Two words describe the theme of Chris Cornell’s first solo album, “Euphoria Morning:” sappy and melancholic. The only thing that “rocked” about the album is the chair he probably sat on as he came up with the songs. You know, the rocking chair you sit on when you’re lamenting your love life and all the injustices done to you and yours.So what happened to one of modern rock’s hardest rocking vocalist and songwriter? He’s in a smoky lounge somewhere, tinkering on the piano in the corner, singing “When I’m Down,” one of the tracks on the album with a definite bluesy, almost gospel feel. But sappiness is not always a bad thing.”Euphoria Morning” is a 12-track epic of raw emotion and moody self-reflection. His vocals are, as always, his greatest asset: expressive and commanding. He pulls off such songs as the hopelessly hopeful “Preaching the End of the World” and the Jeff Buckley tribute “Wave Goodbye” with effortless grace. The use of vintage guitars and amps, along with the Beatles-inspired intricacy of the song arrangements, lend a surreal feel to the music. With the help of keyboardist Natasha Shneider and guitarist Alain Johannes from the band Eleven, Cornell was able to get away from the imposing shadow of the recently disbanded Soundgarden and take his first steps as a solo artist. His lyrics are carefully crafted and set the mood for the songs, not vice versa. At times they are painfully honest, such as in “Wave Goodbye” (“When you miss somebody/You tell yourself a hundred thousand times nobody ever lives forever”), and sometimes cruelly so, such as in “Flutter Girl” (“Forget how soon you become a fool for words when I speak”).”Euphoria Morning” does not provide the adrenaline rush Cornell’s earlier work with Soundgarden did. If you’re looking for a head-banging good time, spend your $14 elsewhere. If you don’t mind having Chris Cornell crying on your shoulder while he tests the waters of his newfound solo artistry, then this is the album for you. But be warned: It’s not Soundgarden. It’s not Temple of the Dog. It’s not supposed to be.