What makes Zzyzx Rd. by Stone Sour notable?

Zzyzx Rd. achieved commercial success, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard 200 and receiving notable critical acclaim for its introspective lyrics and powerful instrumentation. The album showcased Stone Sour's ability to blend hard rock with emotional depth, influencing a wave of post-grunge artists thereafter. Released on October 5, 2007, Zzyzx Rd. was Stone Sour's third studio album, following their successful self-titled debut and the critically acclaimed Come What(ever) May. The band was transitioning into a phase of deeper lyrical themes while solidifying their identity in the alternative metal scene.

How many songs are on Zzyzx Rd.?

Zzyzx Rd. has 2 tracks, running approximately 9 minutes.

Released 19 years ago this October

Zzyzx Rd.

Stone Sour · 2007

9 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting exploration of vulnerability cloaked in heavy riffs and emotional intensity that defines Stone Sour's signature sound.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Zzyzx Rd. — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic essence, presenting a raw confession of past struggles and yearning for redemption through its poignant lyrics and atmospheric sound.
→
Zzyzx Rd. (original version) — This original rendition offers a more stripped-down, personal interpretation of the song, highlighting the emotional weight carried through Corey Taylor's vocals and lyricism.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The track showcases strong dynamics and emotional depth but is limited by its single format.

What we noticed

The title track features a slow build, starting with a soft piano intro that gradually layers in heavy guitar riffs.
Vocals alternate between soft, introspective verses and powerful, soaring choruses, creating a dynamic contrast.
The song's structure includes a bridge that shifts to a quieter, reflective section before returning to the intensity of the final chorus.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 3/10

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 — This album solidified Stone Sour's reputation after their successful debut and critical acclaim.
Themes: past struggles· road to redemption· emotional confessions
Career context: Released on October 5, 2007, Zzyzx Rd. was Stone Sour's third studio album, following their successful self-titled debut and the critically acclaimed Come What(ever) May. The band was transitioning into a phase of deeper lyrical themes while solidifying their identity in the alternative metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Breaking Benjamin· Shinedown· Three Days Grace