Chris Cornell, Soundgarden, and Revolutionizing Grunge Vocals

This week's song comes heavy after the loss of rock legend Chris Cornell. Known to the world as the lead singer for both Soundgarden and Audioslave, he helped revolutionize the grunge vocal style. At a time when many other grunge vocalists were shouting or groaning their songs without polish, Cornell utilized his powerful voice and range while maintaining the gravelly timbre indicative of the genre. 

In "The Day I Tried to Live" Cornell introduces the song by delivering a crisp verse full of ominous images. The first chorus hits hard with his trademark wail, sounding no less commanding than the electric guitar behind him.

The energy Cornell fronted in his work has endured through the last two decades and, despite his passing, will surely continue to inspire countless others for a long time to come.