Chris Cornell, Carry On, D

It doesn't come as a surprise to his fans that Chris Cornell is a changed man. Ever since the release of Audioslave's second album, Out of Exile, Cornell's lyrics have reflected the changing attitudes of an older, wiser and happier Chris Cornell. And with the release of Carry On, Cornell's second album as a solo artist, Cornell further shies himself away from the brooding, angst-ridden identity rock fans have come to know and love. \nThroughout Carry On, Cornell lyrically sounds sure of himself, as he sings about how he found his peace of mind and lets his audience in on the lessons he has learned in his life as a family man. In album-opener "No Such Thing," Cornell sings, "I saw a world that was beautiful / But the rain got in." A reference to his grunge hey-day? Maybe. The song, with its driving riff, would pack more of a punch if it didn't come off so forced. \nThere is also the studio-polished "Arms Around Your Love," where Chris confides, "Coming clean feels so dangerous." Could he be singing about his current lyrical content, how he's no longer the depraved, mysterious rocker? It's possible. Whatever Cornell is talking about, his voice, worn from wailing his vocal chords thin over the past 20 years, has aged like a fine wine. It has limitations, but also an added hint of character, which makes his bluesy cover of "Billie Jean" more convincing.\nUnfortunately, none of the songs make it past the middle of the road. They are weak, at least to the typical rock fan. Maybe they're better-suited for the world of adult contemporary. \nDespite the mediocre songs, Cornell deserves credit for having the courage to be honest with himself and writing what is truly on his mind. He's not hiding behind an image or trying to pass himself off as someone he's not on this album. He's merely writing about the person he is, not the person he was. That has to be difficult for a man who founded his fame on writing songs about dark feelings and ideas that he has long since dropped.\nBut even though listeners may be happy for Cornell for finding happiness and peace of mind, Carry On will leave fans missing the musings of the singer they knew from a lifetime ago. Because let's face it, music without conflict is dull.