Creed back, not 'weathered' but rejuvenated

The release of Creed's latest album "Full Circle" shows that this '90s band has a lot to prove to this decade's music listeners.

Over the summer Creed was singing to empty seats as their reunion tour failed to sell out around the country. After five years of inactivity the band has to face the fact that it has faded away from the music limelight. While people still remember old favorites like "With Arms Wide Open" and "One Last Breath," it is hard to imagine that the band can come back from a breakup and hit it right out of the park.

Although "Full Circle" may not be a grand slam, it does manage to produce a couple key hits among an album teeming with pure rock songs. Singer Scott Stapp takes his voice up and down many levels, from a gravelly croon to a soaring roar. His melodies match well with the thoughtful lyrics that he is known for composing. The 12 tracks on the album hold a healthy range of sounds, thanks to raging guitar solos from Mark Tremonti. The first song "Overcome" is rebellious and "On My Sleeve" has a southern feel to it. "Rain" can definitely be characterized as a ballad, and "Good Fight" is simply classic Creed. "Full Circle" is not a masterful epiphany but after a couple spins it can catch on and engage the listener.

The one downfall to this album is that the theme is painfully obvious. With direct lyrics and song titles such as "Overcome" and "Good Fight" it is apparent that Creed is trying to overcome a stigma and recover its heightened '90s glory. The problem is that the band has to learn to adapt to the modern music scene. Devoted Creed fans will embrace many of the tracks on "Full Circle," but the band needs to expand its talent and attract new listeners. Instead of going back to their solo projects, the band members should really invest in a rhythmic makeover-one that can "inspire us all to sing along."

Check Out: "Rain," "Time," "A Thousand Faces."