What makes Bother by Stone Sour notable?

The album received critical acclaim, particularly for its lead single 'Bother,' which became a commercial success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Its introspective lyrics and acoustic arrangement resonated with fans, influencing a wave of post-grunge and alternative rock artists. Bother marked Stone Sour's self-titled debut album, released shortly after frontman Corey Taylor's rise to prominence with Slipknot. This project allowed Taylor to explore a more personal and melodic side, setting the stage for the band's unique identity in the hard rock scene.

How many songs are on Bother?

Bother has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Bother

Stone Sour · 2003

7 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A raw, introspective blend of acoustic melancholy and hard rock bravado that captures deep emotional turmoil.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bother — This track exemplifies the album's emotional depth with its haunting melody and vulnerable lyrics, showcasing Taylor's dynamic vocal range.
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Rules of Evidence — This song contrasts the softer tones of 'Bother' with heavier instrumentation, highlighting the band's versatility and lyrical complexity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The single showcases a blend of acoustic and hard rock elements, highlighting emotional depth and melodic strength.

What we noticed

The lead track 'Bother' features a stark acoustic arrangement that contrasts with the heavier sound typical of the band's genre.
Both tracks are structured around strong melodic hooks, with 'Bother' emphasizing emotional vulnerability through its lyrics and delivery.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked the band's rise to prominence after Corey Taylor's success with Slipknot.
Themes: acoustic melancholy· emotional turmoil· personal struggle
Career context: Bother marked Stone Sour's self-titled debut album, released shortly after frontman Corey Taylor's rise to prominence with Slipknot. This project allowed Taylor to explore a more personal and melodic side, setting the stage for the band's unique identity in the hard rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Breaking Benjamin· Shinedown· Three Days Grace