Staind - The Illusion of Progress Album Review

Staind is back in 2008 with the highly anticipated release of their sixth studio album, ‘The Illusion of Progress.’

The album was produced by Johnny K and recorded in the home studio of vocalist Aaron Lewis, with the original band line-up, including Mike Mushok (guitar), Jon Wysocki (drums, percussion) and Johnny April (bass, vocals).
It was released on August 19, 2008 and debuted at #1 on the Top Modern Rock/Alternative Albums Chart.

‘The Illusion of Progress’ will be impossible to not love what Lewis considers the band’s “most musical cd” with “songs that are pretty timeless in their texture.”
Over the past decade, Staind has sold more than 15 million records worldwide.

Staind - The Illusion of Progress Album Cover

Staind - The Illusion of Progress Track Listing

1. “This Is It” - 3:46
2. “The Way I Am” - 4:18
3. “Believe” - 4:17
4. “Save Me” - 4:52
5. “All I Want” - 3:29
6. “Pardon Me” - 5:02
7. “Lost Along The Way” - 4:19
8. “Break Away” - 4:09
9. “Tangled Up In You” - 4:35
10. “Raining Again” - 3:53
11. “Rainy Day Parade” - 4:16
12. “The Corner” - 5:17
13. “Nothing Left To Say” - 4:40

Bonus tracks

1. “It’s Been Awhile (Acoustic Version from the Hiro Ballroom)” [Limited Edition] - 4:49
2. “Devil (Acoustic Version from the Hiro Ballroom)” [Limited Edition] - 5:18
3. “Schizophrenic Conversations (Acoustic Version from the Hiro Ballroom)” [Limited Edition] - 4:46
4. “The Truth” [iTunes Deluxe Edition][3] - 4:42
5. “Something Like Me” [iTunes Pre-Order Deluxe Edition][4] - 4:52

Staind have gradually moved away from the downtuned, monochromatic nu-metal of their earlier albums and on this release they settle into a bluesy, classic rock style they describe as the “most musical” of their career.
The album was recorded using all vintage amps and gear.

Album Information

Released August 19, 2008
Recorded 2008 at the Home Studio of Frontman Aaron Lewis
Genre Alternative rock, Hard rock, Post-grunge
Length 54:53
Label Flip/Atlantic/Roadrunner
Producer Johnny K