Somewhere in the past eight years, Creed pulled a William Shatner and became a parody of themselves. However, their new album shows much of this criticism is unfounded. Following in the spiritual footsteps of their other hit albums, Full Circle delivers a signature dose of post-grunge rock that doesn’t entirely disappoint.
During the ’90s and early 2000s, Creed produced a ludicrous amount of hit music. However, lead singer Scott Stapp’s prima donna antics mired the band and eventually led to its demise. This seems to be a theme running throughout the album, and if the lyrics are any indicator, Stapp is legitimately repentant of his ways. On the track “Rain,” Stapp croons, “I tried to figure out/ I can’t understand/ What it means to be whole again.”
Unfortunately, despite the right intentions, Full Circle flounders on many of its tracks. Instead of the formerly original, dynamic and powerful rock Creed used to produce, many songs are rote bits of mediocrity. The first two songs on the album sound so average as to be entirely forgettable. Other songs also fall prey to this malady — they just have nothing distinguishing about them.
The album also has its share of mid-caliber music. “Full Circle,” the title track, meanders about in alternative rock purgatory. In addition, the only thing that elevates “On My Sleeve” from the mold is a poignant violin intro.
However, mid-album, Creed recaptures their late ’90s essence. Mark Tremonti delivers instrumentally riveting guitar work that lilts throughout many songs in a classic rock fashion — it’s a nice burst of fresh air from the lackluster tone of many of the tracks. “Away in Silence” is a gem that could fit right at home on Weathered. The lyrics seem to speak of missed chances and personal growth, a common thread running throughout Full Circle.
Above and beyond the other songs, however, stands “Rain,” a completely unique track. It is unquestionably the lightest song on the album, but in a good way. With a supremely catchy hook and fluid instrumentals, it shines brightly, especially when compared to the dreariness of “Bread of Shame.”
Like Creed’s other music, this album is deeply personal. Stapp sings about his feelings with the emotional weight that only a voice like his can convey. Yet, the listener frequently doesn’t sympathize; he comes across sanctimonious more often than not. Like many other aspects of the album, it is lyrically hit-and-miss. Stapp’s bellowing sounds deep on the surface, but falls apart under close scrutiny. The entire album has a feel of being “almost there.”
Full Circle isn’t Creed’s best album. It cannot rival Human Clay or Weathered. It can, however, be a particularly pleasant trip down memory lane for Creed fans. One doesn’t need to be a rabid devotee to find Full Circle‘s deep lyrics or rocking instrumentals compelling, but it may help. Post-grunge is a genre that many people either hate or love, but fans of Collective Soul or Live should give Full Circle a listen — they won’t be sorry.
3 stars out of 5.
