While some may sneer at Creed, there is no denying their significant impact on Hard Rock music during the 2000s. A steady rise to superstardom that began when they formed in 1994; little do naysayers realize, but Creed were actually building an underground following as early as 1997. Putting out their debut, My Own Prison, widely in August of that year, the album immediately grabbed the attention of those hungry for the heavier Grunge Rock sound that dominated the earlier part of the decade with bands like Alice in Chains. Full of intense lyrical content about life, death, and questioning oneself, Creed was tapping into something that was lacking on the scene at the time, and My Own Prison is arguably one of the best Hard Rock albums released in the late ‘90s.
Naturally, Creed’s brand of music was so potent that it was bound to catch a broader mainstream, which is exactly what happened with early singles such as “My Own Prison” and “What’s This Life For.” Both peaking in Mainstream Rock chart positions back in 1997 and 1998, little do many know that “My Own Prison” was actually written/recorded as early as 1995, and “What’s This Life For” is a heartfelt piece inspired by Guitarist Mark Tremonti and Vocalist Scott Stapp tragically losing a friend to suicide. Why point this out? As mentioned, Creed is one of those bands that have taken a lot of flak over the years; however, they are not only talented but also quite thoughtful.
Just the tip of the iceberg, My Own Prison paved the way for something even more extraordinary in 1999 with the follow-up album Human Clay. In fact, it was at this point that Creed’s enormous popularity lifted into hyperdrive with some of the biggest radio Rock hits around, such as “Higher” and “With Arms Wide Open.” Suddenly, Creed was not just a Hard Rock band leading their genre, but now an international juggernaut. Truthfully, an explosive rise that not even Creed’s dedicated fanbase saw coming, to put matters in perspective, Human Clay is one of the top 60 best-selling albums of all time! Letting that sink in for a moment, Human Clay, with assistance from My Own Prison and 2001’s Weathered, made Creed one of the top-selling musical acts of the 2000s. Yes, that is right up there with Pop acts like Britney Spears and Hip Hop stars such as Eminem… so their accomplishments are rather exceptional.
Unfortunately, Creed’s reign was cut short in the mid-decade, and the band was disbanded by the summer of 2004. Perhaps a much-needed break after such massive highs in the years prior, Wind-Up Records released Creed’s Greatest Hits in November of 2004. A relatively straightforward collection, it featured every one of Creed’s U.S. singles from their first three albums, plus a bonus DVD of music videos. Certified 2x platinum within 4 years of its release, the compilation is now available on vinyl for the first time, nearly 20 years later.
Released on May 24, 2024, through Craft Recordings, the Greatest Hits release is presented as a 2LP set in a standard vinyl sleeve with individual, double-sided liner notes featuring track lyrics. Tastefully done; several color variations are also available. Still, the boldest added intrigue here is that Side D of the second LP actually has a lovely etching of the Creed Greatest Hits art. A really nice touch: the songs all sound as striking as ever and give you a chance to recall 13 of Creed’s most significant moments between 1997 and 2004. Aside from “What’s This Life For” being censored, the compilation is absolutely flawless and encapsulates a lot of fond memories.
A perfect addition to any physical format lovers’ collection, even more exciting is that Creed is reunited and touring throughout 2024. An unexpected reunion that initially saw sparks fly in 2023, in 2024, Creed will be headlining the Summer of ’99 Tour, where they will be joined by the likes of Finger Eleven, 3 Doors Down, Hinder, Fuel, and Daughtry. Additionally, September marks the 25th anniversary of Human Clay… so who knows what might come next. Maybe an expanded edition of the pinnacle album? Potentially their first new music since 2009’s Full Circle? Only time will tell, but until then, it is recommended to pick up Creed’s Greatest Hits on vinyl and catch them on tour, because Cryptic Rock gives this release 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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