How a post-grunge record became one of the biggest albums in US history
In short: Released in September 1999, Creed's Human Clay defied critical lukewarmness to achieve massive global success. While some critics dismissed its spiritual lyrics, the album dominated the charts, eventually selling over 20 million copies worldwide and cementing the band's place in the rock pantheon.
Human Clay represents a pivotal moment for Creed, serving as the band's second studio release and their final effort with the original lineup, including bassist Brian Marshall, before his departure in August 2000. The album's title is derived from a lyric in the song "Say I," which reflects on the settling of dust upon a field of human clay. According to guitarist Mark Tremonti, the cover art—designed by his brother Daniel—symbolizes a personal crossroads, suggesting that humans possess the agency to shape their own destinies through their actions.
The record's sonic identity is defined by heavy riffs and introspective, quasi-spiritual lyrics, drawing clear influence from Seattle-based grunge acts like Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Stone Temple Pilots. While Entertainment Weekly's Laura Morgan offered a mixed review, noting the lyrics could feel like a self-help manual, the commercial impact was undeniable. The album reached number one on the US Billboard 200, where it remained for two weeks, and spawned the hit single "With Arms Wide Open," which became the band's only number one single.
The album's longevity is evidenced by its staggering sales and accolades. It has been certified diamond by the RIAA for selling 10,000,000 copies and has sold an estimated 20 million copies globally. It ranks as the 54th best-selling album in US history and was named the fifth best album of the decade by Billboard in 2009. Despite some critics placing it on lists of the worst albums ever, others have lauded it as the definitive post-grunge release of 1999.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Human Clay
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