Staind
14 Shades of Grey
Elektra Records, May
2003
Genre: Modern/Hard Rock
Offensive language: 7
Check out Stavesacre,
Justifide or Kutless
With Staind's last
album selling more than 8 million copies, everyone is anxiously awaiting
their newest album, 14 Shades of Grey. Their current
project is expected to top near one million sold in just the first two
weeks out in the market. The CD is a very emotional lyrically
dealing with relationships and feelings of loneliness and sometimes
abandonment. Mike Mushok, says the album's title is a realization
that instances where situations are black and white are few and far
between. "I think it's kind of referring to how in life there's
black and white and then there's this grey area,” Mushok said. “I
think the older you get you start to realize that more things are grey
and not so much black and white." 14 Shades Of Grey
marks a maturing of the members of Staind, and a changing of the band's
outlook on life, said vocalist Aaron Lewis. "It's kind of a logical
progression where we're getting older now,” Lewis said. “[Guitarist]
Mike [Mushok] is married, and I'm married now with a kid and we're that
much deeper into figuring out as far as lyrically goes and figuring out
our trades as far as writing songs go." On the cover there is
a "Parental Advisory" sticker. I don't know the exact
criteria of how they choose who gets that label but I was surprised to
only find 7 offensive words in the CD. I still think that 7 is to
many but expected more. The CD is laced with the Staind sound and
style that all their fans have grown to love.
One of the songs, "Zoe Jane, " is a song written by the lead
singer to his new baby daughter.
"I want to hold you
protect you from all of the things that this life has in store for you
I'll always love you
the way that a father should love his daughter"
The song, "Blow Away," shows a touch of despair and
unworthiness.
"Live in my head for just one day
I see myself and look away
the road is showing now on my face
soon I'll disappear
disappear without a f*****g trace"
I found nothing overtly sexual or violent in the CD which is a plus
compared to many bands of their style. I really wish Staind
with have stayed away from the language so the CD has to get a
"PG-13" from me. I think a great choice would be for
someone to buy Kutless's CD. They have a similar style and sound
but add hits of hope and rescue where Staind falls short.