We’re just, what, four days into 2010? Already I could very well be cashing in whatever might remain of my credibility.

See, because I really like “Rain,” the new single from the recently reformed Creed. The band has for so long raised the ire of rock critics that I contemplated creating a blind post, leaving the artist’s name to be revealed only after you’d listened to the track. Because even I couldn’t believe that Creed—a band whose music previously elicited a Pavlovian response from me, quickly switching stations whenever I’d hear Scott Stapp’s voice coming out of the speaker—might actually turn out something that I wanted to turn up.

Some credit for “Rain” being the exception to everything else I’ve ever heard from Creed must be given to new producer Howard Benson. A Grammy nominee skilled at turning out radio-ready tracks for artists like The All-American Rejects, Daughtry, and Kelly Clarkson, Benson makes “Rain” winningly jangly in the verses, pairing them with a fittingly sky-bursting chorus. Purists might say “Rain” is totally formulaic in construction, but rock music has long had its formulas, and the song holds up to repeated listens (once you’ve put aside any negative perceptions re: Creed). Hear here:

Purchase Creed – “Rain” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.