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Compare this to the junk that is coming out these days from new bands with no talent but to dress funny, and you'll see what I mean with deep and passion in music. Not all will agree with me on this, but Staind's best songs are true deep and melodic ones, and this album which I just finished listening for the third time is filled with melodic choruses and passion in each. Truly a great voice and great music.
I've been a fan of Staind since the Dysfunction album, and "The Illusion of Progress" is the most fitting album title I've come across in a long time. Maybe these songs didn't make the cut for the "Chapter V" album, I have no idea.but none of them really grab you. We all grasp that bands mature, evolve, etc, and no band likes to stay in the same place for too long and become stagnant. What I dislike about this cd is it's extremely predictable.
For the time being, I have to lump these guys in with every other middle-of-the-road cliche rock band out there, because they have potential, and just aren't using it. It almost seems like they borrowed material from 3 Doors Down and Nickelback, bands that Staind has shown in the past that they are far superior to, in every aspect.The guitar work is average, and lacks anything I found interesting. I know he never does anything crazy or really flashy, but he usually finds a way to make it interesting at least.I expected more out of these guys, because like I said, they have shown prior that they can come up with some creative songs and ideas. Without a doubt, definitely an illusion of progress. Who knows, maybe their next cd they'll decide to take some time and come up with something that renews my interest in them. Thank god I didn't spend any money on this cd, as I borrowed it from a friend.
The drumming is average as well. At least they got something right. Aaron's vocals have never been really complex, but rather fairly simple; recounting life experiences and all that, and I'm not knocking him. From the vocals, to the songwriting, it seems as though you know what's coming before it happens.
However, you don't need to agree that progress is a consummate illusion in order to enjoy this album. I'd been wondering when Aaron would reach that bittersweet moment in life where one can stand back and say, "This is now, that was then. In any case, damn guys, job well done. Just some patience - it grew quickly on me once I listened a few times.This may or may not be Staind's last album, though I take the last few songs to be a farewell. Wow, look how things have changed." The painful memories remain, though they mellow out and adopt a bittersweet savor. That's what I hear from this album (particularly 'The Corner'), which I avoided at first because of the somewhat stagnant title.
i have been a fan of staind for a long time and even saw them in concert in philly once,this cd is very good,hope they can continue with this really good music,i also have all their cds except for the very first one
I listen to this CD at some point everyday.I ADORE it. I would hope that everyone would buy this most amazing CD. Aaron is such a talented song writer/singer.
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