When Chris Cornell opened his mouth, there was no choice but to listen.

The late singer — who died suddenly Wednesday night while on tour — was essentially the grunge-era’s version of Robert Plant, delivering his vocals with a ferocity that was primal and thrilling. Cutting through Soundgarden’s grinding guitar assault was not an easy task, and Cornell was the only one up to the challenge.

It may have played third fiddle to Seattle contemporaries Nirvana and Pearl Jam, but in Cornell, Soundgarden had a world-beating singer.

Most fans know the band for its mid-’90s exploits. (The freakish video for 1994’s “Black Hole Sun” was an MTV staple.) But even as far back as the group’s first album — 1988’s “Ultramega OK” — Cornell was singing up an unholy storm. On the track “Beyond the Wheel,” he appears to use his entire, multi-octave range, lunging from the lowest notes to the ear-piercing peaks in a startling instant.

While Soundgarden went on to build a strong fanbase through the ’90s, one of Cornell’s most moving performances came via Temple of the Dog — a group he formed as a tribute to his friend musician Andrew Wood. On the 1991 alternative hit “Hunger Strike,” Cornell and Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder traded verses and harmonies to create one of grunge’s most anthemic and poignant moments.

Although the music of Audioslave (formed with members of Rage Against the Machine in 2001) was never quite as celebrated, Cornell’s voice was again the star of the show. The bombast of debut single “Cochise” and “Show Me How To Live” grabbed your attention, but the softer, more emotive moments found in “Like a Stone” left a indelible mark.

Cornell’s four solo albums offered a more subtle introspection, but his voice was always best-served with a blast of guitar provided by Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil. So it was no surprise to see the band reunite in 2010, after its initial split in 1997.

Soundgarden returned with the raucous “King Animal” in 2012 — an album that still found Cornell in fine form, despite his battles with alcoholism. Were it not for his sudden passing, there would have been more music, as the group was writing new material.

As it is, Cornell leaves behind a body of work that is unmistakably powerful and unmistakably him. Farewell, Chris — no one sings like you anymore.