Weathered
Weathered is the third studio album by the American rock band Creed, released on November 20, 2001, through Wind-up Records.[1] The album consists of 11 tracks, including the singles "My Sacrifice" and "One Last Breath," and marks Creed's final full-length release before a lengthy hiatus that lasted until 2009's Full Circle.[2][3] Weathered debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 887,000 copies in its first week according to Nielsen SoundScan, and held the top position for eight consecutive weeks, tying a record for the longest run at number one for a rock album at the time.[4][5][6] It has been certified six-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments exceeding six million units in the United States, contributing to Creed's overall sales of over 28 million albums worldwide during their initial run.[7][8] The lead single "My Sacrifice" reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Mainstream Rock chart, while "One Last Breath" peaked at number six on the Hot 100 and number five on Mainstream Rock.[9][10][9] Produced by John Kurzweg, Weathered explores themes of personal struggle, redemption, and faith, consistent with Creed's post-grunge style that blends hard rock intensity with melodic ballads.[3] Although it received mixed reviews from critics for its formulaic approach and frontman Scott Stapp's vocal delivery, the album's commercial dominance underscored Creed's popularity in the early 2000s rock landscape. In 2024–2025, the album experienced a resurgence in popularity amid the band's reunion tour, with its singles re-entering charts.[11][12]Background and development
Band context
Creed's second studio album, Human Clay (1999), marked a pivotal moment in the band's career, achieving extraordinary commercial success with over 11 million copies sold in the United States and earning an 11× Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[13][14] The album spawned the chart-topping single "With Arms Wide Open," which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and secured a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 2001, along with an American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Album.[15][16] This breakthrough solidified Creed's position as a dominant force in the post-grunge landscape, blending introspective lyrics with hard rock anthems to captivate a massive audience.[17] However, the band's momentum was disrupted by internal turmoil following Human Clay's release. In August 2000, founding bassist Brian Marshall departed amid escalating substance abuse issues, including alcoholism, and professional conflicts that boiled over into a public spat with lead singer Scott Stapp.[18][19] The tension peaked when Marshall criticized Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder in a radio interview, prompting Stapp to distance himself from the remarks and contributing to Marshall's exit, which the band described as stemming from "personal and professional differences."[20][21] Stapp's own challenges intensified during this period, as he grappled with deepening alcoholism and depression, which strained band dynamics and personal relationships.[18] In April 2001, these struggles manifested in a heated altercation at a bar in St. Augustine, Florida, where Stapp, reportedly intoxicated, argued with locals and engaged in a physical fight; no charges were ultimately filed.[22] Against this backdrop of upheaval, Creed opted to proceed without replacing Marshall, recording their follow-up album Weathered as a trio with guitarist Mark Tremonti taking on bass guitar duties.[23] These events cast a shadow over the band's creative direction, informing the raw emotional intensity that would define their next chapter.Writing process
The writing process for Weathered took place over a three-week period in late 2000, primarily at a house in Central Florida where vocalist Scott Stapp and guitarist Mark Tremonti collaborated intensively on the album's material.[24] This focused session allowed the duo to develop the bulk of the songs, drawing on their established songwriting partnership to shape the record's core structure. The band's reduced lineup, following the departure of bassist Brian Marshall earlier that year, shifted dynamics toward a tighter collaboration between Stapp and Tremonti, with the latter also handling bass parts.[25] Stapp incorporated deeply personal and spiritual elements into the lyrics, reflecting his Christian faith alongside struggles with addiction and emotional burnout during this period.[26] These themes emerged organically from Stapp's experiences, blending introspection with broader existential reflections to create an authentic emotional core for the album.[27] Key tracks like the anthemic single "My Sacrifice" were developed as uplifting calls to perseverance, directly inspired by Stapp's battles with substance abuse and the need for personal redemption.[27] Similarly, the ballad "One Last Breath" captured the band's collective dark period, with Stapp channeling feelings of desperation and renewal through a collaborative loop-based process with Tremonti, emphasizing raw emotional resonance over polished production.[26] The album also featured unique cultural touches, such as Cherokee chants in "Who's Got My Back?", drawn from Stapp's longstanding interest in Native American spirituality and prayer traditions.[28]Recording sessions
The recording sessions for Weathered commenced in July 2001 at J. Stanley Productions, a private residence and studio in Ocoee, Florida, owned by Jay Stanley, with additional work completed at Transcontinental Studios in Orlando, Florida.[3][29] The process spanned approximately four months, allowing the band to refine tracks amid a period of internal transition following bassist Brian Marshall's departure from the group in 2000. Longtime producer John Kurzweg, alongside co-producer and engineer Kirk Kelsey, oversaw the sessions, with engineering support from Bobby Selvaggio and assistant Andreas Bender; the band itself is also credited as co-producer.[30][31] This collaboration emphasized a polished yet organic sound, utilizing Pro Tools for multitrack recording to layer instruments effectively.[32] Guitarist Mark Tremonti assumed bass guitar responsibilities during live tracking, performing the parts in real-time to maintain band cohesion without Marshall, before adding guitar overdubs to create the album's signature layered textures.[33] Drummer Scott Phillips contributed keyboards in addition to percussion, enhancing the atmospheric elements across tracks. The sessions incorporated select guest elements for depth, including the Tallahassee Boys' Choir providing choral backing on "Don't Stop Dancing" to evoke a sense of communal uplift, and Amie Stapp—sister of vocalist Scott Stapp—delivering harmonious backing vocals on the same song.[34][35] For "Who's Got My Back?", musician Bo Taylor recorded a traditional Cherokee Indian prayer as an opening chant, fulfilling Stapp's vision for a tribal, introspective intro inspired by his research into Native American spirituality.[36][30] Stapp's vocal recordings captured a raw intensity shaped by his ongoing personal challenges, including the emotional toll of fame and inner turmoil that permeated the album's themes, resulting in performances that conveyed vulnerability and determination without extensive polishing.[3] This approach aligned with the production's goal of authenticity, as Kurzweg and Kelsey focused on preserving the band's live energy while integrating orchestral and choral nuances to broaden the sonic palette.[37]Musical content
Style and composition
Weathered exemplifies post-grunge at its core, blending hard rock riffs with acoustic ballads and occasional orchestral swells to create a dynamic sonic landscape across its 11 tracks and 50:05 runtime.[3][1] The album's instrumentation draws heavily from 1990s alternative rock influences, particularly in the guitar-driven arrangements that emphasize melodic hooks and intricate solos.[38] Guitarist Mark Tremonti's contributions stand out, delivering riff-heavy passages reminiscent of the era's alternative metal edge while maintaining accessible, anthemic structures.[39] Heavy tracks such as "Bullets" highlight the album's aggressive side, featuring pounding double-kick drums and searing guitar riffs that propel the song's intensity.[40] In stark contrast, ballads like "One Last Breath" adopt a more introspective approach, opening with delicate piano lines before building into fuller band arrangements.[41] This juxtaposition underscores the album's range, shifting from restrained acoustic elements to robust rock ensembles. Production techniques, overseen by John Kurzweg at studios in Florida, incorporate layered vocal harmonies and pronounced dynamic contrasts, often transitioning from subdued verses to explosive choruses for dramatic effect.[3] These choices enhance the post-grunge aesthetic, allowing the instrumentation to swell organically while preserving a polished, radio-friendly sheen.[42]Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of Weathered revolve around central themes of redemption, faith, addiction, and inner conflict, directly reflecting frontman Scott Stapp's ongoing battles with substance abuse and his complex relationship with spirituality. Stapp has noted that his songwriting during this period stemmed from personal turmoil, including guilt and existential struggles exacerbated by fame and early signs of addiction, which infused the album with a sense of moral introspection. These motifs underscore Stapp's journey as a self-described "Christian in rebellion," where faith served both as a guiding force and a source of tension amid his rebellious lifestyle. In "My Sacrifice," Stapp examines personal loss and devotion, portraying the song as a narrative of emerging from a dark period of isolation and substance abuse to reconnect with oneself and loved ones. He explained that the track captures the catharsis of redemption after repeated failed attempts to overcome addiction alone, emphasizing themes of clarity returning from the brink of despair. Similarly, "Hide" confronts vulnerability and the impulse to escape, drawing from Stapp's experiences fleeing the strict, abusive religious household of his youth, where he sought refuge from emotional pain. Biblical allusions permeate the album, often intertwined with critiques of fame and religious hypocrisy, as Stapp grapples with spiritual authenticity in a superficial world. For instance, "Signs" questions ambiguous divine or societal signals, highlighting themes of spirituality clashing with commercialism and urging listeners to discern true meaning beyond superficial judgments. Weathered thus evolves from the relative optimism of Creed's prior album Human Clay, adopting a darker, more introspective tone that mirrors Stapp's deepening personal and spiritual conflicts during its creation.Packaging and promotion
Title and artwork
The album title Weathered was selected by lead singer Scott Stapp to symbolize the band's endurance amid significant internal turmoil, including interpersonal conflicts and the risk of disbandment, while representing their collective resilience in facing adversity.[26] This choice reflects the group's weathered state from relentless touring and pressure, yet an underlying determination to persist, as echoed in the title track's themes of hardship and resolve.[43] The artwork was created by Daniel Tremonti, brother of guitarist Mark Tremonti, who handled design and art direction for the project.[23] It depicts the band members' faces intricately carved into the bark of an ancient tree standing in a rugged, elemental landscape, symbolizing unyielding strength and isolation amid weathering forces, with subtle hidden images integrated into the composition for added depth.[44][45] Packaging for Weathered featured a standard jewel case edition accompanied by a comprehensive lyrics booklet detailing all tracks, allowing fans to engage closely with the album's introspective content.[23] Wind-up Records also offered limited-edition promotional bundles, including numbered lithograph posters limited to 750 copies and select signed memorabilia, targeted at dedicated supporters to enhance the release's collectible appeal.[46]Marketing and release
Weathered was released on November 20, 2001, through Wind-up Records in the United States.[47][48] The lead single, "My Sacrifice", was distributed to U.S. radio stations on October 10, 2001, ahead of the album's launch, and an accompanying music video directed by Dave Meyers premiered on MTV later that month.[48][49] Wind-up Records' promotional efforts centered on radio airplay for the single, which quickly gained traction on rock formats, alongside music video rotations on MTV and band interviews to sustain visibility.[48] A VH1 "Behind the Music" special profiling the band, aired on November 26, 2000, further amplified anticipation by highlighting their rise following Human Clay.[50] International rollout featured region-specific editions, including a standard CD release in Europe via Epic Records with the core tracklist intact.[47] Pre-release hype leveraged the commercial momentum of Human Clay, which had sold over 10 million copies in the U.S., positioning Weathered as a highly anticipated follow-up through targeted advertising that incorporated elements of the album's weathered aesthetic.[51]Commercial success
Chart performance
Weathered debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart on December 8, 2001, with 887,000 copies sold in its first week, marking Creed's second consecutive studio album to top the ranking.[4] The album held the top position for eight consecutive weeks, the longest consecutive run for a rock album since Guns N' Roses' Use Your Illusion II in 1991.[52] It finished at number two on the 2002 year-end Billboard 200 chart, behind only Eminem's The Eminem Show.[53] Internationally, Weathered achieved strong placements but did not reach number one in most markets. It peaked at number three on the Canadian Albums chart, number eight on the German Albums Chart, number 44 on the UK Albums Chart, and number four on the New Zealand Albums Chart.[54][55][56] The album's singles also performed well on US charts, contributing to its overall success. "My Sacrifice," released as the lead single in October 2001, reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart for nine weeks.[57][58] "One Last Breath," issued in September 2002, peaked at number six on the Hot 100 and number five on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.[9] On decade-end lists, Weathered ranked number 22 among the top albums of the 2000s on the Billboard 200.[59]| Single | Billboard Hot 100 Peak | Mainstream Rock Airplay Peak | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| "My Sacrifice" | 4 | 1 | October 2001 |
| "One Last Breath" | 6 | 5 | September 2002 |
Sales certifications
Weathered achieved significant commercial milestones in sales certifications shortly after its release. In the United States, the album was certified six times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on January 6, 2002, representing shipments of six million units. This certification underscored its strong domestic performance, following an initial quintuple platinum award earlier that year.[60] Internationally, Weathered received multiple platinum and gold certifications across various markets. In Canada, it was certified three times platinum by Music Canada for 300,000 units.[61] Australia awarded it double platinum status by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for 140,000 units, while the United Kingdom granted gold certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for 100,000 units.[61] In Germany, it earned gold certification from the Bundesverband Musikindustrie (BVMI) for 150,000 units.[61] These awards highlight the album's broad appeal beyond North America. Post-2000s, Weathered benefited from robust digital sales and streaming, contributing to renewed interest and additional revenue streams in the digital era.[62] Overall worldwide sales have exceeded seven million units to date.[61] Among Creed's discography, Weathered ranks as the second-best-selling album, trailing only Human Clay, which achieved diamond status in the US.[62]Critical and public response
Initial reviews
Upon its release in November 2001, Weathered received mixed reviews from critics, who were divided on the band's evolution from their previous work. James Hunter of Rolling Stone awarded the album 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising its emotional delivery and standout tracks like "My Sacrifice," "Who's Got My Back?," and "Stand Here With Me" for their intensity and nuance. In contrast, AllMusic described the record as derivative and overproduced, with little innovation beyond familiar post-grunge tropes.[3] Critics highlighted positive aspects of singles such as "My Sacrifice," commending its radio-friendly appeal and anthemic hooks that showcased the band's polished hard rock edge.[63] However, Scott Stapp's vocals drew frequent criticism for coming across as whiny and overly dramatic, while the lyrics were often dismissed as clichéd and self-important, relying on repetitive themes of personal struggle and spirituality.[64][65] Publications like Entertainment Weekly, which assigned a C- grade, acknowledged the album's shift toward a heavier sound with aggressive riffs and mosh-pit grooves, viewing it as an evolution in the power ballad tradition but marred by imitation of grunge influences.[65]Fan reception and controversies
Fans demonstrated strong support for Weathered through widespread radio airplay and MTV video rotation, particularly for the lead single "My Sacrifice," which helped propel the album to commercial heights and contributed to consistently sold-out live performances across the U.S. in late 2001 and early 2002.[51] This enthusiasm was evident in the band's ability to draw large crowds, with the album's emotional tracks resonating deeply among audiences seeking relatable anthems amid the post-grunge landscape. However, some fans expressed backlash against the persistent labeling of Creed as a Christian rock act, a tag the band repeatedly rejected despite lyrical themes of faith and redemption that appealed to religious listeners.[66][67] Controversies surrounding frontman Scott Stapp's public image further complicated fan perceptions during the Weathered era, as rumors of his struggles with alcohol and substance abuse began to circulate, exacerbated by a serious car accident in early 2002 that introduced painkillers into his routine.[18] These issues, which Stapp later attributed to the pressures of fame and depression, cast a shadow over the album's promotion and led to speculation about their influence on the band's dynamics and output.[68] Debates over the album's genre authenticity polarized listeners, with some dismissing Creed as derivative nu-metal or post-grunge imitators, while devoted fans defended its emotional resonance and heartfelt ballads like "One Last Breath" as genuine expressions beyond stylistic labels.[69] Online forums and early music zines from 2001–2002 reflected this divide, showcasing enthusiastic praise for the album's introspective tracks alongside critiques of its mainstream polish, though the ballads often emerged as the most unifying elements among supporters.[70]Touring and aftermath
2002 tour overview
The Weathered Tour commenced on January 16, 2002, at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, marking the launch of Creed's extensive promotion for their third studio album.[71] The itinerary encompassed over 95 performances across North America and Europe, including dates in Australia, before concluding on December 31, 2002, at the First Union Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[72][73] Setlists for the tour heavily featured material from Weathered, with 7–8 songs per concert such as "Bullets," "Freedom Fighter," "What If?," "Say I," "Who's Got My Back?," and "One Last Breath," blended alongside staples from Human Clay including "My Sacrifice" and "With Arms Wide Open."[74] Opening acts varied by leg but commonly included Nickelback and 12 Stones, contributing to the tour's high-energy arena rock atmosphere.[75] Notable highlights included a high-profile concert at the Olympic Medals Plaza during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City on February 19.[76] The tour faced significant disruptions, beginning with lead singer Scott Stapp's car accident on April 19, 2002, in Orlando, Florida, which caused back and neck injuries and prompted the cancellation of the remaining 20 North American dates at that time.[77] Later, in the fall of 2002, acute laryngitis afflicted Stapp, leading to the postponement of nine shows, including high-profile events, to allow for recovery.[78]Allstate Arena incident
On December 29, 2002, during the Weathered World Tour, Creed performed at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, near Chicago, where frontman Scott Stapp was heavily intoxicated on a combination of painkillers from a prior car accident, alcohol, and the anti-inflammatory medication Prednisone, which he was taking to recover from a throat infection.[79][80][81] Stapp slurred his lyrics, forgot words to several songs, repeatedly fell onstage, and ultimately passed out, forcing the band to halt the concert after approximately 30 minutes.[82][79][80] In response, Creed issued a public apology on January 13, 2003, stating that Stapp "was not at his best" due to the throat infection and prescribed medication, expressing regret for any inconvenience to fans.[83] The band emphasized Stapp's health issues as the cause, without directly addressing allegations of alcohol or additional substance use.[83][79] The botched performance prompted a class-action lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court by four fans on behalf of approximately 350 attendees, seeking $2 million in damages for breach of contract and emotional distress, claiming Stapp was "so intoxicated and/or medicated that he was unable to sing the lyrics of a single Creed song."[82][84][85] On September 18, 2003, Judge Peter Flynn dismissed the suit, ruling that concertgoers assume the inherent risks of live performances and that the plaintiffs failed to prove fraud or substantial breach.[82][85][80] The incident exacerbated Stapp's ongoing substance abuse struggles, leading him to enter rehabilitation shortly afterward in early 2003.[79] It also intensified internal band tensions over Stapp's reliability, contributing to Creed's announcement of an indefinite hiatus in June 2004.[79][80]Track listing and credits
Standard edition tracks
The standard edition of Weathered, released on November 20, 2001, by Wind-up Records, features 11 tracks with a total runtime of 49:58, available on CD and vinyl formats. All songs were written by Creed's vocalist Scott Stapp and guitarist Mark Tremonti. The track listing emphasizes the band's post-grunge style, blending hard rock anthems with introspective ballads.| No. | Title | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bullets | 3:49 | Opening track and promotional radio single, characterized by heavy riffs and themes of inner conflict.[29][86] |
| 2 | Freedom Fighter | 2:36 | The album's shortest song, featuring aggressive vocals and a concise structure highlighting resilience.[86][37] |
| 3 | Who's Got My Back? | 8:25 | Extended track incorporating a Cherokee Indian prayer intro, exploring themes of loyalty and spirituality.[29][86] |
| 4 | Signs | 4:28 | Mid-tempo rocker addressing signs from a higher power, with prominent guitar work.[86][37] |
| 5 | One Last Breath | 3:58 | Ballad single that reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, focusing on redemption and farewell.[86][31] |
| 6 | My Sacrifice | 4:54 | Lead single peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, an uplifting anthem about personal commitment.[86][31] |
| 7 | Stand Here With Me | 4:17 | Reflective track with soaring choruses, emphasizing unity and support.[86][37] |
| 8 | Weathered | 5:30 | Title track and single, a piano-driven closer with themes of enduring hardship.[86][31] |
| 9 | Hide | 4:27 | Intense hard rock song dealing with isolation and escape.[86][37] |
| 10 | Don't Stop Dancing | 4:32 | Promotional single with melodic elements, encouraging perseverance through life's challenges.[86][29] |
| 11 | Lullaby | 3:04 | Acoustic-leaning ballad serving as a gentle album finale, evoking comfort and introspection.[86][37] |