"Break The Cycle" is basically Staind at their pinnacle. The album is flawless and each track is a hit. Aaron Lewis' introspective lyrics combined with Mike Mushok's wall-of-sound guitars build what was easily the best hard-rock album to come out 2001. The band explored more acoustic elements than before and the song-writing was put up front a bit more. Obviously, at the time, many fans brushed Staind off as sell-outs, which, in hindsight, I think everyone is realizing just how ridiculous that is -- especially when you consider the two biggest hits here ("It's Been A While" and "Outside") were kicking around in Lewis' head before Staind got signed. Sure, this album isn't half as aggressive or depressing as it's predecessor, 1999's "Dysfunction" (or their indie debut "Tormented"), but it is an overall professional and potent album, that is consistantly solid the whole way through. Acoustic (or partially) ballads (that have now become a staple of the band) make up about a third of this album. "It's Been A while" is already a modern rock classic, along with a studio version of "Outside" (original live version from the "Family Values 1999" disc) and "Epiphany," a touching song, dedicated to the fans. "Waste" is another fan dedicated song, but this one is more aggressive and is directed towards an individual fan who committed suicide. After being approached by the kid's Mother, Aaron Lewis penned this song. By closely listening to the song, a positive message is revealed, and marks one of the most mature moments of Staind's career. "Open Your Eyes" is a song about various global problems (i.e. pollution, homelessness, drugs...) while straight-out rockers like "Pressure" and "For You" tend to dwell on more familiar subjects. Some people may label this album or the band as "whiners," and it is true, there is quite a bit of self-pity in Staind's music, but the material is handled well and Aaron Lewis writes mature lyrics, that seem to be somewhat more constructive than that of his peers. Overall, everytime I listen to this album, I walk away feeling good, rather than beat down by the world. Which is exactly what music like this should do. Aside from this album, having seen Staind live, I can honestly say they have my full respect. I saw them on one of the coldest nights of this past winter. We had to wait outside for the doors to open (sold out, mind you) in the freezing cold of negative 25 degrees (with some wind to boot). It was pretty cold inside the venue too. But once Staind hit the stage, things actually seemed to warm up. It may sound corny, but their live show (and their music in general) sucks you in. For the hour or more they played, they put all their energy into it made the audience share the experience. Staind are a truly gifted band, and this is their best recording so far. I recommend it to anyone who loves music.

I don't think I've ever bought a cd as good as "Break the Cycle". Aaron Lewis has such a good voice and such a good scream ("Change", "Can't Believe") All the songs sound different and are well written by Lewis. Songs like "Epiphany", "It's Been Awhile", and "Safe Place" remind me so much of my girlfriend, Brittany, and they are just a pleasure to listen to. Though I have to admit this album by Staind isn't as hard and heavy as their other 2 cds, songs such as "Suffer", "Pressure", "Can't Believe" and "Change" definently makes you want to thrash your head back and forth. Very emotionally driven and shows Aaron Lewis sharing his angst about his broken family he had to grow up with. I'm adopted so I can relate to alot of what he sings about like being ignored, never given much attention, shouted at consistently and other sh-- like that. The drummer is excellent, the guitar riffs are awesome and the singing by Aaron Lewis is some of the best I've ever heard (Nickelback, slightly better) Well, if you havn't bought this masterpiece of alt-metal\hard rock, do it ASAP! Peace.

I've always considered myself to be a fairweather Staind fan. The singles from "Dysfunction" were great, but sometimes the rest of it was a bit hard on the ears for me. Not so with their second album, "Break The Cycle." It's just as hard, but this time, it just seems to flow more melodically. On to the music:

1. "Open Your Eyes:" Brilliant opener, heavy, yet Lewis' voice keeps it melodic...One of the best on the album.

2. "Pressure:" Loud, soulful rocker about being under pressure...

3. "Fade:" Using the alternating soft verse/hard chorus that is becoming Staind's signature, "Fade" describes, in one word, abandonment...

4. "It's Been Awhile:" To me, this song, this song obviously represents getting over someone. The first single, it uses the same formula as "Fade," and it works very well...Also one of the best on the album.

5. “Change:” Same formula again as “Fade” and “It’s Been Awhile.” A song of penance, remorse, and a desire for change, I consider this to be one of the weaker songs on the album, the first from the beginning that I dislike...

6. “Can’t Believe:” This is the first song on “Break The Cycle” that reminds me of the old Staind. It’s got the requisite screaming, massive distortion, and aggressive, driving bass line.

7. “Epiphany:” The first time I heard this song, I just sat in my chair, dazed. After a few minutes, I restarted the song, and listened to it over and over until I knew the words by heart. Not in a long time have I heard a song this powerful, this emotional, and this evocative. The first Staind song that is relatively soft the whole way through, “Epiphany” is also their best song...Easily the best track on the album.

8. “Suffer:” Another throwback to old Staind. Showcases another new Staind mechanic: Apparently, after “Dysfunction,” someone realized that Aaron Lewis can sing incredibly well, and so on “Break The Cycle,” Lewis’ voice is much more audible over the crashing guitars. This song is odd, in that the chorus is relatively upbeat…for Staind, at least...

9. “Warm Safe Place:” Another track, about finding refuge, follows the afore-mentioned Staind formula. Not too many Staind songs have audible backing vocals, but this one does on the chorus.

10. “For You:” This song reminds me of “Me” from “Dysfunction,” at least in content...

11. “Outside:” The long-awaited studio version, sans Fred Durst, of the live wonder. This song arguably created the formula that I described for “Fade.” An incredible song of the pain of a relationship that seems to have ended before it began, “Outside” seems to spike in the hope department in the last verse, but the final chorus lets us know what’s really going on. This song has come a long way since the live version, and the changes have been nothing short of spectacular. It would have been pretty easy to screw this song up, but thankfully, Staind pulled it off. Another of the best songs on the album...

12. “Waste:” This Staind-formulaic song features very low key verse music; Aaron Lewis’ voice is completely in front of everything else. He sings double on the chorus, which makes for an interesting sound. Aaron 1 sings the almost monotone version, while Aaron 2 sings a very sharp and high version of the chorus...

13. “Take It:” The album’s official closer, “Take It” is formulaic Staind at it’s most aggressive and obnoxious...

14. Bonus track: The bonus track is really long, and contains lots of…sound. About 7 ½ minutes into it, someone begins reciting what I think is a passage from the Bible, though I might be wrong. About 13 minutes in, static begins. At 15 minutes, much of the…sound ends. The entire track ends at almost 20 minutes.

Note: When I wrote in different song descriptions that a particular track was “formulaic,” I wasn’t demeaning the song. I’ve just noticed that Staind has a particular approach when it comes to its new music, the soft verse/loud chorus, and I like it.

So, there it is. All in all, a brilliant album. Standouts: “Open Your Eyes,” “It’s Been Awhile,” “Epiphany,” “Warm Safe Place,” and “Outside.” Definitely worth a purchase.

Sorry, but I just couldn't resist the play on words in my review title. This is the third album released by the band, and it's definately their best effort to date.

Aaron Lewis, and his throaty vocals, truly shine on this album. In "Break the Cycle," Staind puts together a contemporary group of songs with true-to-heart, candid lyrics. Although some may view them as "dark," it is hard to ignore to truth, albeit, the sometimes bitter truth of heartbreak and broken homes.

"Outside" is an excellent stand-out single that has a nice acoustic feel to it, and the version cut with Fred Durst is amazing. Other awesome tracks include "It's Been Awhile, "For You ," and "Change."

Staind has put together a excellent album written with a lot of strong emotion, and is complete in almost every way imaginable. "Break the Cycle" is a pleasant surprise and it's an album worth purchasing.

Staind's second major release (Third album overall) doesn't really sound like their previous album "Dysfunction" and I don't think thats a bad thing. While "Dysfunction" is a great album, their new release "Break The Cycle" showcases more of Aaron Lewis' great lyrical ablities and less of his screaming abilities. Aaron writes somes great songs which this album shows. Everyone and their mother have probably heard "It's Been A While" and "Outside" as they are played on every rock station at least 20 times a day. I'm glad they decided to make a studio version of "Outside". While the acoustic version of it on the Family Values CD was great, it had one major downfall, namely one Fred Durst. To have such a beautiful song ruined by Durst's incessant cursing for no reason was horrible. (One of the radio stations around here actually went so far as to cut out Fred's voice completely, which i'm glad they did). Maybe cursing every other word is fine for Limp Bizkit, but Fred needs to get the idea that it's not always appropriate. (He kinda did the same thing on the Strait Up CD in his song "Forever",which I thought was the major blemish on an otherwise beautiful album) Without Durst's presence, the studio version of "Outside" is much better. Other standout tracks on this album are "Open Your Eyes", "Epiphany", and "For You".Anyone who is a fan of Staind and good music in general, should pick up this album. On a side note I heard there is a hidden track on this album, but I couldn't tell you what it's like as the version of this CD that I got at "Rhymes with Rest Guy" had a great live version of "It's Been A While" instead of the hidden track. I'm sure it was nice though.