Its Been Awhile since I've heard music this good

I was originally introduced to Staind simply by listening to the radio and when I heard their first single, Mudshovel, off of their first CD, Dysfunction, I became hooked. This new CD, Break The Cycle, is definitely as good as if not better than their first one.

"Its Been Awhile" and "Outside" are not prerequisites to how the rest of the CD sounds, but it is still good. If you like fast paced mindless screaming, its got it. If you like low-key meaningful lyrics, its got it. Finally if you like half and half, its got it. I've outlined all of the tracks of the CD below:

Track One (Open Your Eyes)
This is one of those blended songs, a strong beat and meaningful message that says it all and reveals Lewis' feelings of how the world is turning out, he makes you think about how you would like it "if it was you".

Track Two (Pressure)
This time the song is mostly hard rock but if you listen closely enough you'll pick up some feelings that Lewis felt like putting into lyrics to an otherwise loud song.

Track Three (Fade)
Slow paced with a somber message is how this song was composed but don't feel bad for Aaron he's doing just fine thanks to songs like this.

Track Four (Its Been Awhile)
We all know this song by now and if you like this one you'll like the other ones on the rest of the CD.

Track Five (Change)
Slow paced start that picks up with a good beat for the chorus. Just an insightful song with some symbolic lines and angry shouting.

Track Six (Can't Believe)
Definitely indecipherable ranting and raving but if your one of those people who likes to know what is going on then just look in the booklet and read the lyrics and then the song magically makes sense. It is profound but certainly jaded.

Track Seven (Epiphany)
In my opinion the most poetic song on the CD with a lot of meaningful lines that would probably confuse younger listeners. Good to listen to if your in a sorrowful mood.

Track Eight (Suffer)
Starts off with a heavy guitar but mellows out and Lewis sends a message that can be interpreted as him saying life is what you make it.

Track Nine (Safe Place)
Basically as close to a love song as Staind can get but still a good song to just listen to when your feeling down.

Track Ten (For You)
Just an angry song with a message about communication being important for people to grow and learn, listening to others is important for your own sake. That is what I got out of this song, maybe I went deeper than others care to.

Track Eleven (Outside)
Once again we all know this one but if you prefer live music or original versions this won't be your top pick. On the other hand if you enjoy variations of your favorite songs then you've got a winner. In my opinion this is one of the best re-mixes of one of the best songs I've ever heard.

Track Twelve (Waste)
Starts off slowly but closer to the end you wouldn't believe the pick up and the language in comparison to the rest of the song.

Track Thirteen (Take It)
This song presents a mood of desperation but is a great choice to finish off the CD, well almost finish it.

Track Fourteen (Its Been Awhile)
The hidden track! This is just an acoustic version of their first single, its good but I still prefer the original one.

Overall this CD is certainly a buy. The well blended variations of music that appear throughout the CD are one of a kind.