Chris Cornell admired Jeff Buckley’s distinctive voice and songwriting, believing he had the ability to create exceptionally beautiful music while retaining an unsettling emotional edge. The article argues that Buckley’s work influenced Cornell by showing him how tenderness and vulnerability could coexist with his established hard-rock style.

It contrasts this influence with Soundgarden’s unconventional approach, including complex time signatures, unusual tunings and songs such as ‘Outshined’ in 7/4. Cornell reportedly felt Buckley’s album *Grace* demonstrated remarkable originality and contained several enduring songs, while Buckley’s later covers, including ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘Lilac Wine’, reinforced the artistic possibilities Cornell explored in his own solo work.