Scott Stapp has battled his share of demons. His struggle with addiction, depression and bipolar disorder have had an unfortunate impact on both his career and personal life, making him an easy and frequent target for viral gossip over the last decade. Although none of Scott’s on-stage antics or episodes sat well with critics or fans at the time, no one really knew the full story. The public didn’t know just how dark life had become for the former Creed frontman. After a four year gap, though, the Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter has returned with new music, and with it comes an insightful, eye-opening look into the storm that raged on inside the tortured artist, and how he came out the other side of it better than he’s been.
The Space Between the Shadows is a spiritual journey that is as therapeutic to listen to as it undoubtedly was for Stapp to write and record. This third installment of Stapp’s solo career tackles its share of heavy subject matter, whether it’s coming to terms with being abandoned by his father and promising not to do the same to his son on “Name” or seeking answers in the first radio single on the album, “Purpose for Pain” ,by the time we reach “Last Hallelujah,” the album’s closing track, no corner of the singer’s mental health is left unturned. Before we get to the climactic ending, though, we find hope as Stapp inspires us to look inward for the strength to be better, on songs like “Heaven in Me,” “Survivor,” and “Wake Up Call.”
While Stapp’s vocals are at their strongest on The Space Between the Shadows, as especially showcased on songs like “Red Clouds,” Face of the Sun,” “Gone Too Soon,” and “Mary’s Crying,” it’s his lyrics that shine brightest. In his most vulnerable state yet, Stapp reflects on the darkness surrounding him and discovers a light that pulls him through the pain. Filled with lessons to be learned, self-observations, and the resistance to fight the demons within us, this latest release from one of rock music’s most known frontmen is the beacon that can guide us to a better place.
