12 Stones 12 Stones Lyrics

It's appropriate that this earnest, young quartet of rockers is signed to the label that squired Creed to multiplatinum superstardom. Like Creed, 12 Stones deliver accessible, middle-of-the-road, postgrunge rock throughout their formulaic debut. Having emerged from the small burg of Mandeville, Louisiana, they serve up songs that tap (albeit at times tritely) into the self-doubt and romantic woes of post-Ritalin teens ("Patiently waiting by the phone / Hoping that you will call me home"). The songs, though, are honest and deeply felt, especially when singer Paul McCoy summons a metallic growl and Eric Weaver's sinuous guitar yields memorable melodies and acute solos. The menacing drums and agitation of "My Life" make it a highlight; ditto the speedy, edgy rocker "Eric's Song" and the passionate "Soulfire." --Katherine Turman