By the time the double-kick drums and blast beats explode on the new Creed album, I already needed to change my pants. Scott Stapp has apparently traded in his comical singing voice for guttural screams and Cookie Monster-grunting this time around. With their ‘reunion’ album Full Circle, Creed has undergone a transformation. Instead of the wussy radio-rock posturing they’ve been known for all those years, they have returned with a revamped sound, and it REALLY caught me off guard. I guess they grew tired of all the horrific clone bands they inspired (Theory of a Deadman, Nickelback, Crossfade, etc.) and decided to try to kick all our asses this time around.
Okay, okay, maybe not.
I just had to start this review in a way that amused me. This is Creed. We all know what that means. The songs will have buzzy guitars and Scott Stapp’s pompous macho posturing and incredibly irritating voice. And HEY, guess what? Those are all over this record.
I wonder why this record is called ‘Full Circle’….because no one gave a shit about Stapp’s solo album the Great Divide, and thus he had to come back to the band (i.e. come ‘full circle’) that somehow put him on the map? Because somehow Alter Bridge sucked more than Creed in the first place? The mind boggles.
i bet it took 5 hours to get all these poses and pouts just right
This album actually starts off pretty well. Lead single Overcome sounds oddly familiar, maybe because it’s so damn formulaic, but it’s still a pretty solid song. And, oh yeah, it probably represents how Creed was able to overcome odds and critics/haters and record a new album. I get it.
Bread of Shame confused me at first, too. The guitar work by Mark Tremonti is SO down-tuned that it sounds somewhat Korn-esque, which is never really the kind of association I’d expect to make with this band. The guitar in this song reminds me of the riffage in Korn’s Did My Time. Bread of Shame is pretty much the hardest-rocking Creed song I’ve ever heard. It’s sludgy and dark, and the powerful chorus also sounds a bit Soundgarden-ish. Needlesss to say this song REALLY surprised me, and it’s a solid cut.
Of course, just when it might sound like I’m giving this album a positive review, I get reminded tenfold just how much it all sucks. I just can’t take Stapp seriously, because, well, he’s SCOTT STAPP, the guy who was so wasted onstage that fans tried suing the band for a bad performance. Oh, and he lost a fight with 311 (a band of stoners) in a hotel bar.
I remarked to my roommate “this would ALMOST be pretty cool hard rock music if it wasn’t Scott Stapp-affiliated”. That’s how much it detracts from the songs to me.
Just when I was almost convinced this was a new Creed with hard rocking songs and an edge, A Thousand Faces came along and puked all over my expectations. This is a typical sappy midtempo Creed tune, probably primed for FM radio play (if that even exists anymore). Blah blah blah, boring.
a shirt after my own heart
Time is unlistenable, insipid dreck, even compared to Creed’s usual toxic waste dumps of music. Stapp’s voice in this one is completely ridiculous and even more over the top than usual, with James Hetfield-ian flourishes like “this time-AHH I have nothing left to lose…I’m stuck, the second hand won’t move, it’s about time that I speak my mind-AHH”, and so on. Whereas Hetfield’s voice is funny and badass, Stapp’s little vocal spasms are just irritating.
I avoided doing a track-by-track review of Full Circle because I couldn’t get all the way through some of these songs. Creed’s just so damn boring. I’ll be completely honest: I do like a few songs from their career, such as What If, One Last Breath, and Higher (because I associate it with baseball games), but for the most part their songs are just too dramatic. Stapp sings with such an overly dramatic voice that pronounces every syllable with such a ridiculous overzealousness that it just ends up sounding silly. Tremonti’s guitar work is consistently impressive, but it all gets bogged down in the band’s muddled self-importance.
This album started off well, after the first two tracks I thought this might actually be a startling change of direction for Creed into a new, much more badass sound. Alas, these hopes were dashed as the other songs on the record are exactly what people would expect a Creed album to sound like.
In closing, I didn’t ever think the world would see a new Creed record. When the band broke up a few years ago I figured that was it, mainly because Stapp became a joke and the other guys seemed to be over it. Well, they’re back, and I’m not sure if anyone cares, since I’ve barely heard anything about this album at all. But it’s out now, and it’s just as unnecessary as one would expect.
I can see this album selling well in Wal-Marts, right next to the Daughtry and Nickelback records and 5 dollar DVD’s, in one big retail vortex of suck. I bet these people will buy five copies each.
I actually hope this record does moderately well – if it doesn’t, it might drive Stapp back to making another solo record, and the world needs that EVEN LESS than it does a new Creed album.
But yeah, Full Circle is pretty lame. No real shock there.
October 26th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
That is the worst review I have ever read. What makes you think you are even qualified to write a review on anyone’s album? How many successful albums have you had? What makes you think anyone even cares about your sucky opinion? No one cares but then again if someone did you wouldn’t be posting these stupid reviews to get attention. you FAIL! Creed album 10 stars!!!! Daughtry and Nickelback are amazing to. Sounds like you have a case on severe envy. Why don’t you work on yourself and your own career then you won’t have the free time to look like a dumb ass trashing successful bands.
October 26th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
And another thing, for the music you love there are other people who hate it. I never understood how anyone could review some form of Art for someone and think they were doing them a favor. What you do for a living on this website is completely useless because “All Art is subjective and means something different to every single person.” If someone wants to know how a new album sounds all they have to do is google it and listen for them self. Your opinion is as meaningful as a pile of dog poop.
October 26th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
For an opinion this review its ok… for a critic it takes a lot more than just listen a few songs.
October 27th, 2009 at 1:48 am
art may be subjective, but Creed still sucks.
October 27th, 2009 at 9:10 am
“Critic” – hahah you’re right, I’m going to stop writing reviews. You convinced me.
“So…” – I listened to the whole album about 3 times before writing the review, I just chose not to do a track-by-track review. I listened to every song though.
Greg – yep. Glad you see it that way.
thanks for the love y’all
October 27th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I can understand not liking a band, like “critic” said art is subjective. I was looking for a decent review of the album to see if they have become a harder rock band that most people have said (where they got that is beyond me).Instead I get this “review” of how much you dislike the band and Scott Stapp. To me, it came off as ignorant. What does him being drunk on stage or fighting with another band have to do with the music? I don’t think I read a single paragraph without some flak at Scott Stapp, we get it you two don’t like each other. I can not trust your review based on your bias feelings toward this band.
October 28th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
This critique proves that anyone who can type legibly and sound self-important can spew their psuedo-intelligent dribble on the internet and feel like they have proclaimed the truth for all of us supposedly inept humans to believe just cause you wrote it on the internet. Its just music!!!!!
Besides, I cannot take serously any review that includes phrases like “badass” or “Creed sucks” or anyone who admits that they have a roommate. You’re still a child it seems. Grow up and hold off on more reviews until you can say that you have lived enough to know what hindsight is.
Scott Sapp is just an imperfect fallible human being. So, he is not god-like…..neither are you!!! Get off your high horse and take in account that his life is on display for all to see, unlike yours. I’m sure you are perfect and have not or will not ever make mistakes like he has…..not!!!!!!!!! You will….and I hope you don’t have to face public ridicule like he has.
October 30th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Sounds like we need some more cheese with all this whine.
I’ve never listened to Creed – never plan on it either – but thoroughly enjoyed the review.
Good work
November 1st, 2009 at 2:55 pm
last commment- you fail because you said nickelback rocks. epic fail
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:05 am
Are you phyco? You must just be a hard rock metal head or something because Bread of Shame was the worst song on the album and every other song was at least decent. Im glad this is just your opinion on the album because i desagree with everything you say about this album. i cant say im a major creed fan but this album is pretty damn good
November 4th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I think their come back album was great.
Everybody have their own opinion and free mind to speak out..
As long as we respect each other, it’s fine to me..
Respect other and you’ll be respected too..
Thank you..
November 4th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Creed ROCKS…
Another come back..
I think it was not easy for their lead vocal in a bad conditions and pressure from the media and another pressures…
And everybody must be doing such a bad things if they’re in an underpressure situation too..
But, this is their come back album..
This is CREED..
You allready knew it.
Listen if you like it, or leave it if you not like it..
Simple.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Although I do agree with a few notes about the new Creed album, I must admit that I don’t think this review does much justice to the band. Seems more like you made up your mind on the album before you listened. Then again, you repeatedly mention how the album started off promising.
A good friend of mine recently did a song by song review of this CD that seems a little less biased. Check it out at http://www.breakthroughband.com and let me know your thoughts.
November 21st, 2009 at 6:36 pm
They should have named this album “Yep this one Sucks too”.. Alterbridge is a much better band, not like it takes alot of effort to top Creed to begin with, but at least Miles Kennedy seems mentaly stable enough to be a rock star.
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:18 am
Creed..
Worlds most most popular Pearl Jam tribute band.
December 15th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
creed is amazing!
December 29th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Dude… seriously.
I have never read a review and written the reviewer, because reviews are just people’s opinions… and as the saying goes, everybody has one.
I can’t stand Creed, and have NEVER been a fan… UNTIL this record.
Yeah, it has some standard Creed-formula songs (yawn), but what do you expect?
On the one hand, they have fans from ten years ago who have certain expectations when they listen to a Creed album, on the other hand, they need/want to be fresh and interesting without alienating their fanbase.
I give them Kudos just for trying different things, and showing us a side of themselves we haven’t yet seen.
When I see THAT side, I get excited. Songs like “Bread of Shame”, “Fear”, and “Overcome” are SOLID tracks.
Apparently, you don’t like Stapp… I get it, I’m not a fan either, but I like THIS Creed, and will happily purchase my first Creed album.
Stay cheesy!
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Creed does not suck, in fact it is better than most of the crap I hear everyday on the radio. Seriously,Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga? What kind of lame @ss, Fcked up people listen to that Sh!t?
Creed is awesome.
- P.S
Write Reviews about how Miley Cyrus suck.
January 29th, 2010 at 8:40 am
Take a song that’s been done to death, change a part here and there, and you have a new song that sounds just like the other songs that sound just like it. Most people can’t see the pattern. creed sucks. Deal with it.
March 6th, 2010 at 2:43 am
Mark Tremonti is one of the best guitarist out there.
http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/mark-tremontis-house/view/?service=1
What does your place look like? I’d rather be him than you.
What type of music do you like? Having such strong opinions about music, I’d be interested to see what you prefer.
March 6th, 2010 at 2:54 am
This dude likes Oasis, kid rock, and is obsessed with 311! I like 311, but I’m not gay for them like you are. Their last few albums sucked even more than this article.
March 6th, 2010 at 7:01 pm
Come on, now, Stan.
First off, saying someone is “gay for” a band kind of weakens your argument…quit using ‘gay’ as a negative thing, especially in this setting. Doesn’t exactly paint a good picture of you.
Second, glad you like 311 at least. And as for Kid Rock? I said I saw him in concert, NOT that I like him. Sure, I listened to him back in 1998 when I was 13, but that was then, when rap/rock was huge. No one’s perfect.
And as for your Mark Tremonti argument, that’s totally silly. Ooh, he has a nice house? Courtney Love has a nice house (or a few) but that doesn’t mean I’d rather be her than myself. Come on, now. I also never said anything bad about Tremonti, IN FACT, the Creed songs I say I like are a result of his guitar…dude crafts some nice riffs. I wasn’t slighting him…just Stapp. People hate Creed because of his macho posturing and holier-than-God attitude, and that takes away from the music somewhat, you have to admit.
And remember…music reviews are just someone else’s opinion. You don’t have to agree or disagree with them. Considering you’re a 311 fan I’m sure you’ve noticed how people don’t really give them a lot of credit ever, but you just have to say “oh well” instead of “NO YOU SUCK YOU’RE WRONG 311 IS THE BEST OMGZ” and such.
A review isn’t “bad” just because it disses a band you like. Chill out.
I’d appreciate further feedback from you, Stan.
btw thanks for reading the article, whether or not you liked it.
March 24th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
OK ,,Every ones have an opinion but i laught every time i hear things like stapp voice its a copy of this and that. REALLY GUYS you said that cause you hear it from a friend (who i bet he likes lady gaga lol) or from TV ,,,BUT if you put attention you will notice the BIG difference between stapp voice and chad voice, in other hand pretty much bands sounds the same BUT(again)in nickelback,,fuel,,crossfade etc BET u hear songs like i love u ,,dont leave me,,give me a yes blablabla shitlove,, On Creed really if you understand the lyrics u will see the great diference, STOP judge them (ohhh they are christian and cause all ppl hates them I will do the same) really im not the big fan of creed (i like more 2pac ,stone temple pilots,filter etc) but believe me everytime i heard this guys its like i own the world(lol exaggerated) OK CONCLUSSION : BEST LYRICAL & GUITAR SOLOS ,GREAT BAND FULLCIRCLE ALBUM 100% RECOMENDABLE dont go 4 the clasical (whitarmswideopen,higher,mysacrafice) LISTEN: ONE,FACELESS MAN,WEATHERED,ON MY SLEEVE u will notice the difference between this GREAT BAND and the shitty ,reppetitive love speech bands . peace
March 24th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
LOL and if you wonder the bands i like (bet u dont lol but maybe one of mines will be one of yours)In case the new wave of rock doesnt like u
PINK FLOYD its like the 100 top things i had to listen before die lol
THE CURE ( I like the style (musically) of this band)
GODSMACK (HEAR SPEAK song and you will love the band)
SOUNDGARDEN (Surely U know the name if u dont u hear 2 much britneyspears)
STONE TEMPLE PILOTS ( WHAT CAN I SAY ,guittars like nothing)
ALICE IN CHAINS (OHH MAN THIS BAND SHOULD BE CALL KING OF GRUNDGE)
ALTER BRIDGE ( A CREED ALTER PRODUCTION)without scott )
ROB ZOMBIE (HAS THE POWER when i play killzone solidsnake384)
FILTER (GREAT GREAT)
HENRY ROLLINS ( MAN THIS GUY ITS AWESOME ,even have a talkshow)
AND ACCORDING TO THIS ARTICLE absolutely HEAR CREED (have 2 say it fullcircle its on my top albums ever) AND CHEESE SANDWICH have to say it you take the criticism so well maybe u heard TIME song of creed thats why u overcome so well lol ironic .saludos camarada
March 24th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
I’m suddenly reminded of Joe Dirt… “You think I’m queer?? I’m a rocker!! HERE’S MAH FAV’RIT BANDZ…”
May 9th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Before Creed and Scott Stapp graced the stage the world had a bunch of rock bands singing about garbage. You can argue about who’s guitar is better or who’s voice is better but this band is the ‘ONE’ band that forever changed the evil image of rock-n-roll music.
May 10th, 2010 at 9:31 am
“evil image” of rock n roll music? The band that sings about “with arms wide open” and “can you take me higher” has something to do with ‘evil image’?? are you talking about Creed???
June 8th, 2010 at 11:30 am
Creed should hang it up! Junk since it began!