Reviewed December 27, 1999
Staind's Aaron Lewis knows how to make powerful music. In their first full album, Dysfunction , Staind take simple, agonizing lyrics and add a perfect instrumental backdrop.

Most songwriters use plenty of metaphors in their creations. Not Aaron Lewis. He sings mainly of his family problems, and all of the lyrics are brutally straightforward. He sounds depressed throughout the whole disc, especially on the hidden acoustic track, "Black Rain."

The other band members do a great job of backing up Lewis. Heavy at the right times and lighter when needed, it is easy to tell who has had major influences on Staind - Korn, Alice In Chains, Tool, Nirvana, and the Deftones.

Every single song on Dysfunction  is addicting. Not that there couldn't be any improvement. Lewis sucks at screaming, and he does too much of it.

If I had to pick a favorite song, well, I don't know. Like I said, they're all really good. But I especially like "Me" and "A Flat." "Me" is one of the softest songs on the disc, but I can relate to some of the lyrics. I guess I like "A Flat" mainly because it kicks butt in the guitar department.

If you liked the single "Mudshovel," you'll definitely enjoy the rest of Dysfunction . I'll give it 4.5 of 5 stars.