Creed...just that name leaves questions in your mind. And, when referring to this band, there's this one, really big question--are these guys a Christian band or not? While time and time again they say they are not, there is so much religious symbolism used in their lyrics that it confuses many people. And once again, they plunge into the art of confusion with their newest release, Human Clay.
Musically, the band is as good as ever. This album has not left my CD player since I've gotten it. Songs like "What If" and "Higher" always seem to be blaring through my speakers. Other songs, such as "Faceless Man" and "With Arms Wide Open," also get their fair share of playtime. When it comes to making music, this group is one of the best.
The lyrics are similar to those on the freshman release, on which certain songs had a Christian influence to them, while other things were mentioned that would throw the listener off (for example, "What's This Life For" used the Lord's name in vain). You can find some Christian meaning to almost every song, especially "Faceless Man," "Higher," and "What If," but it doesn't quite hit the mark. Also, the album has a faint hint of New Ageism, much like an uncut onion. This aroma is so faint that it doesn't make you cry, but pungent enough that you can tell it's there. So, to say Human Clay is a Christian album is almost like saying The Matrix is a Christian movie. Just because it represents Christian issues does not make it Christian.
All in all, though, I do like the album very much. There's nothing overly offensive in it (like G.D. plastered somewhere), but there's really nothing overly spiritual either.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #81Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt"Hey! What are you guys doing, compromising? I thought this was a Christian music magazine! Why are you reviewing a band like Creed in here? They said they weren't Christians in an interview . . . C'mon! Are you just trying to sell out, so that you can be cool in the eyes of Creed fans?" Think about that one for a minute: Why would a fan of Creed pick up a copy of HM Magazine, thumb through the…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Josh MarihughAfter Creed's label debut last year, many people began asking the question, "Is Creed a Christian band?" The band answered in the negative; lead singer and songwriter Scott Stapp was raised in a Christian home and the band says they are all deeply spiritual, but they're not out to proclaim a Christian agenda. But, it seems, someone forgot to give that message to this album, for the clarity of…Similar sounding releases
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