Audioslave "Like a Stone" - Vocal Analysis and Reaction

[@merrimackvalleyblackdog45]

Audioslave makes me cry. And I'm a 45 year old man. RIP Chris.

[@SenseiEricTollett]

Bro RIP forsure

[@karlwhite2733]

I'm 53, Me too.

[@stevenhodgkinson7462]

Me too mate me too.

[@monkeyboy4311]

41 over here and same on all that

[@mikegould6590]

58 and I tear up when I hear his voice

[@Cadinho93]

This song is very haunting to listen to after his death. It's essentially about him waiting for death and Chris Cornell was known to suffer from depression, so to know years ago that he wrote a song like this about waiting for death to come and take him leaves me with a very sad feeling. The song is beautiful, but it takes on even more weight after his tragic passing. RIP Chris Cornell...such a legendary voice.

[@Adam-xs3ng]

He made me aware of my own depression from this song and moved me to get help. I'm happy for me as I have two sons that need me but sad he never found help.

[@jharris0341]

Chris was murdered for trying to expose child traffickers.

[@PantsofVance]

In my opinion it's about waiting for something spiritual to truly reveal itself to him. Chris was a very spiritual person even though he never announced his faith in anything, because I think he never found it. The song talks about him reading a bible in a hotel room and wanting that salvation but just never accepting it but being hopeful that someday he would. He says he'll pray to anyone who'll take him to heaven and that until he dies he'll wander on in search of it. Death also fits in to this explanation to me.

[@megumareta6361]

@@PantsofVanceDefinitely about someone hoping for eternal salvation after death thats for sure.

[@DeniseAlves91]

@@Adam-xs3ng same

[@e51v50h]

No one sings like Chris!! The emotion, the ability to sing with such passion in so many registers, his songwriting, his musicianship....just astounding the talent this man had.

[@petriew2018]

What he did off stage for modern music is little known but also critically important. He was basically the godfather of what we'd consider the grunge movement. Many aspiring singers who came through Seattle found themselves staying rent free in his basement while he used the connections he had with local clubs to help jumpstart their careers. He was extremely generous with his time in mentoring younger singers and musicians, and encouraging them to be experimental and find their own particular sound.

[@guidod384]

Ritchie Kotzen does! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fajIdH6VZtpjecU

[@corsolorenzo]

It's so much true! I love Cornell's voice and these classic Audioslave songs, and when I ask some singer to sing Be Yourself or Like a Stone I do it with an apologize, 'cause I know how hard it must be to match Cornell's voice

[@statesidedesi]

The closest is Eddie

[@ricardosentine1451]

The only person I dare say sings similar to Chris is Eddie Vedder. If not as well as Chris

[@Planckepoch592]

My favorite musician by far. Not only is he vocally talented, but his lyrics are so beautiful and make me feel so connected to the songs. He is surely missed, what a talent.

[@baneleaf7025]

Chris was also a top notch guitarist but he always played the background parts.

[@nicolaskarlv]

This guitar solo always give me goosebumps ❤️ amazing band. RIP Chris

[@jasonlaviolette2964]

I know this is a "vocal" channel, and everybody is concentrating on Chris Cornell, and rightfully so, but Tom Morello is just a genius. He can send you on an emotional journey with a guitar the same way Chris Cornell can with his voice.

[@TheCaltonian]

I only discovered this song a few days ago for some reason, and that guitar solo is definitely up there with some of the best I have ever heard. I assumed there was some kinda synthesising done to the sound in a studio later to make it like that, but apparently Audioslave (and RATM) were renowned for having only guitars, drums and vocals on their songs and no trickery, which just makes the sound he is able to get from that guitar even more amazing. I could listen to that solo on repeat for hours and still not get bored with it.

[@user-mq5zt1gk4p]

I have to brag that I saw this live at the Lollapalooza in 2023, and that guitar solo blew everyone in the amphitheater away (probably about 8-10k people). It was amazing.

[@SanderVandeWiel]

@@TheCaltonian Nope, all just Tom Morello who really knows how to get weird sounds out of a guitar and make it sound good.

[@hallowedbethymelancholy8299]

Me too. Tom Morello is so singularly talented.

[@lozyoung4110]

I'm no Cornell fanboy, but there's something about this song that really hits me. The way he builds emotion into his delivery as the song progresses, it's just something else. Gets me in the feels every time.

[@nielgregory108]

Maybe it hits you because it is a very religious song. Just like the rest of the album.

[@ThomasRodriguez]

Nothing wrong with being a Chris Cornell fanboy either. I mean…. Vocally, the guy might be the greatest of all time. He is certainly in the conversation, no matter what genre of music anyone listens to, it’s hard to deny his gift for what it is.

[@stylis666]

_"I'm no Cornell fanboy..."_ I am! :D Oh, I'm sorry, you were saying something? 🤣

[@dwk607]

"Show Me How to Live" is a must!!! you'd absolutely love it

[@go-nogo1475]

I drive waaaay too fast when that's playing in the auto.

[@jeremypoolet]

The only singer that can sound amazing and disinterested at the same time lol so good

[@pizzamadesimple]

you said it perfectly. effortless, yet incredible power.

[@snooganslestat2030]

💚

[@ghostharmon108]

He was so soft and magical. His voice was like no other. I love how excited you get when you hear him. I am the same way.

[@Tjeffers128]

Such a loss to the world, a beautiful voice gone to soon. RIP brother.

[@pizzamadesimple]

Tremendous loss.

[@GizliBiraz]

And for something totally different, check out "Cochise." Still Audioslave, but a completely different feel. The video is phenomenal, and it's filming prompted calls to nearby sheriff's offices because they thought the city was under attack (think EXPLOSIONS)... So, so good!

[@heatherlanaeturnerakacount753]

Hell yeah I was gonna suggest Cochise! One of my favs! The video is so awesome! I always said it would make one Hell of a Halftime Show for NFL! Better then the shit they have now!! Real talk

[@screanbean2691]

He plays his voice like an instrument, in so many songs, and this is one of those songs. He is one of my absolute favorite vocalists. He was tremendously talented and the world has lost an amazing talent.

[@Nick-xx9br]

Cornell could play his voice like an instrument, Morello can play his instrument like a voice.

[@BlackCatBonkers]

Chris was (how I hate having to use past tense) a phenomenal, nearly indescribable artist who could sing anything, with anyone, and make you feel real emotion. Listening to him brings me happiness but also sadness. Such a tremendous loss.

[@rickcski8082]

You should listen to him sing Burden in my Hand..Soundgarden. That is my favorite song from Chris. It is such a loss that he is gone.

[@SlitherWhisp]

My favourite Soundgarden song

[@ToriWills-cg7vz]

Agreed! My favorite Soundgarden song by far!

[@RyTrapp0]

Underrated SG classic! ('Slaves & Bulldozers' and 'Limo Wreck' are my favorites - but 'Burden...' is top 5!!! lol)

[@glenrosarian2352]

Yes, I also suggested 'Burden in my Hand'. Great song!

[@Will324]

very negative lyrics tho in that one.

[@MattTee1975]

The way you smiled when they first hit the chorus - love seeing Chris Cornell make people happy like that.

[@stylis666]

Hahaha! Yeah, I love that it's video so it won't feel as awkward when I stare, and it won't make her stop either! I really love seeing what music does to her, or to anyone really, but you know, when people stare you tend to stop and ask why they're doing that 🤣 Her facial expressions are so recognisable, and then she articulates it pretty much the same way I feel it. I don't look at myself when I'm listening to music, and then I want to tell what I heard and no one cares to hear it, and here I can just look at someone's face, while listening to the same awesome music, and hear her say the things I"m thinking, and see her glow and enjoy it. I love it!

[@georgetremblay8164]

Chris Cornells' voice is haunting. He makes it look so easy and how he times his snarlly grit is amazing. Another voice you should check out is Mike Patton from Faith No More. Ashes to Ashes is a good test of his range and power.

[@marksummers666]

God I've heard this 100x and it still brings a tear to my eye, especially that acoustic break

[@de-nz4jp]

This whole album is pure gold which is why i own it..

[@coolcat8b]

You have to know that this song is Chris telling us he's waiting to die. It makes me cry every time I hear it. What an amazing artist we lost.

[@shaneomack5018]

But it’s a 15 plus year interval from when it was written and Chris’s passing.. and also the song was written about someone else. Chris said that in a interview

[@Jim-he4km]

The acoustic version of this is even better. He even sings it a few registers higher. It is amazing how his voice aged like fine wine. The AOL Sessions is the one.

[@adolfom1620]

Yesssssss please react to the acoustic version!!

[@32a34a]

Tom Morello the guitarist is just an awesome player.

[@enryiggins2878]

I was hoping to see his name mentioned. ❤

[@OCRay1]

Rip Chris. As a 90’s teen losing guys like you hurts. 🤙🏻

[@nikitalila]

One of my favorite singers of all time... very missed. I would love to hear your analysis to Let The Truth Speak by Earthside. Ft. Daniel Tompkins and Gennady Tkachenko-Papizh. Both deliver an incredible vocal performance (from metal to operatic)

[@EarthsideFans]

Earthside would be awesome 🤘🔥

[@redhotchilifan98]

Words cant describe how much i miss chris. Not only one of the best vocalists ever, but he was also a fantastic songwriter. You could always feel every word he sang about. I miss him so much.

[@mitie65]

There you've done it - chosen the ultimate track. Your admiration and appreciation brought a tear to my eyes. Chris has such an effortless power and is one of a kind, so pure. You mentioned goosebumps - There are only a handful of songs for which I could play on a loop and either get chills or just shake my head in awe every time. Check out his power in his Show Me How to Live video - also amazing. God, I wish he was still with us, such a loss. Thank you for reviewing this timeless classic, what a talent

[@justinbabcockmusic]

He's simply incredible! One of my favorite singers as I was growing up and finding my own voice.

[@neilsackman4723]

Everything Chris sung was gold.

[@Adam-xs3ng]

When I heard about his death my mind went straight to this song, his work resonated with me in dark times. He manifests the complexity, loneliness and brilliance of the human condition.

[@pizzamadesimple]

Well said.

[@srudine]

Chris was the master of his craft. His ability to stir my emotional state is beyond words. His songs are so beautiful and yet haunting. I wish he could have conquered his demons. We miss you Chris. Thank you Bethany for the masterful analysis you bless us with each reaction.

[@matthewcalhoun]

Chris Cornell is a legend. The loss of him on this earth is still felt. No one has gotten to his level of vocals. He's one of the best of all time.

[@SenseiEricTollett]

It's just amazing 😢 this one still hurts! Such an incredible voice and a legend of my generation

[@tyrannicaltypomichaeltester]

The range, smoothness, richness, Versitale Power soulful hes a master of all of that but its the emotions He brings out not only from his vocals but what he makes us feel is what makes chris A goat,

[@rodrirodrirodri26]

Chris's vibratos are something that surprises me that no one notices them, they are short but precise, he also has the tempo in his voice, it falls with the other instruments

[@fr.andygutierrez5356]

So glad you chose this song! Now, do yourself a favor off-camera, and listen to the live acoustic version, unplugged at AOL. It hits different :)

[@chesterlestrange7725]

This!

[@ssvr3dl1n38]

Thank you so much for this reaction. I was hoping you would get to this song (my favourite song and artist) at some point. I really appreciated your thoughts on Chris's voice and how well he matches his voice with the backing music. I really found it interesting to hear Tim Commerford (bass guitar) interviewed and state that the band almost had to learn to play again when joining Chris, such was the difference between him and Zach de la Rocha. Tim said Chris's voice was so more melodic that they had to adapt their playing to produce the right output. For me, that was a match made in heaven.........this song will never get old.

[@AllAboutLuhig]

'Show Me How To Live' has the best Cornell's vocals from Audioslave. You must try it.

[@sherriouellette8832]

This song has always made me lonely for a place I’ve never been. Rips my heart out. Miss his music so much

[@user-bw7rw4pz5y]

Played at my infants wake. And yearly was my only daughter The words touch me maybe on a intended level. Ty🌹

[@subspace85]

I cry every time I hear this song.

[@jiggity76]

The main reason why I love Chris Cornell...his voice is both beautiful and sad at the same time. He has the amazing ability to create angst and sadness, while at the same time, giving you hope strangely enough.

[@EweCantHandletheTruth]

His voice is like the perfect cup of coffee. Powerful, smooth, rich, sweet, raw, complicated yet simple. Saw him sing in Banff Alberta in a small venue(400 people), and he sounds exactly the same live as he does recorded.

[@flingonber]

If you're curious to see exactly the same band but with a different vocalist, playing a completely different style of music, I'd recommend watching Rage Against the Machine playing "Testify" at Finsbury Park. Also, I always loved Audioslave's song "Shadow on the Sun".

[@Bukan_SebuahNama]

I think this one of rhe best music I'v ever heared in my life. I love this music since I was child. ❤️

[@BATHSALTS_]

Chris had such a God-given beautiful voice. That being said, I still check everyday waiting for the Love Hate Love - Live at the Moore Alice in Chains and Layne Staley performance to show up on the channel! Great video!

[@emilymiller7827]

every time you say "oh golly!" about something it cracks me up you're always right about it, too!

[@IamJacksYoutubeUsername]

The posthumous album "No one sings like you anymore" that I believe his wife put together makes me cry at several points. He really was a treasure.

[@dwdrumz1]

Good morning. Great vocals by Chris. Love your rock critiques!! And you look amazing when you get surprised by some singers/bands

[@davidleach4689]

I was lucky to see Chris live in 2001 and it was amazing he is my favorite rock vocalists ever

[@potatopoison1130]

I got it when you said "simple" it's like an easy short story to review yet you love it every time.

[@AlphaSpaz]

This song just is so good. I mean of course the vocals are incredible but the whole band is working together so well. Starting with that super thick, really laid-back baseline and Brad Wilk coming in with the drums those two are setting such a big velvety underground for the rest of the song it’s just beautiful.

[@scottfowler4339]

I was hoping you would do this one. It is my favorite Cornell song. I love your enthusiasm about his talent and your appreciation of it. One of my all time favs and I enjoy your vids, keep it up.

[@oscarrios6048]

I was fortunate enough to see sound garden with Nine Inch Nails at Red Rocks Colorado on his 50th birthday the following year he passed away….we miss you Chris 🥲🙏🌸🌺🌹💐🌺

[@SleepingTiger-vlog]

I like how you listen for awhile before you start talking. Definitely react to Rage Against the Machine please! Also, Slaves and Bulldozers by Soundgarden is my favorite song ever, but it has to be a LIVE version, which is considerably different. It was the encore song for probably most Soundgarden shows, and the last song Chris Cornell performed shortly before his death. It also showcases vocals in an impressive way.

[@SlitherWhisp]

Cochise is my go to song for this band

[@BlakeSandenMedia]

The most beautiful "Exit" song ever written.. Its a beautiful note... For all those go-en thru it you get it.... Find your peace friends.. - Know what its really about

[@ultra-sloth]

i recommend Sigur Ros, and Dead Can Dance (both amazing & unique vocals) !

[@jonlate4581]

Check out I Am The Highway from the same album or for something more rocking Cochise. They shot off so much pyro making the Cochise video people were calling police switchboards thinking the city was under attack.😆🤘💥

[@hobo1704]

I am the highway is my favourite

[@zakf9287]

Yeah, ‘I am the Highway’, is just sheer emotion for me.

[@cameronrycroft4635]

It's emotional in many ways watching you meet some of these voices of rock and roll who have passed,, probably quite a different perspective for you,, great to see,✌️

[@jeremyharkness2210]

I saw him acoustic before he passed. I love you putting words to what I hear. I have one of his song titles tattooed on my arm. Your analysis is so beautiful

[@lemmy9809]

The build up is amazing you know something is coming classic track ..top notch voice ..we miss you ..❤

[@BrewAndBiscuits]

oooo yes yes!! i highly recommend 'Audioslave - Show Me How to Live' if you ever want to hear Chris belt his lungs out!

[@klausbremner_autotelic_art]

He does a great acoustic version of this song. Incredibly raw and emotional.

[@robertAGC]

Thinking about Chris Cornell, and (pathetically) singing along to his tunes can bring me close to tears. I never knew the man, but I miss him.

[@crzabjj]

Chris Cornell was a powerhouse. Effortless. What a loss. 😢

[@emilymiller7827]

I'm thankful we had him as long as we did

[@AviatorLuber]

Great reaction! Chris Cornell has such an awesome voice with an iconic sound to it. You can always identify his voice as soon as he starts singing. He has the ability to add so much emotion to the song. I would say Rage Against the Machine has a different sound and feel to their music. Their songs are charged with a lot of energy. The guitarist Tom Morello is always amazing to listen to! You can't go wrong with any of the Rage Against the Machine songs, but some good ones to start with would be "Sleep Now in the Fire", "Testify", and "Guerrilla Radio". Audioslave with Chris Cornell also perform some of Rage Against the Machine songs!

[@thedarkotter2295]

There are many videos of Chris on stage alone (no other musicians at all) with just his acoustic guitar, and the whole sets are amazing, but with this track in particular, Chris just packs so much emotion into it. I highly suggest you check it out.

[@andrewwalker5164]

I've said this on someone else's reaction to one of their songs, but this is one if the few albums that is absolutely perfect. From start to finish there's nothing to skip. And it takes you on such a journey. Well worth it to listen to the whole album

[@albradley9050]

Great reaction to a great song. Always interesting to see reactions to Chris Cornell, especially by those who can kind of explain to the rest of us how he was able to do what he did, as well as he did. “As Hope and Promise Fade” is an under-reacted absolutely heart-breaking gem. I recommend the Wal Mart Soundcheck live performance. But again, great reaction on this one.

[@badpalsx1]

Rip Chris man. This song has been with me since I was a very little kid. I was born 1991. Never gets old.

[@keithferris9574]

This is a perfect song and recording. Every element sounds incredible, and his vocal performance is only matched by the incredible melodies he wrote for it.

[@t.b.m.b.]

Chris is in a select group along with Serj Tankian, Chino Moreno, among others, of unique and memorable rock voices. In fact, I noticed that you still haven't done any analysis of the group Deftones, a band in which Chino Moreno is the leader. Beth, you should know this group where each song is a masterpiece that transports us to another dimension.

[@galetinm]

There are so many unique and memorable rock voices other than some of those that are better examples. Chino just moans and sounds horny all the time, he doesn't belong there. You just named singers of the bands you like, it's your personal taste.

[@jakefoxx7978]

I don't know why but I'm laying here in bed sick since last night and Chris' voice brought me to tears, especially whenever he'd go higher with extra expression-- you could feel the pain the whole way through. This is probably my 12th time listening to this song and I still feel what I felt the first time hearing it.

[@blackcrow4218]

My favourite artist 😢 it's so sad I will never be able to listen to him live again

[@cassyvorster466]

I listened to this for 2 weeks straight recently. This song haunts me. It's beautiful. Thank u

[@friedricerocket]

I saw them live on Letterman for my 30th b-day 21 years ago. They played on top of the marquis of the Ed Sullivan Theatre. It was an amazing show!

[@morgoth102]

Chris Cornell > all. His level of expressiveness was incredible. Also, if you liked Heilung you will love the live version of wardrunna + aurora singing "helgeven". The one with the red background. It's both epic and mesmerizing.

[@marcoadan1]

He's one of those where the quote, "Leave them wanting more." hits hard. For artists that's what makes me sad when they pass. Like, no, I wanted more. RIP🙏🏽

[@richardgraf4002]

Great analysis. I’ve seen Audioslave live back in the day and they were incredible. Chris Cornell is definitely one of my favorites!

[@toddtaylor1712]

I have a poster on my wall next to my PC with the lyrics of this song on it. I look at it everyday and some days it makes me happy and others not so much. I learned of the this band when I was in High School called Soundgarden, I've been obsessed ever since with the sound he creates.

[@gerrydantone6834]

This is as perfect a song as there could be. The lyrics are poetry of the highest level, perfect drums, perfect bass, perfect guitar with a genius solo, and the best thing of all - the voice of Chris Cornell. Masterpiece.

[@livenhfree]

I am SO impressed that you chose this song. It's captivating, isn't it?

[@roadkill7314]

I really enjoy when younger people (especially a professional such as yourself) start to come to the realization that some of the greatest vocalusts of all time were rock singers. I'm not trying to say that there weren't great singers in otger genres as well, of course; it's just that rock has often been considered to not measure up musically (or vocally, or lyrically) to other more "classic" genres. I always knew that wasn't true; great to see others start to see that too. Rock on Bethany!

[@T00_SHADY]

Chris was… no IS THE BEST! Rest in peace! He also made one of the best James Bond themes for “Casino Royale” that’s the only Bond song I will ever re-listen to. Chris had such a good vibe that we all felt when one of his classics would come on the radio 📻

[@clintnielson3302]

That little stutter at the top of the baseline is so good.

[@the1khronohs40]

An absolutely brilliant singer he was! ❤

[@TammyM36]

My God, Chris is so fin gorgeous and his voice is so beautiful. Not sure how you manage to stay so professional while looking at such a fine specimen. Love your reviews. Thank you

[@theplanetruth]

You’re smashing ❤, yourself! 😘

[@intheeeh_]

thanks to react ❤

[@pizzamadesimple]

Saw him at Red Rocks with Sound Garden. Epic is a fundamental understatement. He sang 26 straight songs which was mind blowing given how much he put into his singing.

[@themoldred]

Days ago I saw the promotional video clip for Slash's new blues album with Brian Johnson (AC/DC) on vocals and Steve Tyler (Aerosmith) on harmonica as guests... and I thought who else would be perfect as a guest?... singing in a more blues style and inevitably Chris Cornell came to mind... I was not a fan of him in his bands but when he joined these three monsters and created Audioslave... I simply loved him......... We miss you.

[@ThisCrazyDiamond2023]

Another great one Audioslave does is Shadow on the Sun. Absolutely amazing!! Would love to see a video of what you pull from it

[@andrewkushner2922]

Like so many of his songs, dark but beautiful. For me, his voice and delivery bring a light to those dark themes. Never met him, but I miss him

[@rubenmolina1623]

Love your analysis and reactions!!

[@brazilianriderinhungary]

It would be awesome if you would react to "Korn - Daddy". It will be a song to never forget. It took years until the lead singer could gather the strength to sing it live for the first time. He also told his bandmates when recording it that they shouldn't stop playing no matter what happened. Thanks! 😊

[@ariannefowler455]

New to your channel. I am not a singer but I absolutely love the way you describe what is happening with the mechanisms of the muscles, tongue, palate, jaw throat, etc. I can visualize what is happening and it makes so much sense when I put that to what I'm hearing. Cornell always made it sound so easy which shows how natural he was as a singer. He could so easily go overboard and work hard because he obviously had the power to do so. He was a master at his craft and is a great singer to analyze.

[@Andrélo420]

Amazing reaction, but is really hard to believe you never heard this song before in more than 20 years. Love your videos by the way.

[@xfilercuba]

I remember in Havana Cuba, when they went to give a concert for free!! I remember exactly the performance for this song. Ill never forget it.

[@christyfaulk3519]

Can you please do more Chris Cornell reactions? He is my favorite singer of all time!! My very favorite performance is When I’m Down live at the Troubadour and his cover of Billie Jean ! You will not be disappointed!!

[@DBASSDAN]

I love your analysis, thank you 🙏

[@hewhodies]

Every damn time, hair stands on my arms. His is the last concert I went to, and it was months before his tragic passing. Acoustic tour. He did a 4 hour show and it blew us away.

[@Seracohw-i2f]

Really the first time you have ever heard Audioslave.. ? Its so cryptic soo poetically sad but soo vocally beautiful. But most importantly its revolutionary. Its meaningful its not fiction storys ❤🥺 ive been there i know what hes Singing about.... on a cobweb afternoon in a room of emptiness by a freeway.. On his deathbed.. R.I.P. Brother. Another fallen hero whistlblower. Of Truth Your gone but not forgotten. . Thank you.