My review for the new Staind album "The Illusion of Progress"

F5

Yeah I know this group is much despised by this message board but hey I dig em and I know a few other PJ fans do as well. So if your not into the band save the lame comments that we've all heard before. We all know who the best band is anyway. I wrote this on iTunes this morning after listening to the album a couple times:

"I still remember the first time I saw Staind in concert back in 2001. I hardly knew anything about the band but it turned out to be one of the most incredible shows I've ever seen! Shortly after this they became my favorite band and even managed to change my taste in music for the better. I must have listened to "Break the Cycle" countless times throughout high school. In my opinion truly that album is a masterpiece. Well seven years down the road (can't believe its been that long!) and I still love Staind even though I no longer consider them my favorite.

Unfortunately I've felt the last couple albums including this one lack originality and the ability to stir up emphatic feelings like the other ones did. I hate to compare one album to another because I love to watch bands branch out and progress in order to push their creativity. But with Staind I don’t think they’ve branched out enough and it’s left the last few albums sounding like cloned counterparts of previous efforts. I’m not saying the albums aren’t good, personally I love 14 Shades of Grey and Chapter V but the thing that made B.T.C. so epic is that fans felt like they could relate to it. Although Aaron and the group still write great songs and lyrics they don’t seem to be able to pull fans in like they once did. “The Illusion of Progress” is a great album and is worth checking out but if your looking for another epic Staind album you probably wont find it…

Just on a side note I think any review comparing recent Staind albums to “Dysfunction” or “Tormented” should be disregarded. People either loved or hated the change in musical direction the group made (I for one loved it) but its like trying to compare apples and oranges. They’re two completely different styles and sounds."

evenflow524

I agree, I dug the album, esp the Corner, thats a a really cool track. But lets face it, they arent reinventing the wheel here. However, what they do, they do well. So if youve enjoyed the other Staind albums you will definately like this one, cause they all are pretty interchangeable. It was pretty cool to hear Mushok solo on this album though. He was never really given a chance to show his chops aside from the rhythm before, so that was cool

F5

evenflow524 wrote:

I agree, I dug the album, esp the Corner, thats a a really cool track. But lets face it, they arent reinventing the wheel here. However, what they do, they do well. So if youve enjoyed the other Staind albums you will definately like this one, cause they all are pretty interchangeable. It was pretty cool to hear Mushok solo on this album though. He was never really given a chance to show his chops aside from the rhythm before, so that was cool

The Corner is a good song but I'm not feeling the backing vocals. Maybe it will grow on me. I really like "Is this It" or "The Way I Am"

PlantPage55

Oh man, I'm sorry but I think it's easily their worst album. The lyrics are cornier than shit - chock full of cliches.

I actually chuckled throughout this album paying attention to the lyrics. I'm a really big Staind fan, but this was one big stinker of a generic album they put out.

melodyman22

Is Staind original no. Does Aaron have a good voice yes very. He also pays tribute to Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam. Which are 2 of my fav bands. Staind get alot of hate on here. But there ok with me.

LukinFan

mitchmoore2 wrote:

I still remember the first time I saw Staind in concert back in 2001. I hardly knew anything about the band but it turned out to be one of the most incredible shows I've ever seen!

I agree 100%!

I haven't heard their new album yet, but is it any harder than their last two albums? Please tell me that it is

NewDamage

Sampled the tracks on itunes...

I don't know why I keep expecting something great from this band again. I fucking loved "Dysfunction" even though there was nothing terribly original about it. Parts of "Break the Cycle" were good but they've bored me to tears since. Its not comparison, just a lack of interest for me

Jeremy1012

melodyman22 wrote:

Is Staind original no. Does Aaron have a good voice yes very. He also pays tribute to Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam. Which are 2 of my fav bands. Staind get alot of hate on here. But there ok with me.

That "Layne" song is one of the worst things I've ever had the misfortune of hearing. Horrible, and kind of insulting as a tribute.

F5

LukinFan wrote:

I agree 100%!

I haven't heard their new album yet, but is it any harder than their last two albums? Please tell me that it is

Unfortunately no. Its probably they're least energetic album yet. It has a few good guitar solos though.

12345AGNST1

melodyman22 wrote:

Is Staind original no. Does Aaron have a good voice yes very. He also pays tribute to Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam. Which are 2 of my fav bands. Staind get alot of hate on here. But there ok with me.

Thats exactly how I see them. Not a fan, but I certainly respect them.