Let’s face it, Creed is a band that many love to hate. The honest truth, in spite of their earth-shattering success which makes them one of the top ten best-selling acts of the 2000s, some out there will find anything to pick on with these guys. A product of cynicism or perhaps elitism among Hard Rock fans, whatever it might be, Creed should be much more widely acknowledged for their accomplishments, but moreover, immense talent.
Briefly looking in the past, this is a band with roots that date all the way back to 1994; and while they are associated with the Post-Grunge era, have a lot more in common with ‘90s Rock than one may think. Making their way as an independent act and building a following around Florida, the band would go onto to record 1997’s My Own Prison, and before the debut’s major mainstream success, it was considered by many ahead of the curve a Hard Rock gem. An album that gave hope for a stagnant scene at the time, My Own Prison found its audience with standout tracks like “Torn,” “Pity For a Dime,” and “What’s This Life For,” leading it to peak positions in 1998, into 1999. What could have been looked at as the peak of the mountain for the band, little did anyone forecast that My Own Prison was only the calm before the storm.
Yes, historically many would agree My Own Prison is one of the best Creed ever recorded, but it would be 1999’s Human Clay that made them into international superstars. Hard to deny, by the time the album had hit on September 28, 1999, a ton of excitement had already mounted. Coming two months after the band appeared at Woodstock ’99 on July 25th, this performance awarded the band massive exposure; with early introductions to new material such as “Say I” and “Faceless Man.” A set worth revisiting if you should have missed it, while both songs had been played prior at other shows, the Woodstock ’99 versions seem to ring loudly thanks to the broadcasting via pay-per-view.
These factors alone immediately created an anticipation among their already dedicated followers, but then at the end of August of 1999 something radically altered Creed’s reach with the release of the song “Higher.” Proving to be a breakthrough into mainstream fame, it seemed Human Clay was destined for greatness. In short, the album exploded nearly upon impact, hit number one, and is one of best-selling albums ever in the United States! Extremely impressive, believe it or not, Human Clay now turns 25 years old in 2024.
A big anniversary, creating even more intrigue, Creed themselves are actively touring once again. Their first shows together in twelve long years, the tour took shape in 2023, and the band has been headlining the Summer of ’99 Tour in 2024; joined by the likes of Finger Eleven, 3 Doors Down, Hinder, Fuel, and Daughtry. A run of shows which has included many sellouts, amidst it all Creed released their 2004 Greatest Hits album to vinyl for the first time ever on May 24th, followed by several new editions of Human Clay that arrived on August 16th through Craft Recordings.
Something to look into, the 25th anniversary rollout of Human Clay consists of a deluxe edition 2-CD set (also available digitally), plus the original album pressed to various limited edition color LPs. Beyond this, the band has also recently put out a brand spanking new music video for the album’s leading track, “Are You Ready?” Fitting, while the song itself is 25 years old, the footage utilized is modern day Creed from the current tour with Scott Stapp, Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall, along with Scott Phillips all on stage together and seemingly enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Something you cannot help rooting for, considering the bumps in the road Creed has faced over the decades, the Human Clay celebration has a lot to unfold, so let’s break it down simply. For the newly remastered deluxe edition you get the original tracks, the strings edition of “With Arms Wide Open,” non-album tracks “Young Grow Old” (featured on the 1999 European exclusive two-disc edition), “To Whom It May Concern” (originally featured on the 1999 Higher EP, but also apart of 2015’s With Arms Wide Open: A Retrospective compilation), “Is This the End?” (from 2000’s Scream 3 Soundtrack), plus a complete and never-before-heard concert recording (captured in San Antonio, TX in 1999). Sounding stellar, the bonus tracks really make this new CD edition worth it, but even the digital edition is worth seeking out too; because with this you get six additional bonus tracks, including a live cover of the Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues” (featuring the one and only Robby Krieger, recorded at Woodstock ’99), as well as a cover of Alice Cooper’s “I’m Eighteen” (also featured on With Arms Wide Open: A Retrospective).
Truly a lot to take in, it is like revisiting a place you thought was long lost with a new perspective since so much time has passed. Which led us to the vinyl editions, which are crisp, powerful, and presented in a lovely gatefold vinyl sleeve, splitting the original album into two LPs. With this, it depends on where you choose to shop, but you can pick up the vinyl in gray smoke (Craft Recordings), orange smoke (Walmart), red smoke (Barnes & Noble), black & gray splatter (exclusively through creed’s site), or gray opaque (Revolver). A matter of preference, this anniversary celebration is being done so with care and attention to detail, which is all well-deserved. That is why Cryptic Rock commend the efforts, giving these 25th anniversary editions of Human Clay 5 out of 5 stars.
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