Review Summary: The album title is a lie. Staind has made true progress.
I love how Staind has progressed over the years. They started out in the mid-90s as a nu metal band with lyrics full of hate and angst and self-loathing, reflected on lead singer Aaron Lewis’s life at the time. It was depressing as can be, on both Tormented (1996) and Dysfunction (2001). If you listen to Break the Cycle (2001), arguably Staind’s greatest album, the music is toned down to more basic alternative rock rather than nu metal, but the lyrics are still depressing, just a little last hateful. With 14 Shades of Grey (2003), Staind regressed, making a very mediocre album. The music continued to slow, though, and the lyrics lost even more angst. Listening to Chapter V (2005), you get an idea that Staind is heading in the right direction again. It was unlike Break the Cycle, but also unlike 14 Shades of Grey. It was like a new band with a similar sound. “Right Here” and “Everything Changes” showed Staind’s maturity. Now, Staind’s most recent album The Illusion of Progress (2008), has been released. It may be their greatest album yet, but it probably doesn’t hold up to Break the Cycle. Staind has become a full-blown mainstream rock band after starting as a hardcore nu metal band. Making a transition that few bands do, they’ve strangely made it work perfectly. Lewis’s lyrics are still a little premature, but they’re lyrics a lot of people can relate to. If you listened to Tormented, chills went down your spine (not in the good way). If you listen to The Illusion of Progress, you sit back and take in the melodramatic sound without chills but still with intrigue. Yeah, Staind is soft now. But that’s not a bad thing. It works for them. A lot of people may say Staind has sold out. Maybe. But more likely, the band has matured and Lewis has mellowed out as a person. And it’s led to being one of the biggest rock bands in the country. Anyway, on to the actual album review.
THIS IS IT (5 out of 5)
So Staind didn't create a masterpiece here, but the album opener is maybe the best song here. "This Is It" follows the regular Staind formula of heavy intro, soft verses, and a ripping chorus. It's done very well in this song, though. The lyrics are similar to Break the Cycle with more upbeat music. Good song.
THE WAY I AM (3 out of 5)
Hmm. This song sounds quite a bit different from normal Staind songs. The vocals are rather nice here, and the chorus is well done. Overall, this song is much softer than "This Is It" but it's a nice follow-up.
BELIEVE (4.5 out of 5)
This is the ballad of the album. And it's a damn fine one, maybe the best ballad Staind has done since "It's Been Awhile." The lyrics are different than Lewis's usual repetitive lyrics. We're 3-3. The album has started off good.
SAVE ME (3 out of 5)
The least impressive of the songs thus far, but it's not a bad one. If you weren't convinced yet, this song proves that Staind really has changed. They've found a middle balance between Break the Cycle and Chapter V, and the result is a band that is less depressing than on Break the Cycle but still makes very personal music.
ALL I WANT (4 out of 5)
Now we're talking. If you're a fan of mainstream rock, this should be your favorite. It's a simple rock song. The lyrics aren't intricate, it's just about wanting somebody else and that's all. A great song.
PARDON ME (3 out of 5)
Not a typical Staind song. The intro is very soft and melancholy compared to the usual ripping guitar riffs that start Staind songs. A soft verse leads to an emotionally sung chorus. A solid number, but there's nothing that shines about this song.
LOST ALONG THE WAY (4.5 out of 5)
This song gives each member of Staind a time to shine, something not usually seen in their songs. If you listen to it, you'll see what I mean. It's a really good song.
BREAK AWAY (2.5 out of 5)
This is the worst track so far. It sounds exactly like past Staind. That's not a bad thing, but it's just not expected after listening to the first seven tracks.
TANGLED UP IN YOU (3 out of 5)
The only acoustic ballad on this album, "Tangled Up in You" has a country-like feel to it. The lyrics are very unlike typical Lewis lyrics. It's a change of pace but it's not a great song. Seriously, it sounds like country music at times.
RAINING AGAIN (3 out of 5)
An electronica feel replaces the dirty guitar of the regular intros, but the ripping chorus remains. A song with very little to brag about but little to complain about if you're a Staind fan.
RAINY DAY PARADE (4.5 out of 5)
The guitar intro is back, and it's a really good intro. One of the best on the album. This one is much more of a rocker than the previous two, and it's a good transition back to the usual Staind feel. The music here is great, and the lyrics are pretty good.
THE CORNER (2.5 out of 5)
So Staind's a progressive band, eh? When Lewis spoke of the album, he said there'd be "hues of Pink Floyd and straight-up blues." He was referring to this song. It's not technically a prog song, but it does build throughout like a typical prog song. Unfortunately, Staind can't really pull off progressive. Lewis was not built for that.
NOTHING LEFT TO SAY (4 out of 5)
A solid way to end the album. Lewis gives one of his best vocal performances on the album. The verse has very unique guitar work for Staind. It's an enjoyable piece.
PROS
-band members get chance to shine moreso than on other albums
-lyrics are less depressing than original Staind but still solid
-Lewis sings as well as ever
-a lot of the intros are much more unique (and much better) than on previous Staind albums
-a few of these songs are very commercial (which is good for the band)
CONS
-"The Corner"
-hardcore Staind fans may be in for a surprise on some tracks
RECOMMENDED TRACKS
This Is It
Believe
All I Want
Lost Along the Way
Rainy Day Parade
