Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Can't you see the signs?
Well, I'd love to say the third time's the charm but that would diminish the impact of their freshman and sophomore sets. I've actually been a big fan of Creed ever since I heard "My Own Prison" on the radio, what like, 5 years ago? Well they've come a long way, and their sound remains intact in this album. Although instead of getting more extreme on any one thing, they've thrown in some of their most melodic and soothing music to date and coupled it with music that in my opinion borders on hardcore. Well, as hardcore as you can get with a pretty boy like Stapp as your frontman. Let's be clear, Scott's a brilliant songwriter, but Jon Davis he is not. Spreading their wings a little, we have a lot of great tracks. "Bullets" and "Freedom Fighter" are heavy as hell. "Who's Got My Back" takes a while to warm up, but they're showing a little more world music influence. This leads us into signs, which I'm surprised wasn't picked up as a single yet. Instead, after the excellent guitar work on "One Last Breath", the #1 single "My Sacrifice" kicks in. This song isn't getting old yet. After weeks of airplay, and watching that great video, I don't skip #6 in the car or at home. Also, I swear I hear a little bit of "Kashmir" in that little bridge right after Stapp sings "I just want to say Hello again". "Stand Here With Me" and "Weathered" is another one two punch, the latter leaving us with just a hint of a Country Western influence in that opening riff. I can almost hear the tumbleweeds blowing by. I hate that some people say "Bullets" is their weakest track. I mean open your minds a little! Who wanted to hear "Higher" 11 times?... Not me, that's for damn sure. But the coup de grace here is their arrangement. I'm not sure who's idea it was but the order of the songs was brilliant. "Bullets" makes sure you're awake and listening, then the CD gradually loses speed and calms down until the final three, where "Lullaby" lets you drift off to sleep. Each song a little more melodic than the last, the energy never drops down, and we're left with an experience I first likened to "Dark Side of the Moon". Of course, "Weathered" is no where near as brilliant as that magnum opus, it's still a great effort from an established band, who have hardly lost their touch.
Rating: - Creed Stands Alone
Enough with the Creed bashing already. I'm reading some of these reviews and seriously wondering if these people are even listening to the same album that I am. That might help explain why everyone is saying that Creed is a cheap spin off of Pearl Jam. I don't know a whole lot of Pearl Jam music, so I don't claim to be an expert, but from what I've heard Pearl Jam only wish they could sound like Creed. And from these reviews I'm reading, it sounds like you people don't know a whole lot about Creed.
Creed has, for the third time in a row, created an awesome album. Just as promised by frontman Scott Stapp, this album ranges from Creed's hardest rocking material ("Bullets") to their softest ("Lullaby"). Every song is very good on this album; its no problem to listen to it straight through. Normally I would name highlights, but with 11 songs this good, thats almost impossible to do. The only thing that disappointed me was the lack of guitar solos from the amazing Mr. Tremonti. Mark Tremonti is an underrated guitarist who is an excellent soloist. This is proven by the searing solo in "Stand Here With Me". I'll be looking for more solos on the next album, Mark. Other than that I have no complaints. Creed is simply the best rock band out there right now, and one of the few bands with meaningful lyrics and no profanity. Creed can sound angry without swearing, something many bands seem to struggle with. This album is superb, so go buy it.
Rating: - Kudos for Creed on Weathered
I am a late-blooming fan of Creed - this is my first album from the popular trio. There are two primary reasons I bought Weathered: 1) I am wild about the new hit single, "My Sacrifice," and 2) I recently saw a biographical show about the band and learned that Creed is a group of serious musicians who play music of substance. I never really paid much attention to Creed before, but I must admit that I'm now a converted fan with this new album!Creed has produced a masterful work in Weathered. The music on this disc was written with deliberate craftsmanship; each song is an indispensable piece of the variable, textured, and affective collection of tunes on the album. I find this album reminiscent of yesterday's arena-style, anthem-oriented rock and roll, consisting of strong, larger-than-life songs performed by confident, determined musicians. Scott Stapp's vocals are nothing short of charismatic, and Mark Tremonti and Scott Phillips back him with outstanding musicianship. Together Creed delivers an engrossing musical experience, giving the listener the pleasure of not only hearing great music but also marveling at the intricacies of creative expression on this album. Weathered opens with "Bullets" and "Freedom Fighter", two driving and intense rockers. The following track, "Who's Got My Back", starts with a Native American chant and flows into an epic, psychedelic 8-minute song that's most engaging. "Signs" comes next, a deep, symbolic track underpinned by Stapp's haunting vocals. "One Last Breath" is purely delightful with its intricate background guitar; this one seems like it could be a big hit single. "My Sacrifice" has been played everywhere and is partly what motivated me to get this album. "Stand Here With Me" rocks, and the title track typifies the classic-sounding Creed song. "Hide" is another gem with its slow tempo and romantic message; it appears destined to soar through the charts as another big hit single. "Don't Stop Dancing" is courageous and hopeful, and the acoustic, charming "Lullaby" is a memorable ending to this majestic album. I have to say that I love this CD! Creed's Weathered gets my highest recommendation!
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