New year sounds Albums to consider as we start 2002.(Time Out!)

Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL); 1/4/2002

Saddled with too much holiday money provided by your spouse, grandparent or that generous aunt? If CD shopping is in your future, here's a look at some of the most recent releases at your neighborhood music store.

Creed, "Weathered" (Wind-Up)

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"Bullets?" "Freedom Fighter?" "Who's Got My Back?" "My Sacrifice?" From the song titles alone, Creed has tapped into the heat of the moment with its powerful third album. For the spiritually minded Orlando hard-rock trio, weathering criticism for over-the-top earnestness is routine. So, as its title suggests, this album is resolute in showing it not only has a firm place in these conflicted times, it does so with luminous results.

At the gate Creed shows surprising restraint as opening songs "Bullets" and "Freedom Fighters" swing heavy hooks courtesy of guitarist Mark Tremonti. The songs churn tastefully and sharp, leading to the eight-minute "Who's got My Back," an evocative epic bookended by gentle Cherokee chants.

In lessor hands - or, for that matter, the Creed a few years back - the new songs might indeed be filed away as indulgent arena rock. But Scott Stapp steps up as a singer. His rich baritone is romantic and urgent and, yes, lifts the songs higher. Partnered with Tremonti's robust riffs, Stapp leads Creed to a level of rock that's as compelling as U2's "Joshua Tree," but for the first time, playful and emotionally resonant, too.

.Byline: Mark Guarino Daily Herald Music Critic