Chapter V. A better title would be 'Break the Cycle, Take 2.'
Written: Sep 02 '05 (Updated Oct 14 '05)
Product Rating:
Pros: A twelve-track biography of Staind's complete previous albums, from the mainstream to the bitter alt-metal.
Cons: Inconsistencies pop up in the plot line and certain tracks meander in superfluous wallowing angst.
The Bottom Line: Reply reinforces that Chapter V is simply to please the fans that would rather hear Aaron moaning than singing about his daughter. Others can feel left out.
blackstar40's Full Review: Chapter V [PA] by Staind
Many people misunderstand Staind's themes of depression and anger that is frequently called upon. And some of those people are critics. By album five, they're being attacked, but these people also fail to realize the amount of teenagers that relate to what lead singer Aaron Lewis has to say.
That said, Chapter V is not the group's best work and there are some very obvious flaws for those familiar with Staind. One of the most attracting aspects of the band is that, unlike many other similarly styled outfits and the screamy giants of hardcore nu-metal, the topics that arise are born from personal experience on the lead singer's behalf and genuine emotion. This is what has, up till now, set Staind apart from bands who tend to tread the same path.
But this is not the logical follow-up to 2003's 14 Shades of Grey, a notably more optimistic approach visible then compared to the band's previous releases. Chapter V, however, rather than progressing on what 'Grey' had to offer psychologically, has stepped backwards and Lewis is reliving all his bad memories once again, that two years ago he told us were 'so far away' and 'faded and blown away.'
So, for the first time, Staind's lyrics appear engineered to fit in with the angry teen generation and run the risk of falling in with other nameless groups in the same vein.
One critic described the opening riff to Track 1 'a sign of the angst that's to prevail throughout,' but 'Run Away' has guitar work that could not be more hopeful. Backed as it is by the afore-mentioned guitar and drums, the track is a grandiose opener as vocals teeter between uncertainty ('I'm still scared / Afraid of falling') to defiance ('It's my design / Although I know you don't approve').
'Right Here,' the first single, is a mid-tempo song about slightly dysfunctional love, and while the topic's not been seen much in Staind's vocals before, the track plays itself out predictably.
'Paper Jesus' is a highlight of heavier materialon the album. The verse's robotic tendencies haven't been since Dysfunction and assaulting thrash instrumentation is engaging. The lyrics, though, are based on modern society's dependence on worthless objects 'they take for granted' and the 'lies' that people in positions of power 'are teaching,' which sadly brings to mind Staind sitting at a bench wondering what to complain about next. How about world politics?
'Schizophrenic Conversations' is when the self-pity drops for real. The track is notable for it's faux grunge vocals (nod to Alice In Chains) but never really stands out for lack of original lyrical content.
'Falling' is set to be single number two, and it's suitably attired, although featuring the clumsy hook 'Falling is easy / It's getting back up that becomes the problem.' Thanks for the advice.
In fact, it's a sudden, pleasant surprise when the screeching guitar of track 6 kicks in. 'Cross to Bear' is the first truly memorable hook Chapter V has to offer, for better or worse, purely because of the deliberate execution of vocal-guitar clash put into place, simplistic phrases attached 'You don't know me / You don't see me / You don't own me / Cause I don't care.'
Supposedly for contrast, 'Devil' is up next, being the first yet to make use of (audible) acoustic guitar. But the dullness of the chorus - 'I swear I'm not the devil' - surrounded by tame riff and repetitive drumming just make it bland.
The racing blare of guitar makes the line 'Who the f*ck did you want me to be' in 'Please' less powerful than it could've been, but it's effective nonetheless and, instead of being generically angry, it opts for a sneer-like style that was rather unfamiliar for the lead singer before now.
I spy rare piano and acoustic guitar in 'Everything Changes,' Chapter V's best overall. Thematically it's different to what the band has ever attempted before and the track has a beautiful lovesick melody, however what is a little worrying is that the track seems designed for the sole purpose of hitting the radio in a big way and cashing in on airplay success. A little disappointing.
'Take This' is sub-standard whining with no real solidness, countered then by 'King of All Excuses,' the angriest yet, incorporating a growling metal vocal interlude that would make the Disturbed blush, outstanding the rest of the ambiguous track.
And last of all, 'Reply' comes across as a touching communication of thank you between Lewis and his fans.
There's no doubt that the twelve tracks here are highly varied. But Staind's definitive album was back in 2001 with Break the Cycle and Chapter V sounds like a continuation rather than an expansion of the sound the former had. The only thing that's really new is the guitar beneath. We've never heard Mike Mushok play so melodically before. But solos are also introduced, something that is really not necessary.
Otherwise, the LP has the same mingled meanings that Break the Cycle has and the same confused questions being asked again.
Unfortunately, this almost ends up in self-parody once or twice. In 'Run Away,' Lewis wanders aloud 'How can I rise above all my insecurities?' Try a brighter outlook on life, buddy.
Track List [x indicates standout track]
1. Run Away [x]
2. Right Here
3. Paper Jesus
4. Schizophrenic Conversations
5. Falling
6. Cross to Bear [x]
7. Devil
8. Please
9. Everything Changes [x]
10. Take This
11. King of All Excuses
12. Reply
Similar Artists: Cold, 10 Years, Smile Empty Soul
Heavy: Mixed
Swearing: Not as much as there used to be.
In the ever-unfolding and expanding musical lives of multi-platinum Massachusetts-based band Staind, Chapter V opens the book on a new phase of their ...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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