I was introduced to the talent of Chris Cornell in the 90’s through Audioslave, Soundgarden, and Temple of the Dog. His voice carried me through my turbulent teen years and into college. However, it wouldn’t be until his first solo album, Euphoria Morning, that I would start to emotionally connect to Chris Cornell.

Euphoria Morning (or also known as Euphoria Mourning) was released just after my birthday in 1999, and I picked it up as a birthday present to myself. Lyrically, this album spoke to me. “Preaching the End of the World” was the song I fell in love with first on this album. There was something sad and beautiful about connecting with someone without any pretense or obligations, and knowing that nothing really matters beyond the companionship or love of another person. I think this album really opened up a window into Chris Cornell’s soul and I appreciated everything about it.

Chris Cornell would release a few more solo albums, but then in 2015, he released Higher Truth and just like Euphoria Morning, I fell in love. This time, Chris took a more acoustic approach to the music, and the lyrical themes weaved throughout this album were bittersweet. Again, he opened that window to his soul and let us all take a peak inside. The lyrics of the songs on this album are a bit heavy, but they are real and honest. The fourth track on the album, “Before We Disappear” is simply perfection.

I remember the day that I heard he had passed away. It was 5 am. I had just woke up, checked my phone, and it was the first thing I read. My heart broke. As I got ready for the day, all I could think of was his lyrics and songs – and I secretly hoped that I would not learn that his death resulted in suicide. That news would eventually come, and it really hit me hard.

I got it. I knew. And I understood. The struggle of depression is real.

Chris Cornell’s birthday is today. He would have been 56. I grew up with his voice and his lyrics. I mourned his death like a close friend. And today I celebrate his birthday by enjoying his albums and songs that have been with me since my teens.

Here are a few of my favorites. Give his last album, Higher Truth, a listen if you haven’t yet. (Spotify link after the videos)

The clouds that gathered turned to rain
The candles on your sill burned out
The weather on your face
Turned to match the mood outside

Reading through poems that you saved
That make the gloomy hours make sense
Or do they lose their power
With the yellowing of age

I saw you suffering
Through a foggy window in the rain
When you thought no one was watching, yeah
Going through your memories Like so many prisons to escape
And become someone else
With another face
And another name
No more suffering

Through the Window ~ Chris Cornell

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Lead photo by Shantel Mitchell Breen
Chris Cornell performing in Philadelphia
10/15/15