Scott Stapp

“The Great Divide”

(Wind Up)

Compare to: Creed, Alter Bridge, Nickelback

There is no doubt that when Creed called it quits in June of last year, there was no one involved in music in any way, shape or form who cared even the slightest bit. Besides from being the brunt of every musical joke from its 1995 inception to its late 2004 break up, Creed’s contributions to popular music was embarrassing to say the least. Its wholesome Christian image was as much a facade as its credibility – as either a hard rock band or just a competent band in general.

After being kicked out of the band for the all-too-Christian trait of alcoholism, Scott Stapp has battled his demons, rediscovered the inner-Stapp and prepared himself yet again to rock the awaiting masses. Eh, two problems – there are no awaiting masses and more pressing, he still, well, sucks.

The album is full of 10 mind-numbing songs that sound like they were Creed B-sides that even Alter Bridge discarded while crafting its own respective laughing stock. Though Stapp’s faceless, generic hard rock band may be responsible for the dull-as-dirt riffs, the lyrics are a Titanic that only Stapp himself can take the blame for.

The lyrics are reminiscent of the apologetic scribble poetry he would have recited to his group during an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. For the most part, they seem to try to make amends with his core fans (if such a thing exists) who were presumably shocked to find that the only time he dropped to his knees was in front of a toilet bowl.

At best, “The Great Divide” assures Stapp that he will always have a solo career to fall back on, even if his nationwide headlining tour consists mainly of proms, birthday parties and weddings.

– Dante Sacomani