Audio CD review:
Staind - 14 Shades of Grey (with Limited Edition Bonus DVD)

Staind - 14 Shades of Grey (with Limited Edition Bonus DVD)

Band: Staind Title: 14 Shades of Grey (with Limited Edition Bonus DVD) Rating: Release Date: 20 May, 2003 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Price To Play 2: How About You 3: So Far Away 4: Yesterday 5: Fray 6: Zoe Jane 7: Fill Me Up 8: Layne 9: Falling Down 10: Reality 11: Tonight 12: Could It Be 13: Blow Away 14: Intro

Editoral Review While lumped in with the often indistinguishable nu metal crowd, Staind stands out, thanks in part to memorable ballads, such as the pained and beautiful "It's Been A While" and "Epiphany" from the quartet's 2001 breakthrough Break the Cycle. The Beatles had the White Album, Metallica, a black album, and now Staind has its gray album. Their latest represents a natural progression; realizing the commercial potential of the poignant but heavy rock ballad, they've penned a slew of them. The light and cheery "How About You" is radio-ready, while the layered, string-backed "So Far Away," and honest and grateful musing on success, is another get-out-the lighters showcase for singer Aaron Lewis. Lewis's beautiful ode for his baby, "Zoe Jane," a tribute to late Alice in Chains vocalist Layne Staley ("Layne," which intentionally and effectively cops Alice's signature sound), and the grandiose thank-you note "Intro" are more strong, overtly introspective entries in Lewis' sometimes mushy, sometimes touching CD diary. --Katherine Turman .. You can see a complete list of all Staind discography, or go back to the Staind tabs