Not Again
Staind · 2011
4 min · 1 track · alternative metal
A raw exploration of emotional turmoil anchored by heavy riffs and introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Not Again — The title track encapsulates the band's signature blend of heavy instrumentation and deeply personal lyrics, reflecting on the cyclical nature of emotional pain.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single showcases solid songwriting and performance but lacks significant innovation or lasting appeal.
What we noticed
- The track features a slow build-up with heavy guitar riffs that gradually intensify, leading to a powerful chorus.
- Vocals alternate between a subdued, introspective delivery and an aggressive, soaring style, reflecting emotional shifts.
- The song employs a repetitive structure, with verses leading into the same chorus multiple times, creating a sense of urgency.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- 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
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
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued relevance and quality after a hiatus, appealing to existing fans.
- Career context
- Released in 2011, Not Again is Staind's sixth studio album and marks their return after a three-year hiatus following the commercial success of their 2009 album, Illusion of Progress. The band faced significant lineup changes prior to this release, with original guitarist Mike Mushok and frontman Aaron Lewis exploring different musical directions, leading to an evolution in their sound while still retaining their signature post-grunge style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Breaking Benjamin· Three Days Grace· Puddle of Mudd
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Not Again
The verse where the singer confronts the repetition of past mistakes and feelings of despair.
This moment illustrates a shift in perspective as it reveals a deeper acknowledgment of vulnerability, contrasting with more defiant tones found in earlier works.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Not Again 4:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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