 | Tracklist:
01. Open Your Eyes
02. Pressure
03. Fade
04. It's Been Awhile
05. Change
06. Can't Believe
07. Epiphany
08. Suffer
09. Safe Place
10. For You
11. Outside
12. Waste
13. Take It
| Ranking: #165 for 2001 | |
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On 12 Lists
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Staind are an alternative metal band who has had massive success through a few years. Break The Cycle is the band’s breakthrough release and had several singles. The album is quite simple and follows a formula of light, acoustic verses with heavy distorted choruses. This may seem very predictable but works throughout the album, it’s like the band’s trademark and I quite enjoy it even though it is obviously formulaic. Staind were everywhere during 2001 with singles here and there. It’s Been Awhile, Open Your Eyes and Outside were at least the singles I remember. This album is also a different direction for them as this album drives to a more alternative sound than going away from their signature nu-metal sound.
Aaron Lewis is the main man behind most of the songs and is the one that adds the most to the songs. His acoustic guitar and emotional low voice make a good combination and add a lot to the songs. His lyrics are usually depressing, negative and angst-ridden. Most people would think, “boo-hoo!" but the atmosphere in Staind’s music makes the lyrics very suiting. The other guitarist basically doesn’t get up to much, he usually only shows his voice in a chorus and even then it’s just some power chords. The bass also doesn’t come up a lot and usually just plays root notes of the guitar. The drums don’t do a lot but provide some basic beats. An impression you’re all probably getting is that Staind is simple and they are, it’s a very simple sound and the music revolves around Aaron, the other members’ simply supply for Aaron.
The album’s opener Open Your Eyes is possibly one of the heaviest songs on the album and also one of the only songs that doesn’t stick to the formula that the album follows. I don’t think Aaron uses an acoustic at all in the song. The intro is one of the heaviest parts of the album; the verses show Aaron expressing himself very emotionally and the chorus is undeniably catchy. My favourite thing about the song is the way Aaron sings on the song, it’s very touching and he’s reaching his emotions out perfectly. Definitely one of my favourites on the album and one I never skip when I pop this in. It’s Been Awhile was the main single. The intro starts with some light acoustic and a clean electric part. It is a powerful power ballad again powered by Aaron. A really excellent track though it does get a bit boring after a few listens. Outside is a beautiful track and is an Aaron powered track (to be honest, all of them are powered by Aaron). The drumbeat is so simple and the clean electric guitar adds some nice touches to it. I think I prefer the live version shown on the album as it is rawer and the chorus is a lot better than the lame distorted one.
If there was one track that I’d recommend you check out then it is Waste. The song deals with two teenagers who were big fans of the band who committed suicide just before this album was released. The lyrics are so powerful, my favourite part is when it goes quiet and then it goes really heavy and Aaron and another vocalist scream and shout, “Well *** them! And *** her! And him! And *** you, for not having the strength in your heart to pull through! I've had doubts! I have failed! I've ***ed up! I've had plans! Doesn't mean I should take my Life with my own hands" The song has such an imaginative atmosphere as in you can imagine what’s going on in the song. My favorite song possibly by them but it’s definitely the best track on the album. There is a few negatives to the album though. One is that the tracks don’t vary that much and they follow the same formula so it’s like the same track over and over again. I don’t mind it that much but it is something that bugs me. One thing I hate is really bad production but the production on this is a bit too perfect. Nothing is wrong on this album and when I mean that, I’m technically speaking.
So why do I find this album appealing if it’s got so many bad flaws? I tell you why, this is a catchy, dark and emotional record. Some people may call it ‘whiny’, call it that if you must but this is a tidy, solid record and it isn’t as bad as people make it out to be. If you’re willing to try this with an open mind then I say go for it, it isn’t poison but anyone scared of going a little mainstream may find this boring and uninspired.
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| Recent reviews by this author | | | |
Album Rating: 1
Ugh, get this out of the metal section.
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You're funny.
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Yeah right Staind is about as metal as it gets.
Good review, but I really can't stand this band.
Digging: Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise
| | | Album Rating: 1
It would've been a joke if these guys were actually metal. This is rock.
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It would've been a joke if these guys were actually metal. This is rock.
Yes, yes. Keep your pants on.
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I thought they were Nu-Metal :confused:
I don't know much about Staind, but it's well written review 
Digging: Castevet - The Echo and the Light
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I don't know much about Staind, but it's well written review
Awww, thanks man
And they are nu-metal, mainstream rock is their second genre so no one complain.
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ew staind only homos like them oh wait nevermind
Good review, even though it boggles my mind nonetheless.
Digging: Eminem - Recovery
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Formulaic, but still a decent album.
Digging: Kowloon Walled City - Gambling On The Richter Scale
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Staind are pretty bad. Your review is not.
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Lawlrus. Staind isn't metal.
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Lawlrus. Staind isn't metal.
EDIT: Sorry for the double post.  *cuts wrists*This Message Edited On 07.21.06
| | | Album Rating: 4
brilliant album!! love it!! outside rules!!!
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