Hailing from Tallahassee, Florida, and formed in 1994, Creed rose to become one of the most commercially successful rock bands of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their signature sound, blending elements of post-grunge, alternative rock, and hard rock, resonated with a generation, propelling them to multi-platinum album sales and critical acclaim.
Creed’s impact is undeniable. They boast an impressive collection of accolades, including a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for their single “Higher.” But their true significance lies in the undeniable influence they’ve had on the rock landscape. Their music inspired a wave of similar-sounding bands, solidifying their position as a defining force in the post-grunge era.
The band’s story began with the release of their debut single, “My Own Prison,” in 1997. This track, along with its accompanying album, “My Own Prison,” released in the same year, catapulted them into the mainstream. Over their career, Creed released a total of four studio albums: “My Own Prison” (1997), “Human Clay” (1999), “Weathered” (2001), and “Full Circle” (2009), along with a live album, “Live” (2000), and a compilation album, “Greatest Hits” (2004).
Creed’s music drew inspiration from an eclectic mix of bands, including Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Stone Temple Pilots. In turn, they influenced a generation of rock artists, paving the way for acts like Nickelback, Shinedown, and Three Days Grace.
My Own Prison
Released 1997
My Own Prison is the debut album by Creed, which established their signature post-grunge sound. The album resonated deeply with listeners, thanks to its introspective lyrics and anthemic rock sound, leading to its quadruple platinum certification. It produced four chart-topping singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, including the title track, “My Own Prison.”
The album featured Scott Stapp on lead vocals, Mark Tremonti on guitar and backing vocals, Brian Marshall on bass, and Scott Phillips on drums. Produced by John Kurzweg, My Own Prison was released by Wind-up Records and recorded at The Kitchen Studio in Tallahassee, Florida, and Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida, from 1996 to 1997.
CD Track Listings:
- “Torn” – 6:24
- “Ode” – 4:58
- “My Own Prison” – 5:00
- “Pity for a Dime” – 5:30
- “In America” – 4:59
- “Illusion” – 4:38
- “Unforgiven” – 3:38
- “Sister” – 4:56
- “What’s This Life For” – 4:08
- “One” – 5:03
Human Clay
Released 1999
Human Clay is the second studio album by Creed, showcasing the band’s continued exploration of post-grunge and hard rock. The album was a commercial behemoth, certified Diamond in the U.S., and featured the hit singles “Higher” and “With Arms Wide Open.” The latter earned the band a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.
The lineup remained the same, with John Kurzweg returning as producer. Human Clay was recorded at J. Stanley Productions Inc., Kitchen Studio, and Criteria Studios, and released by Wind-up Records. The album’s themes of hope, faith, and inner strength connected with a broad audience, making it one of the best-selling albums of its time.
CD Track Listings:
- “Are You Ready?” – 4:45
- “What If” – 5:18
- “Beautiful” – 4:20
- “Say I” – 5:15
- “Wrong Way” – 4:19
- “Faceless Man” – 5:59
- “Never Die” – 4:50
- “With Arms Wide Open” – 4:36
- “Higher” – 5:17
- “Wash Away Those Years” – 6:04
- “Inside Us All” – 5:48
Weathered
Released 2001
Weathered is the third studio album by Creed, further solidifying their place in rock music with its introspective lyricism and robust sound. The album debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, where it remained for eight consecutive weeks. It includes hits like “My Sacrifice” and “One Last Breath.”
The album was produced by John Kurzweg and Kirk Kelsey and recorded at J. Stanley Productions Inc., Kitchen Studio, and Criteria Studios. Weathered was the last Creed album before the band’s initial breakup in 2004, and it showcased the band’s growth, both musically and lyrically.
CD Track Listings:
- “Bullets” – 3:49
- “Freedom Fighter” – 2:36
- “Who’s Got My Back?” – 8:25
- “Signs” – 4:29
- “One Last Breath” – 3:58
- “My Sacrifice” – 4:54
- “Stand Here With Me” – 4:17
- “Weathered” – 5:30
- “Hide” – 4:27
- “Don’t Stop Dancing” – 4:33
- “Lullaby” – 3:04
Full Circle
Released 2009
Full Circle represents Creed’s reunion album, marking the return of the original lineup after a hiatus. The album revisits the band’s roots while exploring new musical landscapes. It reflects on themes of rebirth and redemption, resonating with fans old and new.
Produced by Howard Benson, Full Circle was recorded at Bay 7 Studios in Valley Village and Sparky Dark Studio in Calabasas, California, and released by Wind-up Records. The album’s lead single, “Overcome,” showcased a heavier sound and set the tone for the rest of the album.
CD Track Listings:
- “Overcome” – 3:47
- “Bread of Shame” – 3:57
- “A Thousand Faces” – 4:55
- “Suddenly” – 3:31
- “Rain” – 3:28
- “Away in Silence” – 4:41
- “Fear” – 4:05
- “On My Sleeve” – 4:15
- “Full Circle” – 4:09
- “Time” – 5:56
- “Good Fight” – 3:55
- “The Song You Sing” – 4:09
CREED COMPILATION ALBUMS
Greatest Hits
Released: November 22, 2004
Greatest Hits is a compilation album that encapsulates the essence of Creed’s most influential work. This album brings together the band’s most popular tracks from their previous albums, providing a comprehensive overview of their musical journey. From the raw energy of “My Own Prison” to the introspective “With Arms Wide Open,” this collection highlights the band’s ability to blend powerful rock anthems with deeply personal lyrics.
The album was released by Wind-up Records and features Scott Stapp on lead vocals, Mark Tremonti on guitar and backing vocals, Brian Marshall on bass, and Scott Phillips on drums. Greatest Hits serves as a testament to Creed’s impact on the post-grunge scene and their enduring legacy in rock music.
CD Track Listings:
- “Torn” – 6:24
- “My Own Prison” – 5:00
- “What’s This Life For” – 4:08
- “One” – 5:03
- “Are You Ready?” – 4:45
- “Higher” – 5:17
- “With Arms Wide Open” – 4:36
- “What If” – 5:18
- “One Last Breath” – 3:58
- “Don’t Stop Dancing” – 4:33
- “Bullets” – 3:49
- “My Sacrifice” – 4:54
- “Weathered” – 5:30
With Arms Wide Open: A Retrospective
Released: November 20, 2015
With Arms Wide Open: A Retrospective is a comprehensive collection that delves deep into Creed’s catalog, offering an expansive look at their career. This three-disc set includes not only their well-known hits but also rarities, live recordings, and acoustic versions that showcase the band’s versatility. The retrospective provides a unique insight into Creed’s evolution as musicians and songwriters, highlighting their depth beyond the hits.
Released by The Bicycle Music Company, this compilation features the core lineup of Scott Stapp, Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall, and Scott Phillips. With Arms Wide Open: A Retrospective is a treasure trove for fans, offering a deeper appreciation of Creed’s contribution to rock music.
Disc One – Best Of: The Singles
- “My Own Prison” (Radio edit) – 4:14
- “Torn” (Radio edit) – 5:21
- “What’s This Life For” (Album edit) – 3:31
- “One” (Radio edit) – 4:34
- “What If” (Radio edit) – 4:52
- “Higher” (Top 40 version) – 4:42
- “With Arms Wide Open” (Strings version) – 3:55
- “Are You Ready?” – 4:46
- “My Sacrifice” (Radio edit) – 4:19
- “Bullets” – 3:51
- “One Last Breath” (Radio edit) – 4:02
- “Don’t Stop Dancing” – 4:30
- “Weathered” (Radio edit) – 4:51
- “Overcome” – 3:47
- “Rain” (Pop mix) – 3:19
- “A Thousand Faces” (Radio edit) – 4:05
Disc Two – Rarities & Demos
- “To Whom It May Concern” – 5:12
- “Is This the End?” (Scream 3 edit) – 6:16
- “Bound & Tied” – 5:37
- “Young Grow Old” – 4:46
- “Silent Teacher” – 3:44
- “I’m Eighteen” (Alice Cooper cover) – 3:11
- “Roadhouse Blues” (The Doors cover; live at Woodstock 1999, feat. Robbie Krieger) – 5:53
- “Riders on the Storm” (The Doors cover) – 6:16
- “Blistered” (demo) – 4:07
- “More Than This” (demo) – 3:28
- “Why” (demo) – 3:23
Disc Three – Acoustic
- “My Sacrifice” (Acoustic version; live) – 4:46
- “My Own Prison” (Acoustic version; extended version) – 5:01
- “Don’t Stop Dancing” (Acoustic version #3) – 3:41
- “With Arms Wide Open” (Acoustic version) – 3:54
- “What’s This Life For” (Alternate version; clean) – 4:22
- “Rain” (Acoustic version; live) – 3:29
- “My Own Prison” (Acoustic version; live) – 4:46
- “With Arms Wide Open” (Acoustic version; live) – 4:04
- “Overcome” (Acoustic version; live) – 4:24
- “One” (Acoustic version; live) – 4:58
- “Torn” (Acoustic version; live) – 6:02
- “Higher” (Acoustic version; live) – 4:28
- “To Whom It May Concern” (Acoustic version; live) – 3:02