Staind - Chapter V

Genre rock Publisher Atlantic Records External Links Official Website Atlantic Records

Staind head honcho Aaron Lewis sings songs about overly complicated, overwrought relationships. He's a mope fiend. Chapter V is more of the same: dark, post-grunge pop for people who need to hear how Lewis has been wrong and how he's been wronged. Of course, it's a one-sided conversation. I would like to hear that person's side of the story.

Lewis' grunge forbearers were so much more personable and interesting, yet he sounds like he has to sacrifice any semblance of personality to show how sensitive he is. Even a guy like John Mayer sounds honest in comparison.

The songs are slick and professionally crafted, especially album openers "Run Away" and "Right Here," but Lewis sings as if unsure the same audience is still with him. Have they all moved on to Franz Ferdinand and The Killers?