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The breakthrough album Nov 17, 2007
Creeds breakthrough album comes armed with a number of slants on the bands staunchly hard rock musical outlook. With meaty guitar sounds the album is firmly a hard rock affair though with less moments bordering on metal than the My Own Prison album. Scott Stapp seems to have become better at putting feeling into his vocal performance and the timbre of his voice is still impressive. Of course with all vocalists he won't suit all tastes but his smooth mid range delivery definitely suits the full blooded rock that it's backed up with.
The album changes gears from heavier to lighter shades of Creeds post grunge hard rock, I suppose Nickeback were their main competition, very few other bands having much success in breaking into the mainstream in the name of rock with the exception of teen friendly pop-punkers during much of Creeds existence. And that is another thing that probably worked in their favour, the honest and at times quite gritty guitar riffs and melodies being a welcome change from the endless procession of teen starlets we were forced to suffer during the early 00's.
As for my favourite songs? Well With Arms Wide Open is a quality song where Stapps voice is front and centre and the band take a back seat and Higher is an excellent full bodied rock `n' roll song. In addition I'd have to give a special mention to Beautiful which has a good short sharp riff that clips along when unleashed while the lyrics are actually a bit of a downer. But in a good way, the band touching on the subject of youthful disillusion with wanting something it's perhaps better not to get. And the problems that can happen if you don't keep it in perspective.
Overall this is an album that hangs together as a collection of songs, something Creed had a knack for right from the word go, everything sounds like it belongs here even if not all the songs are pistol packin' desperados. The production is good - I mean it'd wanna be since this is an album from '99 right? And as for the much discussed religious overtones they are there, but as per their next album the lyrics are usually vague enough that even those not from the bible belt USA can enjoy this album and take something from the lyrics. And that DOES denote talent, regardless of what the backlash merchants might have you believe.
For the fan, well your only reading this for your own amusement - I mean you already own this and just wanted to see the opinions of others right? As for the casual fan who is thinking of buying this you'd be better served to get their greatest hits collection initially released in 2004 and then decide on whether to pick up the back catalogue.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 This album went diamond for a reason Aug 17, 2007
I was never a huge Creed fan when they came out I always heard Higher on the radio and thought nothing of it really and one day I decided to give this album a chance and I'm glad I did because this is probably there best disc. Weathered was really generic typical mainstream rock it wasn't bad and it wasn't great. I don't understand why CREED gets bashed all the time they are a decent band Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam always comes to mind when I listen to them. There is not one bad song on this disc which is why I give it 5 stars. All these songs are really great and nothing seems like filler at all except maybe Wash Away Those Years but other than that every song is great. Don't judge it by there singles sit down and listen to this album. I suggest you start with this album then My Own Prison and then Weathered.
when shadows paint the scenes Jul 28, 2007
Creed was still getting over the need to be profound when this 1999 release came out, but the results were promising. The band has its best moments when it relaxes. It manages to achieve depth better than than when darkness-cum-wisdom overshadows higher goals.
The musical pieces were coming together for Creed in 1999, that much is true. Things had improved upon the equally promising--though from a lower starting point--MY OWN PRISON cd.
Stapp was singing his heart out, the basis was acquiring a tight, punchy sound, and Scott Phillips drumming was just awaiting its moment to break out.
'With Arms Wide Open' is the exception, and almost Great Leap Forward into what Creed would become by the time the subsequent WEATHERED album reached the listening public. It is a poignant attempt to articulate grace from within the confines of limited knowledge. 'Arms' greets the birth of a child with an elegance and emotion that one does not often associate with grunge bands. It is an artistic and aesthetic breakthrough of sorts for a band that would sound so good on this album's successor so as to make us almost forget that there was a time when we awaited a breakthrough.
WEATHERED, when it came, would put it all in perspective.
1 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 Formulised Abomination Jul 13, 2007
After their previous CD, which was not too bad on one or two tracks, "Human Clay" came out. More the same stuff, just on a different CD. This CD was truly a step backwards for Creed, if that were ever possible.
It seems like Creed tried to add some grunge elements to their music, and it just didn't come off. Abominable tracks like "Wrong Way", with occassional ventures into real rock, "Say I", that borders on the dismal, and more that truly defy the senses.
The pity is that the lyrical content is actually pretty good and has some substance to it. Sadly, the overall execution just didn't cut it and match that.
Even for fans of hard rock, this would be a CD to avoid. Don't waste your money.
0 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Good, solid rock performance Jul 07, 2007
I was not familiar with the band before giving this a listen and I like what I heard. Willlook to add more Creed to library.
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