10 Perfect Rock Albums From The LA Alternative Scene

When this record dropped in the early 2000s, music critics were ambivalent to it. The fact of the matter was, fans of Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine, still hadn't got over the split of either group. But don't be mistaken, this album is brilliant.

Chris Cornell split from Soundgarden in 1997, after he felt limited by the oppressive sound of grunge. When Zack de la Rocha bowed out of Rage Against the Machine, the remaining members weren't ready to throw in the towel. The sound of high octane Californian rock - in the form of Tom Morello, Brad Wilk, and Tim Commerford - needed a frontman able to match their caliber. Eventually, Rick Rubin, instigated a jam session between the two parties. It was a turning point for both.

Cornell's roaring vocals complimented the wild energy of the three-piece. His approach was starkly different to de la Rocha's, dispelling any fears that the supergroup would be labelled as derivative. Cornell, now had a backing band, who's range allowed him to explore other sonic spheres. He delivered soulful and tender vocals on, Like A Stone, and, I Am The Highway. But, still exhibited his ability to shred his vocal cords on, Shadow On The Sun, and Cochise.