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Break The Cycle
by
Break The Cycle Image
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 70 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the sophomore major-label release for the New England alt-metal band.

Top Track

Outside
And you, bring me to my knees again All the times that I could beg you please, in vain All the times that I've felt insecure for you And I leave my... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. E! Online
    75
    Set to a backdrop that brings to mind Creed, Pearl Jam and Tool but still uniquely stands on its own, the album tackles subjects of suicide and basic alienation with relative control and directness.
  2. Dot Music
    70
    Raises the nu-metal bar by weaving maturity, passion and the craft of songwriting into its steaming pile of passive-aggressive chord chomping.
  3. Sonicnet
    70
    With Lewis' weighty, tuneful voice and Mike Mushok's meaty, anthemic guitar, Staind recall the Soundgarden/Alice in Chains era of early-'90s rock. Free of phony posturing, DJ scratching and over-reliance on vapid thrash riffs, they're almost like an alternative version of today's mainstream metal.
  4. Blender
    60
    Unfortunately, the production smoothes down the band's sharp edges to an overly polished finish. [Jun/Jul 2001, p.116]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. CDNow
    60
    Pedestrian? Sure. But in '01, it's doubtful you'll find a more apt soundtrack to a summer of skyrocketing gas prices and stock market tumblings.
  6. AllMusic
    50
    Cycle is ultimately no more than 50 minutes of standard-issue desolation, but the softness of many of the tracks gives it compassion, something most of Staind's peers have no time for.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    20
    'Break The Cycle' is nu-metal as envisaged by Tipper Gore - 14 tracks of parent-friendly grunge-flavoured soft rock that make Creed sound like GG Allin.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. robertm
    Jul 18, 2003
    10
    this is their greatest cd
  2. v
    Aug 17, 2006
    10
    one of da best albums, i own!
  4. -Xile-
    Aug 22, 2003
    10
    Great cd.......if u like metal rock.....or stuff that pertains to that.....add it to your cd collection! Its great
  5. JasmineT
    Jan 31, 2005
    10
    this music was somthing i realy could relate to , there's no song that i couldn't say that there is one song i don't like , this music was somthing i realy could relate to , there's no song that i couldn't say that there is one song i don't like , they are all exalent like my feelings were written down for me , the music in every way is exeptionaly brilliont there is no critisism i could say for this band , Stained u rule never give it up .… Expand
  6. Watermelon789
    Jun 1, 2011
    9
    Not a great fan of somewhat Metal genre , but this is one of my favorite Metal bands out there. Love the vocals of Aaron Lewis are nice, theNot a great fan of somewhat Metal genre , but this is one of my favorite Metal bands out there. Love the vocals of Aaron Lewis are nice, the guitar really sounds cool etc.… Expand
  7. VidM
    Aug 13, 2007
    8
    Some classic tracks on here
  8. jj
    Aug 31, 2002
    0
    a dull piece of garbage. That lead singer is fat, ugly, and annoying

See all 19 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Most Discussed Album of 2001
65
#65 Most Shared Album of 2001

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