Staind

Although they are very much their own band, Staind are often linked to Limp Bizkit, whose singer Fred Durst was instrumental in aiding the band's career. Early on, Durst suggested that lead singer Aaron Lewis integrate solo acoustic touches into the band's heavy-rock approach. And while Staind proved itself fully capable of rocking as hard as any of its nu-metal brethren, it was ultimately an introspective, acoustic-based ballad that provided Staind with its biggest hit, the ubiquitous "It's Been Awhile," which became one of 2001's most-heard songs.

• rock