Chris Cornell - ‘Arms Around Your Love’ (Polydor) Released 21/05/07

Throughout his time with Soundgarden and Audioslave, Chris Cornell’s voice was one of those band’s strongest weapons, a throaty roar when roused, capable of a softer side when needed. Now that the rest of Audioslave have reformed Rage Against The Machine, Cornell has started to establish a solo career for himself, firstly with last year’s “At least it was better than Madonna” attempt at a Bond theme and continuing with this first cut from his second solo album. The good news is that his voice is still as strong as before, one of a select group of vocalists who possess vocals that simply ripple with power and still sound very unique.

Sadly, it’s wasted on a track that’s so dull there’s probably a picture of this single accompanying any directory’s description of “pedestrian”. Steve Lillywhite adds his usual slick, hollow production, meaning we’ve got a formulaic, rock by numbers track that meanders along to the inevitable loud chorus. The lyrics aren’t much cop either, with Cornell having a moan because he hasn’t told a girl he loves her and now she’s off with some other guy. Watching paint dry may be a better way of spending your time than listening to this prosaic sound that dilutes Cornell‘s voice.