Released 27 years ago this October
Mudshovel
Staind · 1999
10 min · 2 tracks · alternative metal
Heavy guitar riffs intertwine with introspective lyrics, capturing the angst and vulnerability of post-grunge emotion.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mudshovel — The title track encapsulates the album's heavy sound and lyrical themes of struggle and despair, establishing Staind's distinct identity within the post-grunge movement.
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It's Been Awhile — 'It's Been Awhile' showcases a melodic contrast to the heavier tracks, blending introspection with catchy hooks that helped catapult the band to mainstream success.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single showcases strong contrasts in vocal delivery and instrumentation but lacks broader impact.
What we noticed
- The title track features a slow build-up with heavy guitar riffs that gradually intensify, creating a sense of tension.
- The vocals alternate between melodic singing and aggressive shouting, emphasizing the emotional contrast in the lyrics.
- 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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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 — First major-label release that propelled Staind into mainstream recognition.
- Career context
- Mudshovel was Staind's first major-label release, following their self-titled debut EP in 1996. This album marked a significant step forward in their career, propelling them into the mainstream alternative metal scene.
- 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 realization of time lost and emotional distance emerges starkly in a reflective moment that shifts from past pain to present acknowledgment.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Mudshovel 5:32
- 2 It’s Been Awhile 5:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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