Creed - My Own Prison

So I know that I've taken it on the chin a few times by saying I didn't mind Creed. Back in the day, I think they were a fairly good rock band that ended up getting progressively worse over time. What always entertains me is people always want to talk smack about Creed, and you have a hard time finding their supporters. Yet, they are one of the best selling bands of all time. TENS of millions of albums sold over the years, and the number keeps going up. When this dropped in 1997, you have to remember what was going on in the industry as a whole. The grunge movement was pretty much over, and you started to see the more "emo" and punk rock bands take over. Rap was starting to make a pretty big come back in the US too. I think in general, it was a time when America was yearning for good old fashioned, guitar strumming rock and roll. And no one really wanted to provide it. Although this album was toned down and made more radio friendly, it still has a solid rock sound to it. Lyrically is a pretty good album, and obviously had the "hits" too. I remember thinking Creed was nothing amazing, but this album changed my mind. And I'll state that this record is hands down my favorite, and the one I'd consider most tolerable for the casual listener. And at 6x platinum, many, many people out there would seem to agree. I'm not going to write today that you need to start giving Creed respect. The lead singer is a bit of an a-hole and their music has gone downhill. All I'm suggesting is, give this another shot sometime. You might be surprised in how good it is.

TRACK LISTING:
1. Torn
2. Ode
3. My Own Prison
4. Pity For a Dime
5. In America
6. Illusion
7. Unforgiven
8. Sister
9. What's This Life For
10. One

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. My Own Prison
2. Ode
3. One

FINAL RATING:
4.25 out of 5 stars

Creed - Human Clay

I think a really long time ago - I mentioned that I enjoy a good Creed based album. Alter Bridge was one of my new faves when they started dropping albums around 2004. Creed was the origination of that band and Creed started making sweet tuneage in 1997. I think they came out at a perfect time. When '97s 'My Own Prison' record came out (my favorite by the way - they just don't link samples to that record) I think the US was teetering on being ready to move on from other alt rock style bands. When this album came out in 1999 - it was really ready to explore any new styles. You saw a huge shift in pop music as everyone started to open back up to hip hop with the emergence of Eminem and then Creed burst on to the scene selling tons of albums too. Human Clay is an astounding 11x platinum in the states. It's also sold over 5 million copies in the UK and Australia too. Truly a record that made everyone jam in unison. While Alter Bridge is still alive and kicking - Creed is too. They dropped their latest studio album 'Full Circle' earlier this year - and they promise to keep touring and making more music. I think had they not split up and gone 8 years between releases, Creed would still be a monster mega hit. It's not that their music is super different, but it's really good. Straight up in your face rock n roll. Like a Godsmack heaviness without the screaming lyrics or offensive lyrics. A few poppy songs mixed in is probably what caused this bad boy to sell so many copies. You should certainly toss this on today. It still isn't as good as 'My Own Prison' but it's right up there. Creed your way into Tuesday - you won't be disappointed.

TRACK LISTING:
1. Are You Ready?
2. What If
3. Beautiful
4. Say I
5. Wrong Way
6. Faceless Man
7. Never Die
8. With Arms Wide Open
9. Higher
10. Wash Away Those Years
11. Inside Us All

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. What If
2. Are You Ready
3. Faceless Man

FINAL RATING:
3.75 out of 5 stars