Audioslave
by Audioslave
  • Record Label: Epic
  • Release Date: Nov 19, 2002
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 19
  3. Negative: 3 out of 19
  1. Blender
    60
    This is feel-good stuff, the sound of a rejuvenating artistic vacation. [#12, p.136]
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  2. AllMusic
    60
    Many of the songs sound like they're just on the verge of achieving liftoff, never quite reaching their potential.
  3. Rolling Stone
    60
    In their past lives, the members of this band were enraged. Now, fierce as they might sound, Audioslave just seem sorta engorged.
  5. Billboard
    50
    The group seems incapable of integrating these traits into something new. It's either Morello re-writing his old licks for bash-and-thud Rage-style rawk or Cornell's more straightforward tension/release confessionals.
  6. Alternative Press
    50
    Bad news for fans of either party who'd expected the union to generate something revolutionary. [Dec 2002, p.85]
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  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    40
    Sadly, it seems that with 'Audioslave' these people who were involved in some very exciting rock records in the 1990s, now seem happy to be making some bad ones from the 1970s.
  8. Uncut
    40
    Audioslave is weighed down by Cornell's po-faced bellow, and it goes on 20 minutes too long. [Feb 203, p.79]
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2002
7
#7 Most Shared Album of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 154 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 136 out of 154
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 154
  3. Negative: 9 out of 154
  1. Vampire25
    Jan 3, 2011
    5
    Audioslave's debut is highly flawed. But I think deep down, it's kind of a good album. Chris Cornell's lyrics though are extremely bad. TheAudioslave's debut is highly flawed. But I think deep down, it's kind of a good album. Chris Cornell's lyrics though are extremely bad. The lyrics suck. "I was standing at the rock, gathering the flock". I mean come on. Soundgarden was an amazing band but Chris Cornell in Audioslave just isn't that great. Rage Against The Machine band members on the other hand are what makes this album slightly ok. Tom Morello's guitar solos are brilliant. Brad Wilk on drums is great, and Tim Commerford is also great. All In All, if you can mind Chris Cornell and really enjoy RATM, Audioslave should be a good album to enjoy. C… Full Review »
  2. TyroneP
    Oct 25, 2010
    5
    Half of the cuts are interesting and the other half are just bad versions of the interesting ones. Listening to this from start to finish is aHalf of the cuts are interesting and the other half are just bad versions of the interesting ones. Listening to this from start to finish is a real chore and, basically, it's just too draining for it to ever be an enjoyable record.… Full Review »
  3. btlzu2rh
    Jun 18, 2022
    9
    When this came out, I loved Cochise and was a bit blah about the rest. I love this kind of surprise because throughout the years, I'veWhen this came out, I loved Cochise and was a bit blah about the rest. I love this kind of surprise because throughout the years, I've periodically re-listened to it and realized I missed out on a pretty damn near perfect debut album. I loved Rage and Soundgarden and this was a mashup of exponential coolness and talent.

    I listen to this album more today than the first 2 years after it came out. To me, that's a sign of a classic. Great debut.    … Full Review »
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