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“Like a Stone” is one of the most iconic songs by American rock supergroup Audioslave. Released as the second single from their self‑titled debut album in early 2003, the track became the band’s biggest U.S. hit, topping both the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks and Hot Modern Rock Tracks charts and reaching number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The official music video for “Like a Stone” premiered in 2003 and, decades later, has surpassed **1 billion views on YouTube**, making it one of the most‑watched rock videos on the platform. The visual, directed by Grammy‑winner Meiert Avis, was filmed in an old Spanish mansion in Los Angeles — once home to Jimi Hendrix — and showcases the band performing in atmospheric, moody settings.
Background and Release
Audioslave was formed in 2001 when vocalist Chris Cornell (formerly of Soundgarden) teamed up with guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford, and drummer Brad Wilk (all from Rage Against the Machine). “Like a Stone” emerged from their collaboration as a powerful fusion of hard rock, alternative rock, and post‑grunge.
The song was produced by the band alongside renowned producer Rick Rubin and helped catapult Audioslave into mainstream success shortly after their formation.
Meaning and Themes
“Like a Stone” is often interpreted as a reflective meditation on life, loneliness, and the afterlife. While band members originally had differing impressions of the lyrics — with bassist Tim Commerford thinking it was a love song — Chris Cornell explained that the track explores deeper philosophical themes about mortality and what may come after death.
Lyrically, the narrator appears to contemplate existence, waiting patiently like a stone in a solitary place and hoping for reunion or transcendence. This blend of melancholy and introspection gives the song its haunting, timeless quality.
Music Video and Visual Style
The “Like a Stone” music video uses a subdued green‑blue palette and striking interiors of the Spanish mansion to match the track’s introspective mood. The band is shown performing in candlelit rooms while rain falls outside, adding to the atmosphere of solitude and reflection.
The video also includes simple, evocative imagery that complements the emotional depth of the lyrics, contributing to the song’s enduring visual and musical impact.
Chart Success and Legacy
“Like a Stone” became Audioslave’s most commercially successful single in the United States and is frequently cited as one of the greatest rock songs of the early 2000s. It has continued to appear on rock playlists and charts long after its release, including recent hard‑rock streaming listings.
Many fans and critics alike consider the track a defining moment for Audioslave, solidifying the band’s place in rock history and showcasing Chris Cornell’s powerful voice and lyrical depth.
Conclusion
“Like a Stone” remains one of Audioslave’s most celebrated songs — a haunting, powerful rock ballad that combines deep emotional themes with timeless musicality. Its success on radio, streaming platforms, and video views demonstrates its lasting appeal to rock fans across generations.
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