Weathered, band’s third release after successful debut My Own Prison and a sophomore effort Human Clay, also debut at #1, selling more copies in first week than any other rock release in 2001. I got to know about the band after listening to My sacrifice on Channel V. Being a Hard Music(Rock, Metal, Progressive) lover it didn’t take long for me to buy their 3rd great creation. And after listening to them unusually repeatedly, all I could say is wow! . Creed was formed in Tallahassee Florida, US in 1995 with Scott Stapp, the lead singer, Mark Tremonti on Guitar and Scott Phillips with Drums. Their former bassist Brian Marshall came with the name Creed. As we all know Creed means, 1.A formal statement of religious belief; a confession of faith. 2.A system of belief, principles, or opinions Creed has many songs referring to first one. So one question was frequently asked,
Is Creed a Christian band?
Here’s what Scott Stapp has to say,
”We are not a Christian band. A Christian band has an agenda to lead others to believe in their specific religious beliefs. We have no agenda! Those references were made at a time in my life when I was questioning how I was raised, and searching for where I stood concerning those issues. This is not to say I have abandoned those beliefs, just searching for where they fit into my life.’’
Creed stands out as a eminent phenomenon with prominent songs supported by heavy intense music..
I must mention few things before I actually start reviewing the album. I admire this band for many factors that set them apart from other hard rock, metal bands. Creed’s music doesn’t contain any Foul language, Anti-religion lyrics, messages for Anarchy, Destruction, Violence, Hatred and wild stupid Philosophies. Yet this is a hard Rock Band. I personally believe other bands turn to above things when they run out of new concepts, lack song writing ability and last but not least creativity. The band sounds somewhat akin to Pearl Jam. Scott Stapp reminds me of Eddie Vedder. Certainly they aren’t Copycat of Pearl Jam. There is not a single musical act that didn’t resemble or draw inspiration from another Band.
Weathered is a 11 track diverse, dynamic and mature record to whom people can relate to easily with very direct and understandable https://lyrics.
Bullets First track is an explosive starter raging against critics who criticize without consideration and logic. ’At least look at me when you shoot a bullet’ Starts out with low chanting and bursts in to heavy guitar riffs. Much needed lashing.
Freedom Fighter This is awesome, thunderous and terrific track. My most favorite song of Creed so far. It’s about-facing and standing up for the truth and what you believe in for the freedom of everyone. Times only 2:36 minutes but it will shake you up mentally and physically if you have 2000W+ sound system.
Who’s got my back This is a much softer and gentler song but with a lot of distortion. The subject is million year old (just kidding), about broken relationship and mistrust, but you got to hear it from Creedies. I don’t dislike the song but it is one of my least favorite tracks. I will be lenient.
Signs No spiritual message in this one. It is a about assigned labels and how they are senseless. ” This is not about God. Spiritual insinuations seem to shock our nation.’’ I like Scott singing, ‘ Can’t you see the signs? See the signs now ‘ . My typical favorite song will have a powerful guitar riff initially, then add bass to it and finally go for the kill by adding drums. Sounds like a cooking recipe but do check out Creed’s Higher from Human Clay.
One Last Breath This is a melodies track about someone on the verge of committing suicide while pondering over all the mistakes he made in his life. It is a call for help, comfort and understanding. ’Hold me now I’m six feet from the edge and I’m thinking That maybe six feet Ain’t so far down’ Scott sings beautifully on this one.
My Sacrifice It is the first single and the song, which truly introduced me to the band. It is about reuniting after a separation and realizing that sacrificing all others was not so bad. The reason is all happiness he got from just that one person. Guitar riffs are similar to Kashmir by Led Zeppelin. Video of the song is good too. Stand Here With Me Stand Here With Me I guess is a tribute to friends or band members for always staying with them. 4/5 for this one.
Weathered This is a about a man who has gone through tough times throughout his life with great endurance which numbed all his pain. I don’t like this song. I mean lyrics are sound but music seems a bit suppressed.
Hide A mellow track starts out with a signature Mark Tremonti guitar notes. It seems to be about the man in the previous track who has found love again. Nice track in all.
Don’t Stop Dancing Scott introduces her sister Amie Stapp in this song. The song talks about they talk about keeping faith and youthful innocence that of a teen, alive during hard times.
Lullaby ’Just give love to all Let’s give love to all’ The title sums up all. Scott says to his son Jagger that if there’s one thing he hopes his son has learned from him, it is how to love others. Scott’s vocals are heavenly with acoustic melodies from Mark. Nice way to end the CD reaching both ends from Bullets to peace.
I strongly recommend this CD and hope to come out with a review on their debut album My Own Prison soon. Is it bad to say well, play good even if it is little repetitive?