4 out of 5 stars.
Corey Taylor’s CMF2 is a raw, yet refined showcase of his versatility and talent as both a songwriter and performer. For those of us who have been with Taylor across his Slipknot and Stone Sour journeys, this solo effort further solidifies why he’s one of the most underrated songwriters of our generation. There’s an honesty and emotional depth in these songs that hit harder with every listen, especially in standout tracks like Beyond, Post Traumatic Blues, We are the Rest, Starmate, and Breath of Fresh Smoke.
Beyond has that infectious energy that feels like a perfect blend of his Stone Sour melodies with the edge of his heavier roots. It’s an anthem of sorts, where each lyric feels like a call to break free, to push past the limitations we put on ourselves. On repeat listens, it became something of a personal motivator for me, each line a reminder to step “beyond” my own doubts. Taylor’s vocals are powerful here, swinging effortlessly between melodic croons and fierce screams. It’s the kind of track you can keep coming back to, with each play uncovering more layers of emotion and strength.
Post Traumatic Blues struck a different, more visceral chord. Taylor doesn’t just write a song—he lives through it, and you feel that intensely here. The mix of thrashing guitars and guttural screams speaks to the raw pain of dealing with trauma. On those tough days, this song became a cathartic release for me. Corey’s ability to channel such complex emotions into his music is what makes him a standout artist. His screams aren’t just screams—they’re releases of anger, frustration, and a longing for healing. You can feel the struggle and the fight for control over the chaos within.
Breath of Fresh Smoke caught me off guard in the best way possible. This song is layered with a more introspective tone, a slower burn compared to the others. The lyrics feel like they pull you into a more reflective headspace, and on my repeated listens, it resonated deeply as a moment of solace. It’s a track that reveals Taylor’s more vulnerable side, the one that often gets overshadowed by his louder, more aggressive persona. But that’s what makes it so impactful—it’s like taking a deep breath after a storm.
Taylor’s gift lies in his ability to merge his brutal, metal-inspired intensity with thoughtful, introspective lyrics. He nails it on CMF2 with catchy melodies, passionate metal screams, and words that land with force. It’s a shame he doesn’t get the mainstream respect he deserves, perhaps due to the screaming and the masks. But that’s exactly what makes him stand out in a sea of sameness—his willingness to push boundaries, to be unapologetically himself. And they just don’t get the respect – there will be lots of people who say this sounds too mainstream poppy when mainstream pop will never even play it. I just appreciate it for what it is. A good fucking blend of music.
In the end, CMF2 is an album that offers a little something for everyone, from Taylor’s trademark heavy riffs to his emotionally charged ballads. And for those of us who’ve had these songs on repeat, it’s clear that Corey Taylor is a force to be reckoned with, masks or not. I loved this album start to finish.
