Puddle of Mudd is an American rock band known for their radio hits in the early 2000s. Their music videos were on heavy rotation on MTV at the same time.
Their lead singer, Wes Scantlin, has also been the topic of controversy with his on-stage antics and troubled personality. This reflects in the band’s lyrics, which focus on relationship issues, dreams of being famous and so forth. Still, they have always been able to create a catchy, memorable song when they are in the mood. Puddle of Mudd consists of Wes Scantlin (vocals, guitar), Dave Moreno (drums), Matt Fuller (guitar) and Michael Adams (bass). Here are their top 5 tracks:
Honourable mentions: “Out of my Head”, “Spin You Around” and “Psycho”.
5. Away From Me
The first track on the playlist starts with one of Scantlin’s recognisable screams and a melodic guitar intro. The song focuses on the uncertainty when there is distrust in a relationship and the sadness of relationships breaking down. The lead chorus and guitar work on this track are exceptional and create a superb flowing track:
“I’m always afraid that you’re gone away from me. I’m always afraid that you’re lost,” sings Scantlin in the chorus. The repetition of the chorus adds to the urgency of the message.

4. Famous
This track is typical of American bands and their urge to be famous and live the party lifestyle. It could also be a hypocritical look at that lifestyle and why it fails to deliver real happiness for so many people. “You can sleep all day and still get paid. When the sun goes down, We’ll do it all over again,” are some of the lyrics in this track that looks at the rock star lifestyle.
Scantlin’s signature voice is omnipresent in the chorus and the bridge, where Dave Moreno’s drums and Fuller and Scantlin’s guitars drive the song further.

3. Control
“Control” is another of Puddle of Mudd’s relationship-based songs. It focuses on how a physical relationship without any emotional substance can go haywire from the start and leave both parties wanting control but, ironically, letting it slip. “I need to feel you. You need to feel me. I can’t control you. You’re not the one for me, no.” This song pulls no punches and gets straight to the point – one of the trademarks of Puddle of Mudd songs. The drums in this song give it extra oomph, while Scantlin’s vocals are, once again, on point.

2. She Hates Me
This is a rock song in a typically pop music format. It has a repetitive chorus and lyrics about relationships turning sour. The song begins with little acoustic interlude before heading into an aggressive singalong chorus. In this track, Scantlin directs his message to the archetypical “worst girlfriend ever” and how her craziness comes to the fore.
“I tried too hard and she tore my feelings like I had none and ripped them away,” he sings to emphasise this.

1.Blurry
This is my pick for the best Puddle of Mudd song for various reasons. Firstly, the guitar harmonics filtered throughout the verses are beautiful. Secondly, the lyrics are profound, for a change, and emphasise the nature of the world and the difficulties of poor communication in relationships. The song also looks at how someone would fight for someone they love, even if things go blurry from time to time.
“You could be my someone. You could be my scene. You know that I’ll protect you from all of the obscene. I wonder what you’re doing. Imagine where you are. There’s an ocean in between us but that’s not very far.”
The chorus is one of the best parts with Scantlin giving his all on this superb track.
“Everyone is changing. There’s no one left that’s real. So make up your own ending and let me know just how you feel. ‘Cause I am lost without you. I cannot live at all. My whole world surrounds you. I stumble then I crawl.”