Staind Albums Ranked

Staind (/steɪnd/ STAYND) is an American rock band formed in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1995. The original lineup consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist and backing vocalist Johnny April, and drummer Jon Wysocki. The lineup has been stable outside of the 2011 departure of Wysocki, who was replaced by Sal Giancarelli. Staind has recorded seven studio albums: Tormented (1996), Dysfunction (1999), Break the Cycle (2001), 14 Shades of Grey (2003), Chapter V (2005), The Illusion of Progress (2008), and Staind (2011). The band’s activity became more sporadic after their self-titled release, with Lewis pursuing a solo country music career and Mushok subsequently joining the band Saint Asonia, but they have continued to tour on and off in the following years. In 2016, Lewis reiterated that the band had not broken up, and would possibly create another album, but that his then-current focus was on his solo career. The band reunited more permanently in 2019 for several shows, continuing with live appearances in 2020. Many of their singles have reached high positions on US rock and all-format charts as well, including “It’s Been Awhile”, “Fade”, “Price to Play”, “So Far Away”, and “Right Here”. Here are all Staind albums ranked.

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7. The Illusion of Progress (2008)

“They recorded this album in Aaron Lewis’s barn (with all the professional essentials) which saved alot of time and money since it costs quite a bit to record at a studio, which gave the album a real good sound and feel the acoustics in that building did amazing things for this CD… There are alot of nice mellow meaningful songs on this album that really grab you and pull you in especially “The Corner”. If you are a Staind fan or just want something that has MORE feeling buy this album, it is worth it.”

6. Tormented (1996)

“Despite some rocky prodcution values, “Tormented” is surprisingly tight. Aaron beautifully pulls off the whisper to a scream to a moan style that only he can do, while the band just fully rocks out, with Mushok delivering some especially hot riffs. Songs such as “Tolerate” “See Thru” and “Break” (a song which the band has been pulling out at recent live shows) will do well to get your blood pumping and heart pounding. Other, more refined tracks like “4 Walls” and the aformentioned “Mudshuvel” (misspelled on purpose) shows signs of the band’s bright future as a multi-talented multi-platinum group.”

5. Chapter V (2005)

Chapter V is the second best Staind record. It has everything that Break the Cycle has in it, and also has some elements from the other records as well. Pick up this album, whether you’re a fan or not a fan of Staind.”

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4. 14 Shades of Grey (2003)

“It shows Staind can take a step out of their norm and still create a master piece and it is something I can respect about them. The diversity of the album is shallow though with many of the songs sounding alike which is one of the few things I disliked. Break the Cycle had very diverse tracks and I thought over all 14 Shades of Grey wasn’t as good but it was a great CD still. For any true fan of Staind who has more then just one taste in music will enjoy this album a lot. “

3. Staind (2011)

This one is definitely heavier/harder than their last few releases, but still not quite on the level of their earliest albums. As always you get some very good, deep & personal lyrics/songs as well as some that get you pumped. Shorter than most of their other works, with only 10 songs; you get 3 that are almost classic material, 6 that are good or real good songs, and 1 that I’d say is just average but nothing that I’d skip over & it can easily be listened to from start to finish without skipping any.”

2. Dysfunction (1999)

“If you’ve enjoyed Staind from any of their other releases and expect something similar in Dysfunction you’d be mistaken. It’d be an understatement to say “it’s a little more gritty”. However if you expect something good in relation to say korn or maybe even some of Drowning Pool’s better stuff then you’ve hit alternative metal gold. This is their only album as far as I’m concerned. It’s disappointing to see them go from this to immediately sounding like 3 Doors Down or Nickelback etc. etc.”

1. Break the Cycle (2001)

“This CD is just one classic tune after another, and there is no song like ‘It’s been Awhile’ that just crunches on and makes you feel that pain that most any guy can probably relate to that has screwed up things in a relationship or 2…and talk about the parent-angst…for those without perfect parents there are MANY songs here to tell you just how bad your parents are, so you can soak it all up. Overall, this is just one of those CD’s that must be in your collection if you love the alt/grunge sound…and these guys really peaked on this one!! 14 Shades of Gray is great, but just not up to par with this classic.”