Music fans like me all have ‘go to’ albums or anthems and for me Creed is that band. Back in 1999, I was producing Headbangers Ball for MTV when Scott Stapp et al released Human Clay and we all became firm fans. Their epic videos were on constant rotation on this global channel and we were in awe of this incredible, inspiring and individual band.
With Stapp’s vocals, masterful musicianship and stunning songwriting, this group were the whole package. The production was second to none. Human Clay was an album you had to play loud and in full stereo to appreciate the profound and polished production of this drop.
Creed – Human Clay – 25th Anniversary Edition (Craft Recordings)
Release Date: 16 August 2024
Words: Sara Harding
Fast forward to the now and Creed fans like me are delighted to celebrate this new remastered drop from the Tallahassee rockers as 25 years later, they celebrate the anniversary of the Diamond-certified album with this bonus-filled reissue.
Human Clay was full of anthemic hits, including Higher, What If, Are You Ready?, and the GRAMMY-winning With Arms Wide Open. Human Clay propelled Scott Stapp, Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall, and Scott Phillips to the top of the Billboard charts, going on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time. 
So when I got my hands on this re-release, I was honoured to listen to this album in all its glory. With all the extra bonus material, I was blown away, too. But this album is not just for old-school fans. These tracks resonate now as much as they did back in the day.
“Twenty-five years ago, we could have never guessed we’d be celebrating Human Clay’s lasting impact while embarking on a whole new chapter together in 2024,” Scott Stapp said. “Then and now, it’s the fans who’ve embraced these songs and found a deeper connection to them as they’ve progressed in their lives. Now, we’re reconnecting with these songs like it’s the first time and seeing the impact on a whole new generation.”
Arriving 16 August, the deluxe 2-CD release features the newly remastered original album, plus a wealth of bonus material, including a complete, never-before-heard concert recording captured in San Antonio, Texas in 1999.
A deluxe digital edition of the album also features six additional bonus tracks, including alternate versions of Higher and With Arms Wide Open, and a cover of the Doors classic Roadhouse Blues featuring the Doors guitarist and founding member Robby Krieger recorded live at Woodstock ’99.
With some albums, we can often skip the tracks that were sometimes ‘the fillers’, but with Human Clay, there is not one song that has not got the Creed Midas touch. Faceless Man is a prime example of this.
Scott Stapp’s deeply rich vocals embellished with some awesome production skills are just sublime. In fact, I have already lost my voice singing along to these instantly connectable lyrics. Obviously, Higher and With Arms Wide Open are those deliciously rich and memorable songs but every track on this new release is superb.
The guitar solos and backlines are next level to augment the voice of Stapp.
The band were also known for their videos too, as not only are Creed easy on the ear, they are easy on the eye too. I mean what rock chick does not like a man in leather, a white vest and flowing hair. So check out YouTube for re-digitalised videos, too. 
Last summer, after an 11-year hiatus, Creed announced their long-awaited reunion, returning to the stage for the first time in April 2024 at the sold-out Summer of ’99 Cruise and Summer of ’99 and Beyond Cruise.
We cannot wait to witness this mighty band live again, so watch this space for news of more dates to celebrate the re-release of this awesome album.
Human Clay is back. It is better than ever, and we welcome Creed with wide-open arms. Epicness!
Human Clay [Deluxe Edition] Tracklist (2-CD, Digital)
Disc 1
1. Are You Ready?
2. What If
3. Beautiful
4. Say I
5. Wrong Way
6 . Faceless Man
7. Never Die
8. With Arms Wide Open
9. Higher
10. Wash Away Those Years
11. Inside Us All
12. With Arms Wide Open (Strings Version)
13. Young Grow Old
14. To Whom It May Concern
15. Is This The End?
16. Roadhouse Blues (Live) #
17. I’m Eighteen #
18. Higher (Radio Edit) #
19. With Arms Wide Open (Single Version) #
20. What If (Radio Edit) #
21. With Arms Wide Open (Acoustic Version) #
Disc 2
1. Are You Ready? (Live) *
2. Ode (Live) *
3. Torn (Live) *
4. Beautiful (Live) *
5. Illusion (Live) *
6. Say I (Live) *
7. My Own Prison (Live) *
8. What If (Live) *
9. With Arms Wide Open (Live) *
10. Faceless Man (Live) *
11. What’s This Life For (Live) *
12. One (Live) *
13. Higher (Live) *
Live from San Antonio, TX – 11/4/1999
* previously unreleased
# Expanded digital album only
Human Clay Tracklist (2-LP)
Side A
1. Are You Ready?
2. What If
3. Beautiful
Side B
1. Say I
2. Wrong Way
3. Faceless Man
Side C
1. Never Die
2. With Arms Wide Open
3. Higher
Side D
1. Wash Away Those Years
2. Inside Us All
