14 Shades of Grey is Staind's fourth album, released on May 20, 2003. The album is deemed "softer" than the group's previous efforts, with the exception of the first single and first track, "Price to Play". "Price to Play" is trademark of Staind's sound, with heavy guitars in the verses, soaring vocal harmonies, and melody/harmony guitars to complement the vocals. The album is a different direction for Staind, being more of a mainstream rock album than a nu-metal album; the screaming and anger of previous albums is almost non-existent. This album has a more positive attitude than the band's previous efforts. The song "Layne" is a tribute to Layne Staley, late Alice in Chains singer. The song "Zoe Jane" honors Aaron Lewis' firstborn daughter.

One may use the CD to download the bonus acoustic song "Let It Out" from the Staind website.