Reviewed October 17, 1999
Creed's 1999 release, Human Clay  solidifies their place as one of my favorite bands. Expanding on the winning formula from My Own Prison , Creed's latest album combines stunning guitar riffs with truly meaningful lyrics.

Creed's latest song writing covers a wider variety of generally more positive topics, such as personal salvation ("Are You Ready?" and "Faceless Man"), the deceptiveness of physical beauty and the devil ("Beautiful" and "Say I"), becoming a father ("With Arms Wide Open"), and inner peace ("Inside Us All").

As did "My Own Prison" on their first album, one of the songs, "Wash Away Those Years," was enough to bring a hint of tears to my eyes. And I'm one of those people who never cry. This song is simply about a rape victim and what it's like to be one. I wish every band could come up with lyrics as meaningful as Creed's.

Be sure to check out creednet.com for some good samples of the new album, among other things. This is just another part of their media blitz. It's tough to escape the huge displays for the new album everywhere I go, but at least they are advertising a winning album. This seems to be having quite an effect on sales, as Human Clay  shot straight to number one on the charts.

At the time I bought it, I didn't think anyone could match My Own Prison , but Creed have managed to pull it off with their sophomore disc. It is by far the best new hard rock album for 1999. Human Clay  easily deserves five of five stars.

Update: I had the opportunity to see Creed, along with Collective Soul and Full Devil Jacket, live on October 13, 2000. May I just say that Creed is a superb live band. There's nothing quite like feeling Mark Tremonti's guitar strumming and Scott Phillips' drumming smack you in the chest.