Moving along, I think this album is an awsome step in Aaron's progress as an emotional singer... we all knew he sung from the heart, what torment started, and what btc continued in an even better form, yet this album still manages to build up the emotional connection between the lyricist and the listener. The lyrics are clearer and deeper, not as cryptic or as murky (can't believe, suffer) and I truly think they're easier to reach for us fans.

And for that person who said that this album is soft ... well, you liked btc, didn't you? I bet you loved epiphany and outside, hell, even it's been a while was based on soft undertone melodies. I think it's wrong to dismiss the new soft songs so quickly simply because they expanded on a winnning formula... but oh well, those who don't like it won't like it, there will always be people like that.

Also it's obvious that the band worked incredibly hard on this release, they had so much to live up to... As a true fan of staind I respect their hard work and will stand by them, even when they do release a bad album.


Best Staind Work Ever!!!!!!!   August 5, 2003
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Wow! This cd is definitely the best Staind album out yet. I waited a while to get this album because I wasn't sure I would like it very much. A lot of people complained that it was too soft and boring. I took my chances anyway because I liked their other two albums(Dysfunction, Break the Cycle) a lot. Every song on this cd is simply remarkable and I just can't get enough of it. The band really does a good job of showing how they feel and that is a good way to get to know a band. Some of my favorite songs on this cd are "Price To Play", "So Far Away", and "Fray". I can't believe that they could put such a good album together. It will always be one of my favorite rock cd's I'll ever own. Go buy it.


Not bad   May 29, 2005
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Since the release of their sophomore effort (major-label debut) Dysfunction, Staind has shown the trend of losing heaviness in favor of more melody. This trend continued on Break the Cycle. Not surprisingly, 14 Shades of Grey is once again the most melodic, least heavy and newest Staind record to date.

Not to say that's a bad thing, in and of itself. The melodies, as always, are for the most part catchy and well-written. Voice-wise, Aaron Lewis is in top form on this record, and that alone makes it worth purchasing.

Perhaps the only exception is the track "Layne," obviously a tribute to the late Alice in Chains vocalist Layne Staley. Lewis tries to imitate the vocal harmonies of the defunct group, but his voice does not sound as haunting as Staley's when overdubbed on itself in the same fashion.

It is a well-done tribute in terms of evoking the memory of the AIC singer, but it does not fit with the rest of the CD. The rest of the CD is pretty homogenous, though, so perhaps it's good just for variety's sake.

The biggest negative aspect to the record is the lack of variety in song topics. Thankfully, the themes are not quite as oppressive as on previous releases-some tracks are actually about being OK psychologically-but the vast majority of the record is still dedicated to being depressed. Hopefully, on future releases, song topics will further diversify.

Another problem with 14 Shades of Grey is that Mike Mushok's guitar style is getting a bit cliched: arpeggios for the soft, clean verses and sustained, distorted power/suspended chords for the louder but melodic choruses. Here and there, he still throws in a riff or an interesting two-guitar part, and his style serves as a good backdrop to the vocals, but perhaps more riffs or a solo here and there would be less predictable.

Essentially, Staind are beginning to settle into a routine on this record. It is a bit less heavy than Break the Cycle, but the themes and guitar style are basically unchanged. It is catchy and worth purchasing, but hopefully they will evolve in a new direction in the near future.


What the hell happened?!   June 9, 2005
 3 out of 5 found this review helpful

Remember the time when Staind was full of rage and pain and tended to scream a lot? Those days look like they're over. The album was a big disappointment when you realize the almost instant progression from hard rock to teenage girl-friendly ballads. Don't get me wrong - I really enjoyed "So Far Away" as a single, but the entire cd seemed to be lacking the edge that made Staind so amazing in the beginning. I hope their newest album that comes out this month has a little more edge that the old school Staind fans are craving.


Staind does it AGAIN!   September 16, 2003
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Staind has yet to let me down. This time they took a much softer approach to their music. Many people say it is too soft, but i think it is almost as good as Break the Cycle, but not quite. Here are some rankings for each of their songs.

1. Price to Play(5/5)- I heard this song on the radio and knew I had to pick up this CD

2. How About You(4/5)- This is a slower song that has a good beat and a good rythym so you can really get into this song

3.So Far Away(4/5)- This song was released and I was happy. It is a very good song.

4.Yesterday(4.5/5)- First song with cussing, but that makes it good.

5. Fray(4/5)- A all around good song

6. Sweet Zoe Jane(5/5)- First true slow song on the CD. It is a very good song that can be put on repeat and never get old

7. Fill Me UP(4/5)- a good song with good opening music.

8. Layne(3/5)- One of my least favorites on the CD

This is the best part of the CD. #9-14

9. Falling Down(5/5)- MY FAVORITE SONG ON THE CD...PERIOD

10. Reality(5/5)- This song is down right kick-@$$. The chourus is hard to imagine the lung capacity of Aaron Lewis. Try to sing it like he does.

11. Tonight(5/5)- Great song

12. Could It Be(5/5)- Great song about being youself. Sounds sappy but once you hear it you willchange your mind.

13. Blow Away(4/5)-Good song

14. Intro(5/5)- In this song Aaron thanks his family for putting up with him. He also critisizes people for underestimated his band. Does this title hint the next CD?