Review: Staind - 'The Singles: 1996-2006'
Posted: 18 November 2006
Contributed By: Nick

Overview: Staind has done it all since their conception in Springfield, Massachusetts more than a decade ago. After independently recording and releasing the controversial 'Tormented' (which featured artwork that caused foe turned ally Fred Durst to literally throw the disc back at the band). Durst realized the potential of Staind and signed them to his imprint Flip Records in late 1997. Staind got to work on their label debut, recorded and released 'Dysfunction', and the band hasn't looked back since. Four platinum albums, ten top ten rock singles (three of which reached number one), and several arena headlining tours later, Staind still rest firmly in their position as one of rock's most credited hit machines. 'The Singles 1996-2006' ties together five albums and ten years of work, including four previously unreleased tracks. A separately released DVD coincides with 'The Singles: 1996-2006', and the band is currently on tour for the remainder of 2006.

The Good: For all Staind fans, the biggest plus about 'The Singles: 1996-2006' is the inclusion of a wide variety of major and minor hits from Staind's back catalogue. The album commences with the searing "Come Again", the only track taken from 'Tormented' which still manages to invite newer fans into Staind's work prior to their label days. The most gratifying part of 'The Singles: 1996-2006' is the nostalgic quality many of the songs possess. Listening to songs like "Mudshovel", "Home" (the song which first introduced me to Staind's work), and the mainstream smash "It's Been Awhile" allows you to recollect on the evolution of rock music from the late 90's and early 2000's to where we are today. 'The Singles: 1996-2006' showcases Staind's eclectic side, as heard in the band's dramatic cover of Tool's "Sober" and the promising remake of Alice In Chains' "Nutshell". The album's track list begins with the most dated Staind material and ceases with their most recent work from 'Chapter V', allowing listeners to examine the band's growth and style fluctuations on a more precise and chromatic level.

The Bad: While any label releasing a greatest hits album says it is "for the fans", 'The Singles: 1996-2006' is clearly a chance to cash in on Staind's habitual success, including luring buyers into purchasing a DVD with videos of songs not featured on 'The Singles: 1996-2006'. The compilation fails to include a few quintessential and poignant tracks, such as the shocking omission of "Fade", as well as "Just Go" and "How About You". 'The Singles: 1996-2006' would have benefited immensely by using the original "Mudshovel" from 'Tormented' over the 'Dysfunction' version of the song, which would have added more depth to the collection. Not releasing the DVD along with the CD may irritate many fans who will now have to dig deeper into their pockets to get a picturesque glimpse into Staind's repertoire and hear the singles excluded on 'The Singles: 1996-2006'.

Bottomline: Staind has risen from a grunge cover band from New England to legendary hit makers across the globe. Although many feel they have "sold out" or "become too mainstream", Staind continue to make impressive music with each album, and watching them grow, mature, and rise to stardom over the years has been quite satisfying. 'The Singles: 1996-2006', albeit a label's attempt to milk profit from one of its stars, still highlights Staind's blessed career. From nu-metal pioneers to modern rock darlings, Staind manage to wow millions every year and with 'The Singles: 1996-2006', the band's signature glossy sound is available in one unique package, and cryptically closes the first chapter of many more from Staind in the future.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10