (Rock Version)
12. “Call Me a Dog” (Live Acoustic)
13. “Been Away Too Long” (Soundgarden)
14. “Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart”
15. “Nothing Compares 2 U” (Live at Sirius XM) *
16. “The Promise”
17. “When Bad Does Good” *

Previously unreleased

What do you think of chris cornell single “When Bad Does Good”? Will you be buying the compilation? Share your thoughts in the comments!