The Sound of Madness

The Sound of Madness is the third album, on which Shinedown leapt to arena-scale modern rock. The lineup was renewed, with guitarist Zach Myers and bassist Eric Bass — the current core members — joining from this record. With Grammy-winning producer Rob Cavallo, it further expands heavy guitar and dramatic melody. It became the band's most successful album, reaching multi-platinum. "Second Chance" became the band's biggest hit, widely loved across genres. "Sound of Madness," "Devour" and "If You Only Knew" all became hits in turn, and "The Crow & the Butterfly" gives off a lyrical charm. Songs charged with personal emotion linger too, like "What a Shame," about the death of Smith's uncle. Binding powerful riffs, big choruses and emotional depth at a high level, it is an important record that pushed Shinedown up to a top act.