Chris Cornell departs rock for dance album

Former Audioslave singer Chris Cornell just wanted to do a couple of remixes of older songs.

So he called up producer Timbaland to see if he was interested.

"We got together, and after talking, we started getting interested in making a new album," Cornell said during a media teleconference. "I was originally interested in doing one or two songs, but we decided then and there to do more."

Cornell's new solo album "Scream" emerged after a six-week process. And it's a departure from the rock angle that Cornell usually taps into when recording an album.

Instead, under Timbaland's guidance, Cornell made a full-fledged dance album.

"We didn't demo any tracks," said Cornell. "We just got busy writing songs and recording them right afterwards."

Cornell isn't a stranger to doing dance tunes. His 2006 remake of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" was welcomed by critics with open arms.

And while "Scream," which was released on March 10, garnered mixed reviews, Cornell doesn't care.

"Many people take chances," he said. "I'm not one to take chances just for the sake of taking chances. I mean, with this album, I'm not bungee jumping in the music, but at the same time, if it was boring to me, I wouldn't be doing it."

Cornell also said he did more writing by himself this time than for any other solo album.

"People came and went in the studio, but I was doing a lot," he said. "And I would write and then focus on singing and the back-up vocals. When we did have people come in to work, it was a very fun atmosphere."

With the current tour, Cornell said, the challenge is getting a set list together.

"With each album, there's a new level," he said. "The shows we play are long. So we can fit a lot of songs into the sets. But with this album, since it is different, we are trying to make the set a fusion of different feelings and representations. It will be a sonic variety, and that is because the new album has 13 new songs to draw from."

If you go ...

What: Chris Cornell

Where: The Depot, 400 W. South Temple

When: April 25, 8 p.m.

When: $35

Phone: 801-467-8499, 800-888-8499

Web: www.smithstix.com

E-mail: scott@desnews.com