The 30 Best Staind Songs, from Dysfunction to Confessions of the Fallen

What is Staind's most famous song?

"It's Been Awhile" is Staind's most famous song, a 2001 hit that reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped both the mainstream and alternative rock charts. "Outside", "So Far Away", "Right Here" and "Fade" are their other signature songs.

Staind's biggest songs

1. "It's Been Awhile", 2001: a brooding, confessional ballad and their biggest hit.
2. "Outside", 2001: the acoustic song that became a hit after a live duet with Fred Durst.
3. "So Far Away", 2003: a hopeful, mid-tempo number one rock hit and top 25 pop single.
4. "Right Here", 2005: a number one rock radio hit from Chapter V.
5. "Fade", 2001: a heavy, emotional single from Break the Cycle.
6. "For You", 2001: an intense song about the weight of parents' expectations.
7. "Mudshovel", 1999: the heavy breakthrough single from Dysfunction.
8. "Price to Play", 2003: a hard-hitting number two rock hit.
9. "Believe", 2008: a number one alternative hit from The Illusion of Progress.
10. "Not Again", 2011: a heavy number one rock radio single from their self-titled album.

Songs from Dysfunction (1999)

11. "Home", 1999: a dark, driving single.
12. "Just Go", 1998: their first single on a major label.
13. "Spleen", 1999: a heavy, raging album track.

Songs from Break the Cycle (2001)

14. "Epiphany", 2002: a quiet, acoustic single.
15. "Change", 2001: a moody album track.
16. "Can't Believe", 2001: a fast, furious song.

Songs from 14 Shades of Grey (2003) and Chapter V (2005)

17. "How About You", 2004: a top ten rock radio single.
18. "Zoe Jane", 2003: a tender song for Aaron Lewis's daughter.
19. "Falling", 2005: a heavy top ten rock radio single.
20. "Everything Changes", 2006: an acoustic-leaning single.
21. "King of All Excuses", 2006: a hard-hitting single from Chapter V.

Later Staind songs

22. "All I Want", 2009: a single from The Illusion of Progress.
23. "This Is It", 2009: a song from the soundtrack of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
24. "Eyes Wide Open", 2011: a top five rock radio single.
25. "Now", 2012: a single from their self-titled album.
26. "Something to Remind You", 2012: a reflective single.
27. "Lowest in Me", 2023: the number one comeback single from Confessions of the Fallen.
28. "Here and Now", 2023: a number two rock radio single.
29. "Better Days", 2024: a hopeful top ten rock radio single.
30. "Ghosts", 2026: a rock radio single from their newest album.

Who are Staind?

Staind formed in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1995, with singer Aaron Lewis, guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist Johnny April and drummer Jon Wysocki. They released their first album, Tormented, on their own in 1996 and built a following in New England clubs. Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit helped them sign with a major label, and their 1999 album Dysfunction broke them nationally. Break the Cycle, 14 Shades of Grey and Chapter V all debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, a remarkable run for a hard rock band.

The story behind It's Been Awhile

"It's Been Awhile" is a painfully honest song about addiction, regret and the damage it does to relationships, written by Aaron Lewis about his own struggles. Its quiet verses and explosive chorus captured the sound of rock radio in 2001, and Break the Cycle debuted at number one with one of the biggest first weeks of the year. The song topped both the mainstream rock and alternative charts and reached number five on the Hot 100, and it has since been played millions of times on streaming services by a new generation.

The story behind Outside

Aaron Lewis first played "Outside" as an unplanned acoustic duet with Fred Durst at a 1999 Family Values Tour show. The recording of that live performance spread quickly on rock radio, so the band recorded a studio version for Break the Cycle. Its spare, aching sound showed that Staind could be as powerful when they were quiet as when they were loud.

The story behind So Far Away

After the darkness of Break the Cycle, "So Far Away" was a surprise: a warm, mid-tempo song that looks back on hard times from a better place. Released in 2003 as the second single from 14 Shades of Grey, it went to number one on both the mainstream rock and alternative charts and reached number 24 on the Hot 100. Many fans who went through their own recovery or rebuilding count it among the band's most meaningful songs, and it is a popular choice for graduations, farewells and fresh starts.

Staind's sound

Staind came up in the nu metal era, but they were always closer to post-grunge: down-tuned guitars, slow tempos and lyrics about depression, addiction, family and loss. Mike Mushok's heavy, textured riffs and Aaron Lewis's voice, which could move from a hushed whisper to a full roar in one chorus, gave their songs a raw emotional weight that set them apart from their peers.

Aaron Lewis's country career

In 2011 Aaron Lewis launched a solo country career, with the hit "Country Boy" featuring George Jones and Charlie Daniels. He has released several country albums since, and Staind returned to the stage in 2019 and released Confessions of the Fallen in 2023, their first album in more than a decade. For more from the country side, see our George Jones songs.

Staind albums to start with

• Dysfunction (1999): heavy and raw, with "Mudshovel" and "Home".
• Break the Cycle (2001): the blockbuster, with "It's Been Awhile", "Outside" and "Fade".
• 14 Shades of Grey (2003): softer and more melodic, with "So Far Away".
• Chapter V (2005): with "Right Here".
• Confessions of the Fallen (2023): the comeback, with "Lowest in Me".

Staind songs for a hard day

For anyone going through a difficult season, "So Far Away", "Epiphany" and "Better Days" offer hope, and "It's Been Awhile" speaks to anyone fighting their own demons. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357, and for a mental health crisis call or text 988. See also our songs about addiction and songs about depression.

Staind songs for a sobriety anniversary

Because so many Staind songs deal honestly with addiction and recovery, fans often share them on sobriety anniversaries. "So Far Away", "Better Days" and "Right Here" mark how far someone has come. For gift ideas, see our guide to the best sobriety anniversary gift for a best friend.

Staind songs for a road trip or a workout

For a long drive, play "So Far Away", "Right Here", "Believe" and "Outside". For a workout, "Mudshovel", "Price to Play", "Not Again" and "Lowest in Me" bring the heavy riffs. For more heavy rock, see our Slipknot songs, Nirvana songs and Soundgarden songs.

A song as honest as Staind's

Staind's songs are honest about life's hardest moments. A personalized song can be just as honest for someone you love: their name, what they have been through and what they mean to you. It makes a meaningful gift for a birthday, a milestone or a recovery anniversary.

How to create a personalized rock song

1. Choose a style from 14 genres: rock, acoustic, country and more.
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5. Listen to 4 free 45-second previews and choose your favorite.

The full 3 to 4 minute song costs $35.99, or $40.99 for Premium with four full versions and editable lyrics. You get the MP3, a gift page and the lyrics as a PDF.

Give them a song of their own: create a song and hear four previews for free.