Here's my take . . . I assume most of the people on this board are familiar with Vincent Van Gogh's The Starry Night painting. If not, go here. As you probably can see, Van Gogh had a very unique painting style (whether you like it or not is purely a matter of personal taste). Not surprisingly, many artists have mimicked this style of painting over the years. In fact, it could be argued that some painters have used Van Gogh's style more effectively than he did. However, the fact remains that Van Gogh was the first and that all artists who utilized this style after him are followers. And followers don't get (nor do they deserve) the kudos. Now you may like Creed and that's fair. But the fact remains is that Scott Stapp is still mimicking Eddie Vedder and until he finds a voice of his own, he's nothing but an imitator. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of Pearl Jam really. To me, their biggest asset was their energy and that seemed to be on the decline as early as the Vs album. I admire that Eddie Vedder is one of the few male rock lyricists who can write from a female perspective, but his actual singing tends to be overblown and bombastic. Unfortunately, its seems that Vedder's vocal histrionics is what Scott Stapp liked best. As for the band, they're your typical power chord rock band. The riffs, rhythms and melodies are all retreads and lack originality. I don't think Pearl Jam is particularly inventive musically either, but their music certainly is more sonically varied and three-dimensional (and not just because they have a second guitarist). I think the Bon Jovi analogy is perfect for Creed. Both bands are loud, simplistic and deliver a message that's easily digested. If that's what Scott Stapp and Creed want to do, that's their right. But then they shouldn't feel the need to defend themselves by comparing themselves to Led Zeppellin.
It's all been done before in rock music. If you want originality, you're going to be listening to the same handful of albums over and over and over.... Saying that Pearl Jam is more original than Creed "is like...well...it's like SOMETHING". If a song is good, it's good. No originality needed. That's all that matters, THE SONG. And yes, "Wanted Dead or Alive" is a great freaking SONG.
It has nothing to do with his voice. It's the style or way he chooses to use it. I can sing like Elton John then turn around and sing like John Fogerty.
