Music review: Scott Stapp – 鈥楾he Space Between the Shadows鈥�
As the charismatic frontman of Creed, Scott Stapp was living the true rock 鈥榥鈥� roll lifestyle with the release of 1997鈥檚 鈥淢y Own Prison鈥� and 1999鈥檚 鈥淗uman Clay.鈥�
Stapp seemed to have it all until fame went to his head and the rising star quickly fizzled out as success was replaced with excess.
Years after the band self-destructed, Stapp battled bipolar disorder as well as drug and alcohol addiction.
Now clean and sober, Stapp appears to be determined to learn from his struggles and provide hope for those going through similar difficulties.
鈥淚 shut every door but the right one/I fought the devil and he won,鈥� confesses Stapp on 鈥淧urpose for Pain鈥� from his latest release. It鈥檚 an emotional number about finding the strength and courage to push through the pain and escape the dark abyss that has blocked the light from shining in for so many years.
鈥淭he Space Between the Shadows鈥� echoes with themes of faith, perseverance and redemption as Stapp sounds focused on creating inspiring music that connects with the lost and hurting on his third solo effort.
鈥淪urvivor鈥� demonstrates Stapp鈥檚 resolution to triumph over defeat as he confidently declares, 鈥淚t鈥檚 my time, my fight/I鈥檓 unstoppable, I鈥檓 unbreakable.鈥�
The guitar-driven 鈥淲orld I Used to Know,鈥� 鈥淔ace of the Sun鈥� and 鈥淩ed Clouds鈥� are stirring numbers that confirm the 45-year-old singer can still rock the rafters when needed.
With past sins forgiven and the promise of a new birth, Stapp gets spiritual on 鈥淗eaven in Me鈥� as he sings, 鈥淟ost my spirit, my soul/But I was never alone.鈥�
Power ballads 鈥淣ame鈥� and 鈥淩eady to Love鈥� ring of hard lessons learned as the cloak of recklessness is shed in order to find a more meaningful purpose and unconditional love.
With 鈥淭he Space Between the Shadows,鈥� Stapp seems ready to change for the better and take full advantage of his second chance.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.