Staind (2011) review

Staind – Staind (self titled 2011)

I have been a huge fan of Staind since I first heard “Mudshovel” when it was released from their second album “Dysfunction”. I had not heard of their first album, “Tormented” yet, as it had been given a very limited release (it's first run was something close to four thousand copies), and very few people at that time had heard it. As soon as the album, “Dysfunction”, was released, I picked it up and began to listen to it all the way through. It contained a hidden track, also known as “excess baggage”, which I stumbled upon the first time I was listening to the album while I was taking a shower. Alone, Aaron Lewis, the lead singer of Staind, plays a haunting acoustic song. I was hooked. Since that day, I have gone out and picked up every new album as soon as I can.

September 13^th, 2011 was only slightly different in only because I didn't rush out and buy the new album. I bought it digitally at around 12:30 am. I quickly scanned through the songs, getting a bit of a feel for each one, then went to bed. The next day, I loaded it onto my Zune, and started listening. I have always been a big fan of listening to a song a couple of times before I make a decision on it, and this was no different.

The initial listen was good, though again, I was mostly doing it for feeling. I was immediately drawn to the track “Something to Remind You”, which really was a more somber and melodious sound more akin to their more recent hits. On my second time through, I found myself listening to the lyrics a bit more, and was then drawn to “Failing” which I felt really brought across some of the deep resonating angst that had made me a huge Aaron Lewis/ Staind fan. And for each consecutive listen, I was liking more and more songs. I have now listened to this album close to 20 times through, and there is only one song that doesn't really jive with me, a rather strange occurrence that has only happened once before, with “This is it” from the album “Illusion of Progress” (2008).

I have traveled over 8 hours to see Staind live, and I have also seen Aaron Lewis on his solo tour. I even got to meet him in the parking lot after the show, where I proceeded to get all fan boy crazy, finding it difficult to put to rational thoughts together. I have never been disappointed in any things Staind, and this album is no different. While it is a more on par with their first two albums, “Tormented” and “Dysfunction”, it is still bears the emotionally charged lyrics that UI personally have come to expect from Staind. This is their first album I have digitally bought, and as I look at my CD cases, I feel that I HAVE to buy it in a physical copy. And that is very telling.

Staind is the self titled 7^th album released by Staind, and had been formally going under the title of “Seventh” (or just Seven depending on which of my information is correct). Staind features Lead vocals and rhythm guitar – Aaron Lewis, Lead guitar – Mike Mushok, Bass and backing vocals – Johnny April, and Drums and percussion – Jon Wysocki (whom has recently left the band)

- Anthony Hale