Creed Album: “Human Clay”

Do not be surprised if you play through this CD on the first listen and find yourself only liking "Higher". That is what I did last year when I first purchased this CD. I proudly walked over to my neighbor's place and told him "Human Clay" was not any good. Well, I was wrong. Each of the 11 tracks deserve attention.

In many respects, this is a much superior effort from the foursome. First of all, you can tell that they had a bigger budget to record with this time. The sonic quality of the CD is first-rate and much richer than "My Own Prison". There is a definite improvement on the bottom end of the recording (bass and drums). Both Brian Marshall (bass) and Scott Phillips (drums) can be heard loud and clear this time. Secondly, the attention to melody on all 11 tracks is evident and welcome. That is a credit to better song writing. Third of all, Mark Tremonti tries some different things with his guitars and guitar effects. It makes for an interesting sound. Scott Stapp (lead vocals) is the fourth reason this album works well. The man can sing with power, passion, and emotion, and he shows good range with his vocal talents. Finally, the lyrics are wholesome and thought provoking (no naughty words this time). In spite of the melancholy feel with regards to the hard-edged sound, there is a great deal of hope and promise in the words ("Higher", "Eyes Wide Open", "Inside Us All", "Faceless Man" - just to name a few).

The only downside with this release is the absence of up-tempo rockers such as "Unforgiven", "Sister", or "One". "Human Clay" is basically a collection of power ballads and slower grunge fests that work well, but Creed demonstrated good rock-n-roll instincts on "My Own Prison" that seem to be held back a little on "Human Clay". Maybe the greater attention to melody and lyrics on this newer CD expended a great deal of creative energy, but hopefully for the third album, Creed can marry its new talents with the rock energy it displayed on its first CD.

Anyway, you should see this a being a good buy. It is definitely a more mature effort from Creed and an enjoyable collection of songs.

...two little words to four great guys. Thank You Scott Stapp, Thank You Mark Tremonti, Thank You Scott Phillips, Thank You Brian Marshall. We need you especially now.

Malcontent cynics will say Creed is just a goody-goody Alice in Chains or Pearl Jam, that's fine. It certainly won't stop them, thank goodness... and we have to remember why Grunge become popular in the first place-- IT SOUNDS GOOD- solid, brooding, sexy... and Creed gives it a healthy twist in the right direction, upwards; the style obviously inspired them--not a mystery. A little blaphemous perhaps? who knows...? they put MY mind in the right place... The whole CD is amazing-- Are You Ready is excellent in the role of leading track with great punch appeal-- but I can't forget to mention the current hot singles, Arms Wide Open with Mark saturating that pause with his guitar at just the right moment, and Higher, which just makes me want to fly-- it soars, dips and twirls... powerful. Sure, toss in some Stone Temple Pilots influences too-- whatever! It works.

Don't stop guys. Don't ever forget what is propelling you ... Having been very pleased by the debut & current, I'm looking forward to your 3rd effort, and I hope I have the opportunity to say Thank You again.

Mostly being a jazz lover, it was a shock to me when driving to work one day several months ago I heard WAWO. It was the most incredibly emotional, power packed pop tune I had heard in quite a while. Later I heard "Higher" and was hooked. While my daughter has a collection of grunge CD's and other alternative rock albums I had always dismissed them as so much noise, thus I was somewhat put off when considering an investment in this CD. However a few weeks ago I did puchase the CD and haven't stopped playing it since. I am more interested in chord structure, flats, and dissonent notes juxstaposed to melody and beat; Bach and Beethoven are more my speed. But this CD blew me away, and I would recommeend it to anyone who likes classical music or jazz of the Thelonious Monk or Oscar Peterson variety. The tunes stay with you, and every time I play the CD I hear something different and more amazing. I can only say that I am looking forward to Creed's next disc, and will definitely buy their first CD "MOP." Buy this CD and be prepared for an awesome experience. (I am 58 years old and still enjoy great rock!)

Yes, that's right. Creed's follow up to thier debut album My Own Prison couldn't have been better. What makes this CD so great is basically they put all the elements a succesful rock band should have. Sometimes crunchy, sometimes smooth guitar playing,thick bass,hard drums, and most important pure heart felt emotional vocals. There are definately highlights on the album like "Higher", "Faceless Man", and "Never Die". However the entire album is very listenable. Another question that often comes about from Christians like myself is...."Can or should Christians listen to it?" My answer is they SHOULD listen to it. The lyrics are excellent, Scott Stapp's song writing is artistic to say the least. In a day in age where many talentless bands get so much hype...Creed is a band that has been hyped...yet they deserve it. Go buy this CD.

Every morning I wake up and put creed on, theres nohing like waking up the house with some great rock. I took my kids to see creed in concert in las vegas, they now know what great music is. For anybody that has kids I say buy this album. My children are 9 and 10 and I'm 34, theres nothing better than being on the same level with your kids and every parent can do this through music.