Break the Cycle [Import]

Staind | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 11, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Import [Generic]
• ASIN: B00005MARS
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (647 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #762,181 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Open Your Eyes

2. Pressure

3. Fade

4. It's Been Awhile

5. Change

6. Can't Believe

7. Epiphany

8. Suffer

9. Warm Safe Place

10. For You

11. Outside

12. Waste

13. Take It

14. Outside [Live]

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Watch out, mom and dad. If you don't treat your kids right, they're gonna up and start an alt-metal band to share the angst you've brought on them with the world. After all, who needs therapy when you've got a million kids hearing your pain on MTV? Staind has never been a band to gloss over personal issues. They've given their albums names like Torment and Dysfunction, and their lyrics delve deep into singer Aaron Lewis' difficult past. Contrary to the title, Staind's third release, Break the Cycle, sticks with the tormented cycle, covering the same themes of heartbreak, self-doubt, and broken homes.

Lewis has almost three decades of personal material to mine, and as familiar as his issues are, Break the Cycle still feels like a new, honest look into difficulties that can hit people across the board. "Waste," a song written to a fan who committed suicide, is particularly poignant as it grabbles with Lewis's empathy and anger for a boy he's never met. "Outside" is another album standout. It's a slower, partially acoustic number that builds on its own emotion. The songs on Break the Cycle are drenched in melancholy melodies and slow, heavy riffs typical of the sensitive side of the alt-rock genre. Lewis sometimes breaks out into either a hearty yell or a throaty gurgle that sounds like the devil vomiting ("Can't Believe"), but the best songs keep his passion a little more controlled. You've probably heard rock like Break the Cycle piping from mainstream radio stations already, but Lewis's ability to turn his breakdowns into his art should capture a new round of fans happy to find kindred spirits in the band. --Jennifer Maerz

Product Description

Aussie edition of the alternative metal act's 2001 album. 14 tracks including one exclusive live bonus track, 'Outside' by vocalist Aaron Lewis & Limp Bixkit's Fred Durst.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Modern Classic, June 6, 2004

By 

A. Estes (Maine) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Break the Cycle (Audio CD)

"Break The Cycle" is basically Staind at their pinnacle. The album is flawless and each track is a hit. Aaron Lewis' introspective lyrics combined with Mike Mushok's wall-of-sound guitars build what was easily the best hard-rock album to come out 2001. The band explored more acoustic elements than before and the song-writing was put up front a bit more. Obviously, at the time, many fans brushed Staind off as sell-outs, which, in hindsight, I think everyone is realizing just how ridiculous that is -- especially when you consider the two biggest hits here ("It's Been A While" and "Outside") were kicking around in Lewis' head before Staind got signed. Sure, this album isn't half as aggressive or depressing as it's predecessor, 1999's "Dysfunction" (or their indie debut "Tormented"), but it is an overall professional and potent album, that is consistantly solid the whole way through. Acoustic (or partially) ballads (that have now become a staple of the band) make up about a third of this album. "It's Been A while" is already a modern rock classic, along with a studio version of "Outside" (original live version from the "Family Values 1999" disc) and "Epiphany," a touching song, dedicated to the fans. "Waste" is another fan dedicated song, but this one is more aggressive and is directed towards an individual fan who committed suicide. After being approached by the kid's Mother, Aaron Lewis penned this song. By closely listening to the song, a positive message is revealed, and marks one of the most mature moments of Staind's career. "Open Your Eyes" is a song about various global problems (i.e. pollution, homelessness, drugs...) while straight-out rockers like "Pressure" and "For You" tend to dwell on more familiar subjects. Some people may label this album or the band as "whiners," and it is true, there is quite a bit of self-pity in Staind's music, but the material is handled well and Aaron Lewis writes mature lyrics, that seem to be somewhat more constructive than that of his peers. Overall, everytime I listen to this album, I walk away feeling good, rather than beat down by the world. Which is exactly what music like this should do. Aside from this album, having seen Staind live, I can honestly say they have my full respect. I saw them on one of the coldest nights of this past winter. We had to wait outside for the doors to open (sold out, mind you) in the freezing cold of negative 25 degrees (with some wind to boot). It was pretty cold inside the venue too. But once Staind hit the stage, things actually seemed to warm up. It may sound corny, but their live show (and their music in general) sucks you in. For the hour or more they played, they put all their energy into it made the audience share the experience. Staind are a truly gifted band, and this is their best recording so far. I recommend it to anyone who loves music.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Come off of it..., January 6, 2002

By 

Amar (Edison, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Break the Cycle (Audio CD)

......1. Open Your Eyes-Love the instrumental, the verses have a sick way of getting into my head and staying there. The chorus is so-so, but the song is definitely one of the better songs.

2. Pressure-great song, verses and chorus are melodic and go together nicely. A good song to use to introduce someone to Staind.

3. Fade-One of my favorites. The chorus is incredible and I simply can't get enough. The song never gets old.

4. It's Been Awhile-Eh...i loved this song to death, but it got overplayed. Not the song's fault, however.

5. Change-At first I liked it, but now it just seems mediocre compared to the rest of the album. The verses are still good though!

6. Can't Believe-I didn't like this song, but you must hear the MTV Unplugged version of this song--damn incredible..

7. Epiphany-Everyone's favorite...=)

8. Suffer - The verse's lyrics are kind of weak, not because I can't relate, but because one or two lines don't flow real nice..chorus is very catchy and melodic, and surprisingly optimistic

9. Warm, Safe Place - I love the bass line and the guitar melody but the song itself is weak.

10. For You-Ahhh, another incredible song. The whole song is well-rounded, very enjoyable if you hate your damn parents sometimes!

11. Outside-Definitely much better than the live version. Still as every bit captivating as it was.

12. Waste-Ah damn, now this is intense. About a fan's suicide...the verses, drums, and guitar melody are captivating, but the chorus is kind of weak. Wait till you get the parts after the second chorus...i almost fell over when i first heard it

13. Take it-Good song, but not much to really say about it...I do like how it ends though !

All in all, its an incredible CD, but the number one thing to remember about it is to listen to it over again even if you don't like it. I hated it at first, but i listened to it again two weeks later and I haven't stopped listening to this incredible album.

If you're one of those people who hate albums just because you can't relate to their lyrics, then this album isn't for you. But its people like you who destroy great bands. If you enjoy an album because of what really matters, the MUSIC, then you'll love this album.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Well-Made!, July 8, 2001

By 

T.C. (Right Behind Carl Albert High School) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Break the Cycle (Audio CD)

I don't think I've ever bought a cd as good as "Break the Cycle". Aaron Lewis has such a good voice and such a good scream ("Change", "Can't Believe") All the songs sound different and are well written by Lewis. Songs like "Epiphany", "It's Been Awhile", and "Safe Place" remind me so much of my girlfriend, Brittany, and they are just a pleasure to listen to. Though I have to admit this album by Staind isn't as hard and heavy as their other 2 cds, songs such as "Suffer", "Pressure", "Can't Believe" and "Change" definently makes you want to thrash your head back and forth. Very emotionally driven and shows Aaron Lewis sharing his angst about his broken family he had to grow up with. I'm adopted so I can relate to alot of what he sings about like being ignored, never given much attention, shouted at consistently and other sh-- like that. The drummer is excellent, the guitar riffs are awesome and the singing by Aaron Lewis is some of the best I've ever heard (Nickelback, slightly better) Well, if you havn't bought this masterpiece of alt-metal\hard rock, do it ASAP! Peace.