It's Been Awhile
Staind · 2001
12 min · 3 tracks · alternative metal
A raw and introspective blend of post-grunge and nu-metal, marked by contemplative lyrics and powerful vocal delivery.
Top tracks — play these first
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It's Been Awhile (clean version) — This track showcases Staind's signature sound with vulnerable lyrics and a haunting melody that captures the essence of emotional struggle.
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Suffocate — With its aggressive guitar riffs and intense vocal performance, this song represents the heavier side of Staind's sound while addressing themes of frustration and despair.
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It's Been Awhile — The raw honesty in this song resonates deeply with listeners, reflecting on feelings of regret and longing that define much of Staind's emotional landscape.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single showcases strong emotional themes but lacks variety in its presentation across tracks.
What we noticed
- The title track features a slow build-up with layered guitars that crescendo into a powerful chorus, emphasizing emotional delivery.
- The second track, 'Suffocate', employs a more aggressive tempo and dynamic shifts, contrasting with the reflective tone of the first track.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 — This album established Staind's reputation and achieved significant commercial success.
- Career context
- Released on March 20, 2001, It's Been Awhile was Staind's third studio album and marked their commercial breakthrough. Following the modest success of their previous albums, this record propelled them into mainstream prominence, particularly due to its lead single.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Breaking Benjamin· Three Days Grace· Puddle of Mudd
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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It's Been Awhile
The narrator confronts their past mistakes directly juxtaposes vulnerability with a strong sense of realization.
This shift in tone highlights a personal evolution, transforming regret into a powerful declaration that underlines the album's core themes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 It's Been Awhile (clean version) 4:27
- 2 Suffocate 3:15
- 3 It's Been Awhile 4:27
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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