Staind Hit Singles Over the Years: From Mudshovel to It's Been Awhile and Beyond
- Capital City Tickets
- 17 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Staind Hit Singles Over the Years: From Mudshovel to It's Been Awhile and Beyond tells the story of one of post-grunge and nu-metal's most enduring acts. Formed in 1995 in Springfield, Massachusetts, Staind—led by Aaron Lewis's raw, introspective vocals—delivered a string of emotional, heavy-hitting singles that dominated rock radio in the late '90s and early 2000s. With over 15 million albums sold worldwide and classics still racking up hundreds of millions of streams, their catalog remains a staple for fans of heartfelt alternative rock. Staind Hit Singles Over the Years!

At CapitalCityTickets.com, we're pumped for Staind's 2026 Break the Cycle 25th Anniversary Tour—celebrating their landmark 2001 album with special guests like Seether, Hoobastank, and Hinder. Catch them on dates including festival stops like Welcome To Rockville (May 7, Daytona Beach, FL), Sonic Temple, and amphitheater runs in Atlanta (Lakewood Amphitheatre, Sep 8), Charlotte (Truliant Amphitheater, Sep 10), and more. Grab cheap resale tickets now with promo code CITY10 for an extra 10% off—secure your spot before they sell out!
Early Hits: Mudshovel and the Independent Grind (1990s)
Staind's journey started raw and underground. Their 1996 independent debut Tormented featured "Mudshovel"—a gritty, aggressive track that became an early fan favorite and live staple. It captured the band's heavy, angsty sound and laid the foundation for their breakthrough.
The real momentum built with 1999's Dysfunction (via Flip/Elektra), including tracks like "Just Go" (peaking at #24 on Mainstream Rock) and deeper cuts that showcased their evolving style. But it was the live acoustic version of "Outside" (with Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit) from the 1999 Family Values Tour that exploded—turning a raw performance into a radio hit and propelling them into the mainstream.
Peak Era: Break the Cycle and Massive Success (2001–2002)
2001's Break the Cycle was Staind's defining moment—certified 5x platinum, debuting with huge sales, and spawning their biggest singles:
"It's Been Awhile" – Their signature ballad, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, #1 on Mainstream Rock for a record 20 weeks, and earning gold certifications worldwide. With lyrics about addiction and self-reflection ("And it's been awhile / Since I can say that I wasn't addicted"), it became one of the most-played rock songs ever.
"Outside" (studio version) – Building on the acoustic hit, it reached #11 on Modern Rock and solidified their crossover appeal.
"Fade" – Hit #4 on Mainstream Rock, blending heavy riffs with emotional depth.
"For You" – Peaked at #3 on Mainstream Rock, another introspective powerhouse.
These tracks defined early 2000s rock radio, blending nu-metal aggression with vulnerable lyrics.
Continued Success: 14 Shades of Grey and Beyond (2003–2010s)
Staind kept the momentum with 2003's 14 Shades of Grey (#1 on Billboard 200):
2005's Chapter V delivered "Right Here" (#1 on Mainstream Rock, strong mainstream play) and "Falling." Later releases like 2008's The Illusion of Progress and 2011's self-titled album added "Believe" and more, while 2023's Confessions of the Fallen brought fresh material, including recent single "Lowest In Me."
Why Staind's Hits Still Resonate in 2026
From the raw edge of "Mudshovel" to the timeless vulnerability of "It's Been Awhile" and "Outside," Staind's singles capture real emotion—addiction, heartbreak, redemption—wrapped in powerful guitars and Aaron Lewis's distinctive voice. Their evolution from underground to arena-filling legends makes them a must-see live.
Don't miss the Break the Cycle 25th Anniversary Tour in 2026! Visit CapitalCityTickets.com, search "Staind" or specific dates (e.g., Lakewood Amphitheatre Atlanta Sep 8), add tickets to your cart, and enter promo code CITY10 at checkout for 10% off discounted resale seats. With their 100% buyer guarantee and digital delivery, it's easy to score affordable tickets for an epic night of post-grunge classics and anniversary celebrations. Rock on! 🎸
