I once chose Audioslave's first release as the best album of 2002. I still stand by that choice, though having listened to it a good bit more I have something of a different outlook. Tom Morello is one of the finest guitarists on the planet which is well evidenced by his phenomenal work while playing for Rage Against The Machine. I will have to admit in retrospect that the first Audioslave release is not as spectacular as it had the potential to be.

Which brings me to Out of Exile - an album that just plain kicks ass from top to bottom. It's a much heavier affair and the songwiting has matured into what I would have envisioned a hybrid of Soundgarden and Rage to be. Unfortunately I was unable to give Exile a straight five because of it's occasional lapse in lyrical strength. Tracks such as, "Doesn't Remind Me," and "Be Yourself," despite being solid musically definitely suffer in the lyric department. These are quite possibly the worst lyrics that Chris Cornell has ever penned.

But this is a trifling complaint when you look at this awesome recording as a whole. The musicianship truly shines here and my favorite tracks, "Out of Exile," "The Worm," and Dandelion are truly exceptional. If you're anything like me and liked their first album, trust me - Out of Exile will knock you out of your socks.