Staind is an American rock band that was formed in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1995. The band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist Johnny April, and drummer Sal Giancarelli.
Staind’s early years were marked by extensive touring and the release of their self-titled album in 1996. The album failed to generate significant sales, but the band continued to build a loyal following with their live shows.
It wasn’t until the release of their second album, “Dysfunction,” in 1999 that Staind began to gain mainstream success. The album featured the hit single “Mudshovel” and sold over a million copies in the United States.
Staind’s third album, “Break the Cycle,” was released in 2001 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album spawned several hit singles, including “It’s Been Awhile” and “Outside,” and sold over eight million copies worldwide.
The band’s subsequent albums, “14 Shades of Grey” (2003), “Chapter V” (2005), and “The Illusion of Progress” (2008), were all successful, but did not match the commercial success of “Break the Cycle.”
In 2011, Staind released their seventh studio album, “Staind,” which marked a departure from their previous heavier sound and showcased a more acoustic and introspective approach. The album received mixed reviews but still managed to chart in the top 5 on the Billboard 200.
In 2014, the band announced that they would be going on hiatus, and the members went on to pursue other projects. However, in 2019, Staind reunited for a series of concerts and announced that they were working on new material.
Overall, Staind’s career has been characterized by a unique blend of heavy and melodic music, emotionally charged lyrics, and a willingness to evolve and experiment with their sound.
Here is Staind’s discography, along with their highest charting album and single in the United States:
Albums:
Tormented (1996)
Dysfunction (1999) – Highest Charting Album (#74 on the Billboard 200)
Break the Cycle (2001) – Highest Charting Album (#1 on the Billboard 200)
14 Shades of Grey (2003) – Highest Charting Album (#3 on the Billboard 200)
Chapter V (2005) – Highest Charting Album (#1 on the Billboard 200)
The Illusion of Progress (2008) – Highest Charting Album (#3 on the Billboard 200)
Staind (2011) – Highest Charting Album (#5 on the Billboard 200)
Singles:
“Just Go” (1998)
“Mudshovel” (1999)
“Home” (2000)
“It’s Been Awhile” (2001) – Highest Charting Single (#5 on the Billboard Hot 100)
“Fade” (2002)
“Epiphany” (2002)
“Price to Play” (2003)
“So Far Away” (2003)
“How About You” (2004)
“Right Here” (2005)
“Falling” (2005)
“Everything Changes” (2006)
“Believe” (2008)
“All I Want” (2009)
“Not Again” (2011)
Staind’s highest charting album in the US is “Break the Cycle,” which reached #1 on the Billboard 200 in 2001. Their highest charting single is “It’s Been Awhile,” which peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2001.
Current members:
Aaron Lewis – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1995–2012, 2014–present)
Mike Mushok – lead guitar (1995–2012, 2014–present)
Johnny April – bass guitar (2011–2012, 2014–present)
Sal Giancarelli – drums, percussion (2021–present)
Former members:
Jon Wysocki – drums, percussion (1995–2011)
Chris Ballini – bass guitar (1995–1996)
Stevie D. – lead guitar (2012)
Tracy Ferrie – bass guitar (1996–2005)
Kevin “Kato” Rocha – bass guitar (2005–2011)
Will Hunt – drums, percussion (2011–2013)
Jesse Lawson – rhythm guitar (2013–2014)
Brian Vodinh – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2013–2021)
My favorite song of theirs is “It’s Been A While.” Lyrics below
[Verse 1] And it’s been a while Since I could hold my head up high And it’s been a while since I first saw you And it’s been a while since I could stand On my own two feet again And it’s been a while since I could call you
[Chorus] And everything I can’t remember As fucked up as it all may seem The consequences that I’ve rendered I’ve stretched myself beyond my means
[Verse 2] And it’s been a while Since I can say that I wasn’t addicted And it’s been a while since I can say I love myself as well And it’s been a while Since I’ve gone and fucked things up just like I always do And it’s been a while but all that shit seems to disappear when I’m with you
[Chorus] And everything I can’t remember As fucked up as it all may seem The consequences that I’ve rendered I’ve gone and fucked things up again
[Interlude] Why must I feel this way? Just make this go away Just one more peaceful day
[Chorus] And it’s been a while Since I could look at myself straight And it’s been a while since I said I’m sorry And it’s been a while since I’ve seen The way the candles light your face And it’s been a while but I can still remember just the way you taste
[Outro] And everything I can’t remember As fucked up as it all may seem The consequences that I’ve rendered I’ve gone and fucked things up again Why must I feel this way? Just make this go away Just one more peaceful day.