Corey Taylor, 'CMFT' Album Review - Release Shows Musical Depth

Corey Taylor, ‘CMFT’ Album Review – Release Shows Musical Depth

2020-09-28

Review: Corey Taylor, "CMFT," shows the Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman venturing into a range of different musical territories.

Corey Taylor – Review by Anne Erickson, courtesy photo

Review: Corey Taylor is out with his debut album, “CMFT,” and the collection features a bevy of musical styles and genres, showing off the Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman’s range

While Corey Taylor has a lengthy history making music with Slipknot and Stone Sour, including scoring a Grammy Award with the former, he has never ventured into doing solo music– until now.

Taylor will release his debut solo album, “CMFT,” on Oct. 2 via Roadrunner Records. The set features a range of genres and styles, from hip-hop to punk to straight-ahead rock, as well as special guests Tech-N9ne and Kid Bookie on lead single, “CMFT Music Be Stopped.”

While “CMFT” truly shows the variety in Taylor’s musical skills, the songs that shine most tend to be melodic rockers- the kind have grown to love and expect from Taylor. The album’s current single, “Black Eyes Blues,” is a shining example of that melodic character, with a huge, hooky chorus, funky bridge and relatable lyrics that recall a love story of sorts. “I know that there’s no other way / I know that there is nothing more that I can say / Make my black eyes blue / I fall for you,” Taylor sings in the chorus. “Black Eyes Blues” is the album’s biggest hit, thus far, and recalls Taylor’s work in Stone Sour.

“Halfway Down” is another melodic gem, with a groovy beat and bluesy character. The song shows off Taylor’s thick, smooth vocals, backed by head-bopping rhythms and crunchy guitars. “Silverfish” is a stripped-down ballad that shows a softer side of Taylor, featuring sparse guitars and an emotional vocal delivery. “Kansas” offers a refreshing, new kind of sound for Taylor, as the track is straight-ahead pop, with bouncy, dancy rhythms and a ’90s jangle-pop feel. “Kansas” would fit well alongside bands such as Gin Blossoms and The Smiths on a playlist, which can’t be said for much of Taylor’s past work. The intro in “Culture Head” has a Beastie Boys vibe, with funky bass and rhythms, and launches into another heavy, melodic rocker.

“Home” takes a 180 from the album’s guitar-based sound, offering a piano-head ballad, featuring Taylor’s earnest croon and a heartfelt delivery. “You’re my home away from home, all inside of you / You are not alone,” Taylor sings in the romantic track. The record closes out with the two-minute “European Tour Bus Bathroom Song,” a pure punk anthem with shouty vocals; lightning-fast, crunchy guitars; and punk-inspired chorus progressions.

There’s truly never a dull moment on “CMFT.” Listening to the album from front to back brings about a musical whiplash of the best kind, not knowing what kind of song is going to be presented next. Punk, heavy metal, melodic rock, hip-hop- it’s all in here. While “CMFT” shows off Taylor’s musical range, it feature enough familiar rockers to appease his longtime fans, while offering something fresh and different to appeal to a new crowd. With “CMFT,” Taylor brings the party for 2020, and that’s exactly what this crazy year needs. Ink rating: 9/10.

Essential songs: “Black Eyes Blue,” “Home,” “Halfway Down,” “Silverfish”

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based music reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, Loudwire.com and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.