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

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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'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    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'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.    … Expand
  2. akibiri
    Apr 14, 2020
    7
    I wish there were more parts of Tom's playing, that didn't revolve around effects. I know, we talk about TOM MORELLO here, and although he is one of my favourite guitarists ever, I have to say that a bit of a more melodic playing would absolutely have suited the songs better. And of course, they could've used effects, e.g. the solo in Like A Stone is and will always be great solo. Sadly,I wish there were more parts of Tom's playing, that didn't revolve around effects. I know, we talk about TOM MORELLO here, and although he is one of my favourite guitarists ever, I have to say that a bit of a more melodic playing would absolutely have suited the songs better. And of course, they could've used effects, e.g. the solo in Like A Stone is and will always be great solo. Sadly, the other guitar stuff, especially the solos, didn't serve the songs.

    Although, it is a good album with awesome vocal content.    … Expand
  3. brockcheese
    Feb 3, 2020
    6
    This is a weird album with a ton of talent attached. Chris Cornell is of course amazing as a singer yet he is clearly not experimenting as much as he did with Soundgarden.
  4. Andremax
    Jul 16, 2018
    8
    Not badass as RATM, but it's this way at its manner. Maybe RATM instrumental part gained refinement with Chris Cornell vocals, but it still means simply and generic rock, but with Tom Morello's creativity about riffs and excellent rhythm section plus vocals, which makes this album very nice to listen. A supergroup that works.
  5. Golbez
    May 24, 2017
    8
    I will give this album an 8 based on their previous superior efforts, but since then, there are very few mainstream rock albums that can apply themselves as a competent fit or contender.
  6. aliceinwonderla
    Mar 26, 2017
    10
    This album is GREAT, awesome lyrics and sounds. Can't understand why so many critics disliked it. Whatever!

    Best tracks: Exploder, Shadow on the Sun, I Am the Highway, What You Are, Like A Stone, Getaway Car, The Last Remaining Light.
  7. Danm95VFF
    Apr 18, 2016
    6
    Audioslave stands as an example of a supergroup that sounds like a good idea on paper (RATM and Soundgarden are both fantastic bands) but, when executed, sounds disappointingly bland and uninspired. A couple tracks such as "Cochise" and "I Am a Highway" show promise, but most of the songs sound the same. Brad Wilk's drumming sounds identical on a lot of tracks and Tom Morello's riffs lackAudioslave stands as an example of a supergroup that sounds like a good idea on paper (RATM and Soundgarden are both fantastic bands) but, when executed, sounds disappointingly bland and uninspired. A couple tracks such as "Cochise" and "I Am a Highway" show promise, but most of the songs sound the same. Brad Wilk's drumming sounds identical on a lot of tracks and Tom Morello's riffs lack passion and, well, rage. On top of that, this album is too long. A 10 track album would have been a slight improvement. I mean, it's not a bad album. It just isn't that good.… Expand
  8. skyminster
    Jan 6, 2016
    9
    This album is revolutionary in the genre of rock, and is one of the best rock albums I’ve heard; with groovy riffs, catchy hooks and a whole lot of variety and personality: with Cochise, Show me How to Live, Gasoline and Set it Off all being some of my favourite rock songs. Chris Cornell is incredible and Tom Morello is almost just as good along with the drummer and bassist, making aThis album is revolutionary in the genre of rock, and is one of the best rock albums I’ve heard; with groovy riffs, catchy hooks and a whole lot of variety and personality: with Cochise, Show me How to Live, Gasoline and Set it Off all being some of my favourite rock songs. Chris Cornell is incredible and Tom Morello is almost just as good along with the drummer and bassist, making a unique and brilliant rocking sound. It may be a little bit inconsistent, but when it has the amount of amazing songs on it that it does that doesn’t matter much.

    Probably one of the best rock albums I’ve heard.

    92/100.    … Expand
  9. ErenJaeger
    Jun 24, 2014
    9
    Audioslave's eponymously named album is fantastic. Any rock fan should listen to it. It only has a few niggling problems, such as the fact that all of its singles are lined up at the beginning at the album, and after seventh song or so, there is this "void" of songs that the listener may avoid because no singles are integrated within. Chris Cornell's vocals combined with Tom Morello'sAudioslave's eponymously named album is fantastic. Any rock fan should listen to it. It only has a few niggling problems, such as the fact that all of its singles are lined up at the beginning at the album, and after seventh song or so, there is this "void" of songs that the listener may avoid because no singles are integrated within. Chris Cornell's vocals combined with Tom Morello's stroke of guitar genius creates interesting sound.… Expand
  10. ricco94
    Jan 15, 2014
    9
    Very good stuff. Chris Cornell's voice mixed with Tom Morello's guitar sound great, even if I still prefer Soundgarden. Like A Stone is awesome, Cochise, Show Me How To Live and I Am the Highway are great, too.
  11. Anthraxian
    Jul 28, 2013
    10
    Chris Cornell is this generations answer to Freddy Mercury or Ronnie James Dio. The three albums Audioslave produced are as near perfect as any albums of the more classic era (of which I grew up with and am part of). Critics on this site claim that the lyrics don't mean much...... Are you kidding? Audioslave is PURE emotion. Love, hate, remorse, regret, it is all here. If you skipChris Cornell is this generations answer to Freddy Mercury or Ronnie James Dio. The three albums Audioslave produced are as near perfect as any albums of the more classic era (of which I grew up with and am part of). Critics on this site claim that the lyrics don't mean much...... Are you kidding? Audioslave is PURE emotion. Love, hate, remorse, regret, it is all here. If you skip Audioslave as part of your best bands of the 2000s, then you are completely out of touch with reality.… Expand
  12. Payo
    Nov 16, 2012
    10
    Best cd ever!!!!!!!!!!!!...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
  13. asylumspadez
    Nov 25, 2011
    9
    It was great. A lot of good tracks off his album, Chris Cornell is a great vocalist that works will with the RATM style sound. Everyone should check out this album.
  14. Watermelon789
    Aug 23, 2011
    8
    With Chris and Zack as contributors make a nice combination of mixed tastes, while I don't feel the album as a groundbreaking phenomenon, it is one of the best well made and appealing sound list.
  15. 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. 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 albumAudioslave'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… Expand
  16. 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 a real chore and, basically, it's just too draining for it to ever be an enjoyable record.
  17. MilanB.
    Jul 19, 2007
    10
    I can honestly say this album is the greatest collection of songs I have ever heard, and easily one of the best albums ever recorded.
  18. ughjlh
    Oct 30, 2006
    10
    Very solid stuff, however even if Tom's riffs are solid his solos are pathetic wannabes.
  19. DaveN
    Sep 28, 2006
    7
    Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine might be better, but this is a solid debut nonetheless. While its expectations might be higher due to the all-star line up the band has, Chris Cornell most of the time seems comfortable with his new bandmates. They do need to tweek their sound a bit (Out of Exile fixes that error mostly), but this is expected on their first CD.
  20. Myles#13
    Sep 6, 2006
    10
    I picked this album up out of a discount bin, not knowing what to expect... what i got was a stellar album that blew me away on almost every single song. Audioslave is one of THE best bands out there, although their follow-up albums have failed to reach this great height. If you buy one Audioslave album, make this IT!
  21. IanC
    Jul 25, 2006
    10
    This albumis quite simply one of the best ever recorded. These songs are some of the best songs out there. Amazing
  22. BrianD
    Jul 2, 2006
    10
    A band that once stood for something has now been taken over by a lead singer who seems content on destroying the band with a mix worthy of a Christian Rock CD.
  23. joadf
    Jul 2, 2006
    10
    this band has such a loveable and raw sound that they cant be denied.
  24. mandyf
    May 5, 2006
    10
    Chris cornell has an amzing voice and is so talented playing guitar. This band is for real and one of the best considering all the fake rock bands around now
  25. [Anonymous]
    Apr 26, 2006
    7
    After 10 stellar tracks, the dull filler takes over. However, in those ten tracks, the guys are making absolutely first rate stuff. So much of this record works so well, you can forgive the few tracks that don't.
  26. RobJ
    Apr 17, 2006
    10
    An amazing album! Songs like Cochise and Show Me How To Live just blew my mind away!
  27. daniel
    Jan 20, 2006
    10
    exellent cd,love all songs....
  28. OleH
    Jan 19, 2006
    10
    A modern classic. I agree with some of the other comments that it'll grow on you every time you listen to it. Grotesque bad reviews from some of the proffesionals.
  29. ayush
    Dec 10, 2005
    7
    Loved the album... but hey i really had no clue of Soundgarden. And after "superunknown"... kinda okay!
  30. QuietNiot
    Nov 27, 2005
    9
    This record stands in my line of vision as an equal to Soundgarden's more extensively praised outing, "Superunknown." Though not that band's greatest achievement (hello, "Badmotorfinger"), the "Unknown" is indeed a terrifyingly glorious rendition of melodic/metallic/grungallic/whatever, and "Audioslave" is just as startling. Heavy, thick, artistic, surreal; these are where the This record stands in my line of vision as an equal to Soundgarden's more extensively praised outing, "Superunknown." Though not that band's greatest achievement (hello, "Badmotorfinger"), the "Unknown" is indeed a terrifyingly glorious rendition of melodic/metallic/grungallic/whatever, and "Audioslave" is just as startling. Heavy, thick, artistic, surreal; these are where the "Uknown" and "Audio..." are evenly matched, filled with imagination as well as distortion, restoring the triumph of rock to where it once sat clean and shiney for all to see. Witness the glory, witness the beauty, see why Cornell is indeed a musical God... too bad they had to go and blow it on that friggin "Exile" record. For shame!… Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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]
  2. The A.V. Club
    70
    A curious idea from its inception, pairing Soundgarden's singer with Rage's musicians promises a unique alchemy it can't entirely deliver, obscuring the latter's politics and distinct sound.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    The result isn't a faux Rage album; rather, it's the true follow-up to Soundgarden's ''Superunknown'' that neither that band nor a solo Cornell ever managed.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »