Reviewing Every Corey Taylor Album In My Collection!

By Kayla Harper

Corey Taylor has been a defining voice of the heavy metal/hard rock genre since Slipknot’s debut in the late 90’s.  Through heavy metal band, Slipknot, hard-rock band, Stone Sour, and Taylor’s solo work, he has distinguished himself from similar artists through his unique and recognizable vocals, as well as his clever and meaningful lyrics.

It was Taylor’s work that initially got me into heavy music, specifically, Stone Sour’s second record “Come What(ever) May”.  From there, I developed a great appreciation for many artists within the genre, but my favourite will always be Corey Taylor (Slipknot and Stone Sour).

Since becoming obsessed with Taylor’s music,  I’ve had the chance to add many of his albums to my collection.  Although there’s many holes to be filled in my Corey Taylor record collection, I thought it would be fun to do a tribute to one of my faves by reviewing all of his albums I have so far.

CMF2 (signed)– Corey Taylor

I prefer Taylor’s work with Stone Sour and Slipknot over most of his solo work.  In all honesty, I have not given it a fair chance yet, but most of the songs do not hook me in the same way his other work does.  Though, I will admit the intro to “Post Traumatic Blues” is sick as it resembles Slipknot in the way the intro builds up. However, the song itself sounds more authentic to Stone Sour’s style.

I bought the album from Taylor’s site months before it came out because I wanted a signed copy.  Sonically the album fits right in with bands like Shinedown, Cold and Breaking Benjamin;  Hard Rock, but I wouldn’t call it “heavy”.  Wicked guitar solos and double kicks are weaved throughout CMF2 along with Taylor’s recognizable vocals, making it an album I would recommend.

CMF2b…Or Not 2b (2024 Record Store Day Exclusive) – Corey Taylor

In celebration of independent record stores, Taylor released CMF2b…Or Not 2b, as a Record Store Day exclusive for RSD 2024.  Pressed on candy floss pink vinyl, the album contains bonus tracks from Taylor’s latest solo record, CMF2, titled: “Not In The Mood To Live”, “Stay Calm” and “Hey Manifesto”.  In addition, it also features live renditions of Slipknot’s “Snuff” and Stone Sour’s “Bother”.

Aside from his own musical work, Taylor has also become notorious for his covers of other artists’ work, especially his cover of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” on Stone Sour’s Come What(ever) May.  CMF2b…Or Not 2b features more iconic covers such as “Ten Years Gone”, “Is It My Body”, “Shot In The Dark”,  “The Killing Moon”, “Tank” and “Killing Machine”.

I love everything about this record, from the beautiful pressing to the songs on it.  It showcases Taylor’s vocal abilities well.

Stone Sour – Stone Sour

One of my favourite and most sought after records in my collection is my Music On Vinyl pressing of Stone Sour’s self-titled album.  Alongside Come What(ever) May, this was one of the most difficult records to find.  Stone Sour features some of the songs which initially fuelled my love for heavy music.  Songs such as “Orchids”, “Bother”, “Tumult” and “Cold Reader” opened up a gateway into an entire new world of music for me (along with All That Remains “Two Weeks”).

Stone Sour sounds much like the transition from Slipknot’s heavy style to what would become Stone Sour’s more radio-friendly hard rock style.  With a perfect balance between heavier bangers such as “Get Inside”, and emotional ballads like “Bother”, I believe Stone Sour is a flawless hard rock album.

Come What(ever) May – Stone Sour

If you know me, you probably know that Come What(ever) May is my favourite album of all time, and the biggest grail in my collection.  I paid a hefty, but fair price for what is my favourite and most sought after record in my entire collection.

“Through Glass” is the first song of Taylor’s I fell in love with, and the reason I decided to explore his discography, eventually becoming obsessed with the majority of it.  It was his voice and poetic lyrics that hooked me in, which I found were present throughout most of his work.

Come What(ever) May is an album I got to know well during a time in my life where I was coping with various different kinds of loss for the first time.  From the ending of long-term relationships to the death of close relatives, it was a time I felt I had no control over my emotions or the bad things that were happening.  Taylor’s lyrics and voice, especially on Come What(ever) May, reminded me I am in control of my emotions and reactions and can overcome even life’s most difficult obstacles.

Since then, the album has always been my go-to when I need an extra push and some courage.  Throughout what sounds like screaming and noise, is empowering lyrics and instrumentals.  If any album is better than Stone Sour’s first, it’s their second, Come What(ever) May.  I recommend this album to anyone and everyone because we all need a reminder that we are in control of our emotions and capable of overcoming.

Hydrograd – Stone Sour

Perhaps it’s because the first two albums were so phenomenal, but after the third album, Audio Secrecy, there was only ever a couple songs from each Stone Sour album that really stuck with me.

Hydrograd was the last album Stone Sour released before entering an indefinite hiatus, and is my least favourite of their six albums.  I believe part of this is due to the loss of Slipknot’s guitarist, Jim Root, in the band.  Root’s recognizable guitar riffs alongside Taylor’s contributions, made for an iconic duo in both Slipknot and Stone Sour’s music.  Regardless, Hydrograd, still has it’s good moments in songs like “Song #3”, “Bombtrack” and “Fabuless”.

Iowa – Slipknot

One of Slipknot’s most iconic albums and the most recent addition to my Corey Taylor vinyl collection is a translucent green reissue of their sophomore album, Iowa, named after the band members’ home state. Iowa lives up to its expectations – roaring anthems such as “People = Shit” and “The Heretic Anthem”, paired with slower, melodic pieces, like the 15-minute title track.  Iowa does not lack when it comes to Taylor’s stylistic vocals and clever lyricism.

Vol. 3 The Subliminal Verses – Slipknot

The first Slipknot record I added to my collection was a violet coloured reissue of  Vol. 3 The Subliminal Verses.   Vol. 3 The Subliminal Verses is my favourite album from Slipknot, especially to listen to in its entirety.

From the first to last track, Vol. 3 The Subliminal Verses seems to tell a story as each song strategically flows into the next.   It’s also the first Slipknot album I recommend to people who aren’t heavy metal fans, as it’s crafted in a way that emphasises the intention behind the heavier parts of the music.  Further, Vol. 3 The Subliminal Verses best demonstrates Taylor’s vocal abilities from screaming to singing.

All Hope Is Gone – Slipknot

Slipknot’s fourth album, All Hope Is Gone, solidifies their sound as it blends the different components of their first three albums into one.  The double kicks, screams and heavy sound of Slipknot and Iowa, as well as the experimental and melodic parts of Vol. 3 The Subliminal Verses are all present on this album, and every Slipknot album from this point forward.   Another excellent album encouraging empowerment and action when it comes to the worlds issues.  Some of my favourite moments of this album include “Sulfur”, “Dead Memories”, “Snuff” and the title track.

.5: The Gray Chapter – Slipknot

Released fifteen years after their debut, .5: The Gray Chapter proves Slipknot still has it; heavy drums, melodic guitars, experimental instrumentals, meaningful lyrics, empowering vocals and an important message.  Some personal favourites from this album are “The Devil In I”, “Killpop” and what I believe to be the equivalent of my favourite Stone Sour song, “30/30-150”, “Custer”.  “Custer” shares the same empowering energy as most of Taylor’s music, but especially the Come What(ever) May album; it’s the kind of song that reminds you you’re in control of your life.