Review Summary: Creed takes one more shot at an album.
Creed, the name is almost a joke in the music industry today. A band that exploded surprisingly quickly to fame off of the major success of earlier albums such as
My Own Prison, and
Human Clay. They were at one time at the helm of the post grunge/mainstream rock movement that overtook the United States in the late 90’s. Inspiring many of today’s radio rock acts to try their hand at making the now seemingly illusive, chart topping rock record. For Creed, though, all that success was only met with disaster as the band dissolved in 2004, with Mark Tremonti going as far as saying they would never re-unite again. Yet, in 2009 the band did just that. Creed re-united for one more foray into the world of music making as a band with
Full Circle.
It is not to go without saying that all of the musicians present have moved on and have started projects outside of Creed, with Mark Tremonti (Guitar), Brian Marshal (Bass), and Scott Phillips (Drums) going on to start Alter Bridge. While Scott Stapp (Vocals) has gone on to start a solo career, releasing his own album with another one in the works. What brought them back together is still somewhat a mystery. Surley sales from this album will keep both groups’ new projects alive. Judging by the effort put into the music on this album you can surly tell who is putting their heart into Creed and who isn’t anymore. Scott Stapp, manages to pull off a great performance. He still has one of the better voices in mainstream rock. His slight southern accent makes him enjoyable to listen too. Although his lyrics don’t inspire the same feelings, they are undoubtedly better than their cock-rock contemporaries, such as Nickelback, yet at the same time they are lacking anything to really think about. Scott always seems to be singing with a lot of emotion, which is good but it gives ballads like ‘Away in Silence’ less punch.
Surprisingly Scott Stapp is the only real reason to listen to this. This entire record comes off as more of a solo album. As the other members do not reach the same height of performance as the lead vocalist, which when considering that his performance is bare average, it is very disappointing. Even the amazing guitarist, Mark Tremonti, doesn’t even come close to giving his all. He does manage to make some interesting power chords, power slides, guitar solos and etc. Yet he never reaches the same magnitude as his performance in Alter Bridge. As for the others, both Brian and Scott Phillips give an absolutely miserable performance. They seem to play with no effort. Bringing nothing interesting to the table, and they really bring down the sound of this album, With Brian’s uninspired bass lines and Scott P’s lack luster drumming.
As far as sound goes, you get your usual assortment in today’s mainstream offerings. You have your ballads, and some straight up hard rockers, coupled with even the country twanged titled ‘Full Circle’. The songs are filled with repeating choruses and don’t strive to be anything ground breaking. Nothing you haven’t already heard on the radio. Overall the album seems to connect its songs together with the same feeling of inner turmoil, but doesn’t come close to telling a story. This leads to the overall sense that this album was more into banking off the name Creed than striving to come together and make a real album. None of the talent acquired over the last couple years seems to be notable, except for the newer, darker, and heavier sound over all.
The final verdict is to stay away from this album. Unless you are a fan Scottt Stapp or want a below average mainstream rock album that will give you some cheap thrills.
http://www.creed.com/
