Creed has been absent from the rock world for five years, a personality-rift-imposed hiatus having effectively dismantled a unique band. They return to us now with the offering Full Circle, it's title indicating they've taken a journey back to where they used to be musically and are ready to head forward. Does Full Circle deliver?
On their other outings (1997's My Own Prison and 1999's Human Clay especially), Stapp and company had presented messages of hope and positivity in songs that felt like they had a very large canvas. On Full Circle, the band feels a little jaded. The album is one of plaintive regrets, full of songs that go on about loss, redemption, hope, and atonement. And that does give birth to some good songs.
Their return is announced by the first track, "Overcome," wherein the band tells us all that they are "entitled to overcome." True enough, as long as they do overcome what broke them down and they come out stronger. The song has a good rock anthem sound to it, but is a tad self-righteous. I don't mind skipping this song at all.
However, the second track "Bread of Shame" - this has what is classic Creed to me; it's kind of murky, with heavy guitar, and throbbing bass. Drummer Scott Phillips has always liked to use the bell on his cymbals (at least, that's what I remember) and I like the baleful character that imbues a song with. He uses them again on this track. It has a chorus that makes you go, "what?" but still sing along.
The standout track seems to be "Rain." It wraps all those plaintive feelings noted earlier into a very marketable song. It's worth listening to a few times and the lyrics seem to stay with you. Again, Phillips gives this song a good tempo, with quick bass/snare attacks.
Article comments
1 - ColinM
I'd have to say I agree with you that although this beloved band is back, Full Circle does sound a bit repetitious at times. However, I still think it is their best attempt because it is fresh, hard, and full of meaning. "Overcome" deserves a little more merit, as does "Suddenly" because both are catchy and somehow give a sound that is a little more varied from the rest of the songs. Others like "Bread of Shame," "On My Sleeve," and "Full Circle" could probably go, as you mentioned. Also I'll say you definitely nailed the part about the cleaner production and song structure, as well as lyrics. No cheesy stuff like "Signs" or "Freedom Fighter" from Weathered here.
Good review. Keep rocking.
2 - Gray Hunter
Colin,
Thanks for reading and thanks very much for your comments.