Staind - The Illusion Of Progress

Riding on the success of their last three chart topping albums,
Staind is back with the highly anticipated release of their sixth
studio album, The Illusion of Progress. The new Flip/Atlantic
recording will be released on August 19th with the first single, Believe, hitting radio on June 24th. Staind' s last 3 studio
albums have debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 Album
chart, putting them in an elite class that includes U2, Metallica,
Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Van Halen, and Disturbed.
Over the past decade, Staind has sold more than 15 million
records worldwide. They' ve had four #1 singles that span three
different radio formats, including two massive crossover
singles, It' s Been Awhile and Right Here (certified RIAA
gold). But the band has never let their massive success get to
their heads, lead guitarist Mike Mushok says that above all the
band values a record that we love, and after that, we want
other people to hear it, like it and be able to relate to it. Working
with renowned producer Johnny K on the album, it will be impossible
not to love what Lewis considers the band' s most musical CD
with songs that are pretty timeless in their texture. Staind will
be on the road all summer with 3 Doors Down headlining shows
in over 40 cities across the country before joining Nickelback
in September to continue the tour internationally. Product Description

Illusion of a rock album

I must say that I was very disappointed in this album. There are no tracks that stand out: it's just a mediocre attempt all around. I've listened to the album several times and it just isn't very good. If you like Staind, I'd suggest anything from Dysfunction thru Chapter V. However, just like several tracks on this album, this new album itself is sadly skippable. September 1, 2008

Sure It's More of the Same But....

Listen I've been reading numerous reviews on how this album is just more of the same droll that's already been done. I agree to a certain extent but, it's still brilliant. The songs still have power and make a difference. I've been a fan for years, not about to back out now. It's worth it. September 1, 2008

Staind has done it again!

For all those that gave this CD a bad review. Take your CD, bend over, and shove it where the sun doesn't shine. All bands change throughout the course of their careers, they grow and mature, just like all of us. I dare you to look at yourself 10 years ago and say that you are the same person.
Onto the album now, Staind has created another masterpiece. I must admit, it didn't just jump out at me, but after listening to it 3 or 4 times I can safely say that this is another well thought out and crafted album. I've been a fan of Staind since their first album, and if I'm feeling their heavier stuff I'll just pop in their first album. But if you are like me and get chills listening to their songs on Ch. V and 14 shades of grey, because I can relate to it, then this CD is a must for you. This CD is also a must for any true Staind fans, not the ones who just want them to mass produce their earlier harder sound which clearly isn't them anymore. August 30, 2008

Is This Daughtry or Staind?

Staind, a band that started out as part of Fred Durst's rap-rock circle, have outlasted most of their peers. The "progress" alluded to in the album's title has been a slow, steady maturation away from heavy rock to mid-tempo ballads. The music isn't half bad, but they've moved so far to middle-of-the-road rock that this album could be any number of current chart-toppers (Daughty, Three Doors Down, Nickleback, etc.). While I enjoyed their "Greatest Hits" album and "Chapter V," there just isn't anything on "The Illusion of Progress" to make this album stand out from the crowd. August 29, 2008

Great stuff, change is a difficult thing

After I listened to the CD, I listened to it a second time all the way through. As most of the reviews have mentioned, they arent as hard as their first two albums, but the quality has not been sacrificed. They continue to pump out quality, well thought-out songs and the gradual changes in styles (note the word "gradual") show Aaron's amazing depth and range in singing styles as well as the rest of the band's ability to play just about any mood.

The thing that kept me from hating this CD? I really had to stop and think of past/present bands I listented to who didn't change their style (Trust Company is a good example, of many that I could mention) and I realized that I quickly grew tired of them. They may have one or two songs of merit, but the rest quickly faded into the mix. It wasn't that they got worse, they just didn't go anywhere.

Wrapping it up, if I want the old Staind back all I have to do is pop in their first 2 albums. They are wonderful CD's that 8 or so years later still get me amped up. The story has progressed though, and their songs have evolved to newer subjects. I know the rest of you die-hard fans will not like my review, and that's fine, but now that I'm older I have a tendency to take things for what they are and accept it - even if it's not "what it used to be". August 29, 2008

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