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Staind - Chapter V Audio CD

A fair review of the Staind "Chapter V" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Staind reviews here, or go back to the Staind tabs.

Staind Band: Staind
Title: Chapter V
Rating:
Release Date: 2005-11-15
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Run Away 2: Right Here 3: Paper Jesus 4: Schizophrenic Conversations 5: Falling 6: Cross to Bear 7: Devil 8: Please 9: Everything Changes 10: Trippy 11: King of All Excuses 12: Reply 13: Novacaine 14: The Beetlejuice Song (From Howard Stern) 15: Let It Out 16: Reply (alternate version) 17: It�s Been Awhile (acoustic version)

Great stuff
Very good bunch of songs, very simple but tender ballads. This is the second album of Staind I liked almost completely (together with 14 Shades of Grey).
This edition comes in amazing DVD-size digi-book, with a thick booklet, which, contains lyrics for all staind albums till the chapter V (?!), a couple of comments by the band and stylish illustrations.
The CD contains several bonus-tracks, from which Let it out and alternate Reply are really worth listening.
Recommended for all collectors.


Chapter V For Us Fans..
I admit I was little annoyed when I heard Staind was releasing a special edition of their Chapter V album after I had already bought the normal version of the album, but once I saw the tracks, and the fact that it was coming with a DVD, I decided to get it. It's been awhile since I've done a review, and even though I have the special edition of Chapter V, I was checking out the reviews to see what people thought, and there aren't very many, and they don't exactly tell how good this is to have as a Staind fan, so maybe I can help. I'll try to give all the information about what to expect when you buy this version of Chapter V. First let's talk about the CD itself. I've been a fan of Staind since I saw the video for Mudshovel, so their harder stuff is what got me into them. I admit it, when I first heard "It's Been Awhile", I didn't really like it, but it grew on me with how much it played on the radio and Mtv/Vh1, so I am a fan of both their slower songs and their harder stuff. And I can tell you tell you I love all their albums. I would probably rank this as #2 on my list of favorite Staind albums, right behind Break the Cycle as I consider it just a classic. If you are afraid that Chapter V will be like 14 Shades of Grey (I liked it, but most people hated it for being too slow and a little too happy), think again. If you liked Break The Cycle, I really think you'll enjoy this album. These guys really went outside the box with this album, and it really shows in some of the songs such as "Devil" and "Paper Jesus". I'm not the best with reviewing albums, but I'll do my best. Anyways, let's get to the songs:

1. ) Run Away - Right away, you'll notice how different the guitar is compared to other songs. This is just a great opener as it has great guitar and it really seems more like a song to simply rock out to instead of having a meaning behind it like being pissed off at someone. I admit I think it could of been a little better, but still a good song to open with. ***1/2 stars out of 5

2. ) Right Here - I'm sure you've heard this song. It was the first single. The first time I heard it, I found it online somehow, and played it a lot because I loved it. It has played a good bit on the radio and on VH1. The song seems to be about troubles in a relationship, perhaps about the feelings we have after a breakup. Though it has sad lyrics, it actually always puts me in a good mood. ****

3. ) Paper Jesus - Fans of the Dysfunction album, here's the song for you. The song has intense guitar riffs and is filled with anger from Aaron Lewis. Incase you're curious by the name of the song, the song is about how there are people who love money like there is nothing better than it, almost worshipping it like it is their God. This is one of the harder songs off the album and one the shows Staind going back to their old metal roots. ****

4. ) Schizophrenic Conversations - Wow, this song is so different. I admit I didn't like this song at first because of that, but it grew on me. Aaron's voice really shines in this song. I'm not sure what this song is about, I suppose maybe to show how screwed up Aaron is. It's one of those songs you just need to listen to. ****

5. ) Falling - Oh man do I love this song. The guitar riffs on this song are so addictive. This was the 2nd single off this album, and the song still plays a ton on my rock station. The song is about screw blaming people for your problems, and stop feeling sorry for yourself, it's easy to fall down in life, it's getting back up that's the hard part, and you can do it if you try hard enough. Really rare for Staind to have a positive message behind a song. The lyrics are great, the guitar riffs are awesome, you will love this song. *****

6. ) Cross to Bear - I don't listen to this song much. It's a good song, but I can't get into it as much as the others for some reason. This is your typical Staind song and Staind sound. I believe the song is about maybe a controlling person really bothering you, and you're just waiting for them to get knocked off the top of their mountain, but can you really wait that long. ***

7. ) Devil - Man this song is so incredible lyrically. The guitar really adds something to the song as it creates somewhat of a dark atmosphere around the song. It's one of the slower songs, and the song is telling the story of a couple of people who have screwed up in life and made mistakes, and maybe people look at them negatively for what they have done, but they swear they're not the devil. Really one of those songs like Outside that lyrically will just blow you away the first time you hear it. *****

8. ) Please - If you liked their song "For You", you'll love this song. This is a harder song, and the guitar riffs are dark, and the lyrics & the way Aaron sings his heart out is very emotional, but the lyrics themself are just as dark. Incredible chorus. I believe the song is about the Parent/Child dysfunctional relationship some of us have. About your parents having high hopes for you, and trying to live up to what they want you to be instead of who you really are, and it's tearing you apart. "Tell me please, who the f*** did you want me to be?! Was it something that I couldn't see?! Never knew this would be so political!" Even if we can't relate to the song, it really hits you hard with how much pain the song has behind it. Truly one of the jewels of this album. *****

9. )Everything Changes - Wow. Just wow. I heard a sample of this song, and this was the song that convinced me to buy the album. This is the "It's Been Awhile" or "So Far Away" of the album. What really got me was how he can turn feelings into lyrics in the purest form. The song is so heartfelt and meaningful and could very well bring you to tears, because it's just such a beautiful song and you can very well relate. This was the 3rd single, and sadly it wasn't big, how I'll never understand, but it is so deep. Man I love this song so much. This song is about a relationship. I don't think you can appreciate this song fully unless you've been the one who has really hurt (or betrayed) someone you love. The song is about asking for forgiveness and a second chance at a relationship. He admits to being screwed up, but knows that he can change if she'd give him another chance. Together they'd be unstoppable, but she has to come back to him first. "Say that forever is more than just a word. " A truly beautiful love song. *****

10. ) Take This - Another song that sounds so different from Staind's style. It just doesn't have that Staind sound, but you know it's them the moment Aaron's voice comes into the picture. Another one of Staind's slow, deep songs to add to their collection. The guitar in the background is an awesome touch. The song seems to be his thoughts and feelings about the relationship just before he breaks up with her. "Now the sun has gone away, it's getting colder everyday. So before I freeze to death there's something, I should say. . . " Another song some of us can relate to in a way. ****

11. ) King of All Excuses - Back to the harder songs. Another one of the true highlights of the album. The guitar riffs are incredibly addictive and the anger in Aaron's voice truly shows in this song. Mike does show a heavier side of his guitar work in this song and its awesome. The moment you hear the riffs at the beginning, you are hooked. The song is about about someone who is completely dishonest and untrustworthy, and how it all catches up with them in the end. Though I'm not sure if it's true, I heard the song was about Aaron's contractor building his new house, but the guy did a poor job and asked for more money than originally stated. Aaron has said at concerts that the song was about someone "that he didn't like very much at all". Just the classic angry song we love from Staind. ****1/2

12. ) Reply - An alright track to end (the original) album with. I admit I'm not too big on this song, though it does have a great guitar solo in the middle of the song. The song is for the Staind fains. Aaron acknowledges those fans he can't always reply back to and lets them know that he appreciates the letters they send him and the dedication they show. ***

*Time for the Bonus Tracks*

13. ) Let It Out - When it comes to the bonus tracks, this is the reason to buy the special edition. This is a song that did not make the final cut of their 14 Shades of Grey album. Such a beautiful song. This song is amazing. The melody and harmonics are just beautiful. It is mostly acoustic, and is right up there with "Epiphany" or "Outside". I'm not sure what the song is about, nor do I have an idea, and to be honest, part of me doesn't want to know. I'm almost afraid it'd ruin how beautiful this song it is, and perhaps I enjoy the mystery of it. But trust me, it is a song you must listen to if you're a fan of Staind. *****

14. ) Novocaine - a Peter Gabriel cover. I remember searching for this song a long time and finally it is here on this collection. I believe this was a song that didn't make the 14 Shades of Grey album as well. I think this song is about problems and stuff that's going on in the world that they have to take. The Novocaine is how they escape it. ***

15. ) Reply (Original Version) - Man I love this version a lot more than the other version of Reply. It is a lot slower and feels more meaningful towards us fans. Again this song is for us Staind fans. I wish this version of the song would of been the one to close out Chapter V, because it feels deep and more from the heart than the other. A great slow song either way. ****1/2

16. ) It's Been Awhile (Acoustic) - If you bought Break the Cycle, this is the last (bonus) track on it (at least for some people, mine has Outside Live from Family Values Tour). Even though it's acoustic, this is Staind's biggest song. This is the song that helped make Break The Cycle sell over 8 million copies worldwide. This is what got them into the mainstream and made them a huge rock band. . . man I miss those days, back when music actually played on Mtv, let alone good music. Luckily I've never listened to the radio much, so I still love this song and I'm not tired of it one bit, including this acoustic version of it, which is just as great as the original album version. The song can really represents different things to a lot of people. To me, it's a realization song, maybe a look back at your life. Either way, it's a classic. *****

17. ) This Is Beetle aka "The Beetlejuice Song" - If you're curious, there is a goofy character on The Howard Stern show who has his own little intro song and all, and Staind was on the show one day and did their own rendition of the song, which explains this song. I admit I don't listen to this song much, but it's kind of cool to have on the CD. It kind of has a jazz or blues vibe to it, and is a song you can kind of just mellow out to and relax to. It's kind of funny, but not anything too special. ***

Well that closes out the CD. As for the DVD, it is a pretty cool thing to have. It shows clips of Staind on the road, promoting their album with interviews and some acoustic performances, as well as some clips of them performing at concerts and backstage afterwards. It also shows what they do on their time off, such as Aaron playing golf. It's pretty cool to see what the band is like besides on stage. At the end is probably the best, as we kind of get to see the band say how the feel on their success, and Aaron especially showing how grateful he is towards the fans, recognizing that without us buying their albums and coming to see them play, he probably wouldn't be where he is today, which really means a lot. Also there is the music video for "Right Here", as well as live videos of Staind performing "Falling" and "It's Been Awhile" live at some free live concert in New York to help promote Chapter V. Man what a crowd at that show. Also something very cool, is the actual book casing that holds the CD and DVD. Inside it's like an actual book. It has the lyrics for every album, and is seperated into Chapter's based on each album, such as the first chapter being about their first album. In each chapter, it has lyrics for that certain album, as well as cool pictures and a little information from the bandmates themselves about recording that certain album, or what touring was like, or maybe how shocked they were when a certain album became so huge, etc. , which is real cool to read about.

If you are a Staind fan, you have to get this. I admit I was a little aggrivated when this special edition came out (blame the record company, not Staind), but in the end this product is so worth it. You get an incredible album (Aaron has said this is his favorite album, no joke), 5 great bonus tracks, a DVD showing a few Staind performances and what Staind is like off the stage, and a great book kind of showing you the band's hard work and how they've gone from touring in a van and only playing covers to earn their money to becoming a widely known rock band with millions of fans around the world who love their music. Why shouldn't you buy this? It has everything you'd want as a Staind fan, or as someone who is interested in checking out Staind. This truly is something worth buying. I hope this helped you guys and girls. Take it easy. .


Excellent edition of this CD, well worth the investment
48 from a local store the day of the release. I originaly purchased the single disc of this new for 6. Soon after I found myself really liking this album, and I had the chance to pick up the expanded edition with the bonus DVD for a steal new (15 bucks), and it was worth it. The hour long dvd trails staind through the recording and promotion of this album, and has a lot of insight and background into the making of this band. Also, the bonus tracks like Novacaine, Let it Out, and the fan favorite beatle juice song make the CD itself a great addition to the collection. The book/case has excellent expanded artwork and liner notes. A must have for a staind fan!!!.


The best that Staind has to offer is here!
com. I have purchased all of Staind's albums and am in the process of purchasing all their single's releases through Amazon. Staind is now number 2 behind Lifehouse as most listened to artist in my extensive musical library. 'Chapter V' is the limited edition CD with a bonus enhanced DVD. I will discuss both CD and DVD separately. Staind has been around since 1995 and in the decade since their birth they have matured as a band through experience and gaining wisdom in the cut-throat music industry. Aaron Lewis as the frontman/lead vocalist of this 4 man band has such a powerful and amazing voice. The song topics are excellent and based and rounded on today's societies issues and pains. Staind is J. Mysocki, A. Lewis, J. April & M Mushok.

The CD/DVD comes enclosed in a book version with a full written history of the band from 1995 to present. Also each page has thoughts from different members of the band and reasonings behind the songs as well as full song lyrics for all well-known Staind songs. The booklet covers the 5 CD releases as well as pictures from tours and live concerts and promotional materials and posters. This is truly amazing and I am in awe of this booklet.

Secondly the DVD is packed with bonus material that will make any devout Staind fan happy. I thoroughly enjoyed the DVD and it was lengthy and full of band trivia, and interviews with each member of the band individually as well as a group. The documentary went for a bit over 30 mins and shows the everyday life of the band and what they do for a living. It shows how each member has to make sacrifices on the tour road but also reveals how they love performing for the fans. The end of the documentary was very touching where it cut to Lewis at the back of one of the concert stage rooms and he thanked the fans for their loyalty and said this fighting back tears. Staind is a group that are still grounded and show loyalty to the fans. The DVD also shows a full video of 'Right Here' at one of the concerts in Boston. And live perfomances of 'It's Been Awhile' & 'Falling'. This DVD is a must for any Staind fan - it gave me a smile and made me realise how STAIND is such a wonderful group and only made me strengthen my support and love of the band.

The CD covers the 12 songs of 'Chapter V' including the hit singles 'Right Here' and 'Everything Changes'. For me the songs of 'Falling' and 'Cross To Bare' are my favourite songs of this album being sung at a highly emotional level by Aaron Lewis. However what stands out on this CD is the 5 bonus songs that are included. I was excited when I learnt of the bonus songs and listening to them I am not disappointed but very stoked. The bonus songs included 'Let It Out' a cover for Peter Gabriel's hit song, 'Novocaine' a rare song by Staind that was until now just a demo. 'Reply: Original Version' this song is better than the album version and quite different as well. I find listening to this song it has helped me clear my head and the song beat is soothing and yet vibrant. 'Its Been Awhile' is acoustically sung by Aaron Lewis who also does guitar. 'This Is Beetle' is also a rare song from demo stage that is acoustically driven. Excellent songs and I listen to these bonus songs regularly.

In summary, Staind has excelled again in another release with 'Chapter V' ensuring that this is just another brilliant stepping stone for this talented band. Long live Staind!.


Number Five is Alive
When I heard their first mainstream album "Dysfunction," I was mightily impressed. I'm a big fan of today's rock, and Staind was one time one of my favorites. With my hopes high, I very much anticipated "Break the Cycle," and it was a decent album. Nothing spectacular. The rebound I hope for in "14 Shades of Grey" disappointed me so much I threw it away. That optimistic pish-posh is NOT Staind.

Enter "Chapter V"; though it is no "Dysfunction," the band is definitely back on track. It's not perfect, but the album has a solid to-hell-with-pop feel, and fans need to rejoice in this.


Song breakdown (out of 5 stars):

1. Run Away. . . 3 stars. . . melodramatic and yet snappy. Slightly above average.

2. Right Here. . . 4. 5 stars. . . it's pop-oriented, yes, but I still think it's a song for the Staind fans who've stayed with them over the years. We're still "right here waiting. "

3. Paper Jesus. . . 3. 5 stars. . . heavier (though no Lewis screams disappointed me), but "the reason for your anger" (chorus) is what all of Staind fans need of this band. I can see a lot of the new Staind fans hating this song. Kind of like "A Flat" from Dysfunction.

4. Schizophrenic Conversations. . . 5 stars. . . wow. . . Think of "Outside" paired with "Me" (from Dysfunction). About looking at two sides of a coin, and just how difficult it is.

5. Falling. . . 3. 5 stars. . . the second single off the album, it's like "Fade" meets "Home. " Good riffs - much like any track on Dysfunction - and a kickin' chorus, but the lyrics in between are a bit lacking.

6. Cross to Bear. . . 4 stars. . . heavier, chunkier. the salt to "Right Here"'s pepper, this is about leaving when things go awry (compared to the first single's waiting around).

7. Devil. . . 5 stars. . . my favorite song on the album. It's about two people who have reached their end, finding the other person at fault - they are the devil, and they know the other feels that. So sad, so intense. This song really twists off the cap and let's it loose, like Bush's "Alien" or Pearl Jam's "Jeremy. "

8. Please. . . 5 stars. . . simply awesome. I think this will be the fan favorite from the album. It's about learning the faults of some one and getting disgusted with them; the chorus is "tell me please, who the f*** did you want me to be?"

9. Everything Changes. . . 3. 5 stars. . . Acoustic, slow, but upbeat about a drab topic. Your typical Staind filler song. I think this will be the next single. It's good, just not as amazing as the two songs preceding this track.

10. Trippy / Take This. . . 2 stars. . . You'll like this if you need words to break up with your girlfriend/boyfriend, but it's far from "Trippy. " Not a fan of this one. To blah.

11. King of All Excuses. . . 3. 5 stars. . . A great grunge feel in the depths of this song. This type of song is the same thing as "Falling": good riffs, good chorus, terse lyrics in between.

12. Reply. . . 4. 5 stars. . . I think this song is one of the best last songs I've heard on a CD. It's about a person who is making a lot of sacrifices for the other, but it's only "writing in vain. " A solid track, but yet there's nothing spectacular about it - which is all a true Staind fan could ask.


You can see a complete list of all Staind discography, or go back to the Staind tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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