14 Shades of Grey
The Beatles had theWhite Album, Metallica, ablack album, and now Staind has its gray album. While lumped in with the often indistinguishable nu metal crowd, Staind stands out, thanks in part to memorable ballads, such as the pained and beautiful "It's Been A While" and "Epiphany" from the quartet's 2001 breakthroughBreak the Cycle. Their latest represents a natural progression; realizing the commercial potential of the poignant but heavy rock ballad, they've penned a slew of them. The light and cheery "How About You" is radio-ready, while the layered, string-backed "So Far Away," and honest and grateful musing on success, is another get-out-the lighters showcase for singer Aaron Lewis. Lewis's beautiful ode for his baby, "Zoe Jane," a tribute to lateAlice in Chainsvocalist Layne Staley ("Layne," which intentionally and effectively cops Alice's signature sound), and the grandiose thank-you note "Intro" are more strong, overtly introspective entries in Lewis' sometimes mushy, sometimes touching CD diary.--Katherine Turman