Which Band Reigns Supreme: Breaking Benjamin or Staind?
This intriguing question lies at the core of this week’s edition of Chuck’s Fight Club on the Loudwire Nights radio show. Notably, both bands maintain a positive relationship in real life, gearing up for an exciting co-headlining tour that kicks off this week. However, when it comes to radio airplay, both Breaking Benjamin and Staind have been titans of the airwaves since their emergence in the 2000s. Their paths have often crossed, with their songs competing for the coveted No. 1 position on charts simultaneously. Let’s delve deeper into the legacies of these two iconic bands.
Breaking Benjamin burst onto the music scene with their debut album Saturate in 2002, which introduced audience favorites like “Polyamorous,” “Skin,” and “Medicate.” The band’s journey was a gradual ascent, gaining traction with subsequent albums that featured hit singles such as “So Cold,” “Sooner or Later,” “The Diary of Jane,” “Breath,” “Until the End,” “I Will Not Bow,” and “Give Me a Sign.” Each release showcased their evolving sound and lyrical depth, solidifying their status in the rock genre.
After facing a six-year hiatus due to legal complications, frontman Ben Burnley returned with a revamped lineup that successfully revived the band’s momentum. Their comeback included chart-topping tracks like “Failure,” “Angels Fall,” “Never Again,” “Red Cold River,” “Torn in Two,” and the most recent hit, “Awaken.” This resurgence has reaffirmed Breaking Benjamin’s position as an influential force in modern rock music.
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Staind, on the other hand, had already been making waves for several years before Breaking Benjamin emerged. The band’s debut album, Tormented, released in 1996, laid the groundwork for their future success. However, it was their 1999 album Dysfunction that truly captured mainstream attention, featuring hits such as “Just Go,” “Mudshovel,” and “Home.” With each subsequent album, Staind continued to deliver standout tracks like “It’s Been Awhile,” “Outside,” “Fade,” “For You,” “Price to Play,” “So Far Away,” “Right Here,” “Believe,” and “Not Again,” showcasing their emotional depth and musical versatility.
Similar to Breaking Benjamin, Staind experienced a hiatus during the 2010s as band members pursued various side projects. Nevertheless, they made a triumphant return in 2023, releasing new music that resonated with audiences and achieved success on rock radio with songs like “Lowest in Me,” “Here and Now,” and “Better Days.” This comeback highlights Staind’s enduring appeal and their ability to connect with fans.
As is customary with Chuck’s Fight Club battles, Loudwire Nights host Chuck Armstrong will set the stage for this exciting matchup during the 8 PM hour of Monday’s show. Individual arguments advocating for each band will unfold during the 8 PM hour on Tuesday and Wednesday. Meanwhile, listeners are encouraged to cast their votes using the ranking tool located at the bottom of this post. The ultimate winner will be celebrated during a dedicated rock block segment on the Friday edition of Loudwire Nights, also airing at 8 PM.
Don’t forget, Loudwire Nights with Chuck Armstrong airs nightly, starting at 7 PM ET. You can listen live from anywhere by tuning in here or by downloading the Loudwire app to stay updated with the latest music news and trends.
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Gallery Credit: Lauryn Schaffner