Are You Ready?

Few bands experience the massive success Creed has, and even fewer bands are able to rocket to the top in such a short time. The Florida-based quartet formed in 1995 when teenage acquaintances, singer Scott Stapp and guitarist Mark Tremonti, recruited drummer Scott Phillips and bassist Brian Marshall to form the band. Without any fanfare, the band released its first album, “My Own Prison,” in August 1997 on the Wind-up Records label. The album would gradually become a pleasant surprise for rock fans craving a change in the music scene. Creed’s new sound may have seemed to echo many of the fallen alternative bands of the early 1990’s, but offered a new concept. Creed quickly became known as band which wasn’t afraid of grappling with difficult issues, such as spirituality, betrayal, and prejudice to name a few. Not only were the songs well crafted, but also well played. Tremonti, an unlikely guitar hero, proved that constructing memorable, yet simple guitar riffs did not have to be self-indulgent. Tremonti parts generally utilized the popular “dropped D” tuning, which has defined modern heavy music. Marshall’s bass playing teamed with Phillips’ crisp drumming round out the band’s sound. Stapp’s passionate vocals allow the band to soar through nearly any song, whether it is a grinding anthem or lush ballad. With such a dynamic group of musicians, and a hit album containing four chart-topping singles, Creed seemed to hit its peak. The first single, “My Own Prison,” established Creed’s sound as well as Stapp and Tremonti’s song writing style. Creed’s success would continue to flourish as the next three singles, “Torn,” “What’s This Life For,” and “One,” would also top the rock charts. Creed was certainly not a band which could be dismissed as “one hit wonders.”
Already with a phenomenally successful debut album, Creed wasted little time writing and recording a second album. “We're the type of band that functions really well under pressure, and there was definitely a pressure to try to top ourselves this time,” says Stapp. “Not so much what we sell, because we don't really care about that. We wanted to make a really great record. The band’s goal has always been to make records that are solid from start to finish; records that take you through an entire range of emotions.” “Human Clay” is nothing short of an emotional journey indeed. Creed’s sound, as well as songwriting, clearly progressed as the album features eleven thought-provoking tracks. From the jangling guitar intro of “Are You Ready,” to the comforting sway of “Inside Us All,” the album resembles a complete work, rather than a collection of songs. The album leads off with the same type of heavy songs that initially gained Creed’s notoriety. “What If,” “Beautiful,” “Say I,” and “Wrong Way,” are some of the album’s more aggressive songs, which would make anyone with a pulse nod their head. On “Faceless Man” and “Never Die,” Stapp/Tremonti once again deal with themes such as spirituality. Stapp tops himself, though, on the highly personal “With Arms Wide Open,” a song about the joy of his child’s birth, as well as the uncertainty of his own responsibility. The album then hits a definite peak at the opening chords of “Higher.” The song’s catchy riffs and lyrical message make the song a quintessential Creed anthem. “Wash Away Those Years,” a song which tackles the issue of rape, and “Inside Us All,” a song which explores inner peace, conclude the album. Ultimately, the album is a triumph of songwriting. The album is thought provoking, yet never preachy.
Obviously, many listeners have had their “clay” molded by Creed’s music. “We were out on tour for a long time, and wherever we went, there were people telling me how much certain songs meant to them and how they felt so close to them,” says Stapp. “That means more to me than any other kind of attention. It’s important to feel as if you're doing something worthwhile, and in this band, I feel like I am.” Fortunately for Creed, there are legions of adoring fans who believe that Creed’s work is worthwhile.

Tidbits:
-It is rumored that Scott Stapp once told a member of N’sync that they should “write their own music.”
-Creed’s debut album, “My Own Prison,” cost only $6,000.
-Robby Krieger, guitarist for the Doors, joined Creed on stage at Woodstock ’99. Along with Krieger, the band performed old Doors favorites “Riders on the Storm” and “Roadhouse Blues.” Krieger also accompanied the band on Creed's "What's This Life For."
-“Human Clay” was recorded in a house outside of Tallahassee
-Creed covered Alice Cooper’s “I’m Eighteen” for “The Faculty Soundtrack.”
-“Bound & Tied” is from the “Dead Man On Campus soundtrack.”
-“Wrong Way” is featured on “End of Days Soundtrack.”
-“What If” and an unreleased song, “Is This The End” are featured on the “Scream 3 Soundtrack
-The bassist, Brian Marshall, came up with the name Creed

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