Prepare to be captivated by a song that perfectly blends introspection with raw power.
The Song
"Through Glass" is a power ballad by American hard rock band Stone Sour, released in 2006 as the second single from their second studio album, Come What(ever) May. Written by lead vocalist Corey Taylor, the song showcases a more melodic and introspective side of the band compared to their heavier fare. Its lyrics delve into themes of disillusionment, hypocrisy, and the struggle to see clearly through the facades people present. The track's dynamic range, moving from a clean, acoustic-driven verse to a powerful, emotionally charged chorus, helped it stand out as a radio-friendly anthem.
The Artist
Stone Sour was formed in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1992 by Corey Taylor (vocals) and Joey Jordison (drums), though Jordison would later leave the band. The band's current lineup includes Taylor, Josh Rand (guitar), Christian Martucci (guitar), Johny Chow (bass), and Roy Mayorga (drums). While Taylor is famously known as the frontman for the Grammy-winning metal band Slipknot, Stone Sour allowed him to explore a broader range of musical styles, often incorporating more melodic hard rock and alternative metal elements. Come What(ever) May, the album featuring "Through Glass," was particularly significant as it marked the return of Corey Taylor and Jim Root (who was also in Slipknot at the time) to Stone Sour after a hiatus.
Chart Performance
"Through Glass" was a significant commercial success for Stone Sour, propelling them into the mainstream. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, a testament to its widespread appeal on rock radio. It also reached number two on the Alternative Songs chart. Beyond the rock charts, "Through Glass" even made an impression on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 39, demonstrating its crossover success. The single's strong chart performance contributed to Come What(ever) May achieving platinum certification in the United States.
Cultural Impact
"Through Glass" became one of Stone Sour's signature songs and a fan favorite, often featured prominently in their live sets. Its relatable lyrics about societal scrutiny and self-reflection resonated with a wide audience, making it an anthem for those feeling misunderstood or critical of others. The song's success undoubtedly broadened Stone Sour's appeal beyond their initial heavy metal fanbase, introducing them to a more mainstream rock audience. The music video also played a crucial role in its impact, garnering significant airplay on music television channels like MTV2 and Fuse.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "Through Glass" features Corey Taylor performing in a satirical talent show, surrounded by a panel of judges and a diverse, often exaggerated, audience.
- The video is known for its critical commentary on the superficiality of Hollywood and the music industry, with many of the characters representing common archetypes.
- Several members of the band's crew and friends made cameo appearances as audience members or staff in the video.
- The director of the "Through Glass" music video was Tony Petrossian, who has also directed videos for artists like Slipknot, Linkin Park, and Evanescence.
- The album Come What(ever) May was recorded at Studio 606 in Northridge, California, owned by Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl.