The Stone Temple Pilots‘ original line-up consisted of Scott Weiland fronting the band and singing singing lead vocals, Dean DeLeo on guitar and his brother Robert DeLeo playing bass. Rounding out the band was the mighty Eric Kretz on drums. These four brilliant musicians released some of the most exciting rock and roll music of the 1990s.
The Stone Temple Pilots merged the sounds of grunge-style bands like Nirvana and Mudhoney with the riffs of bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Within their music, one could also easily find the sounds of 60s Brit-pop.
“I’m not saying we’re better than everybody else,” Scott Weiland told RIP magazine in 1994, “but we’re a completely different entity than anyone else.”
It may sound like a bit of chest-puffing self-promotion — what band doesn’t want to think they’re unique? But Stone Temple Pilots needed this sort of instinct to survive. Starting with their multiplatinum 1992 debut, “Core”, they were swiftly written off as grunge copycats by critics who failed to notice the nuance and sophistication of their song writing.
On their next record, “Purple” the one they were promoting with that RIP interview, The band took their big leap, adding psychedelia, glam and even country rock to their toolbox. During their run with Weiland, who died from an overdose in 2015, they created one of the most distinctive catalogs from their era.
The frontman, with his chiseled features and old-school stage charisma, played the most obvious role in the band’s success. But he was also a versatile singer who could tackle whatever mood his bandmates threw at him — from the twang of “Interstate Love Song” to the metallic crunch of “Down.”
“He had a John Lennon-ish quality, a little bit of Jim Morrison and a touch of almost David Bowie,” Slash, Weiland’s bandmate in Velvet Revolver, wrote in his 2008 autobiography. “He was the best singer to come out in a long time, in my opinion.” But even after the mild revisionism that followed Weiland’s death, critics continue to sleep on this band’s gifts as players, writers of melody and, crucially, craftsmen of LPs as musical journeys. Below, we rank every Stone Temple Pilots studio album .
During their run with original singer Scott Weiland, they created one of the most unique and underrated catalogue’s from their era.
‘Stone Temple Pilots’ (2018)
A dark cloud seemed to be hovering over Stone Temple Pilots: Weiland, who long struggled with substance abuse, died in 2015, and Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, who’d temporarily replaced Weiland in STP, died from suicide in 2017. No one would have faulted the band for calling it quits, but the remaining trio moved forward with Jeff Gutt, best known for finishing runner-up on Season Three of The X Factor USA.
The Stone Temple Pilots song “Meadow” is the only track on this that does not feature the lead vocals of Scott Weiland.
The singer was a logical fit, armed with the same grit that made Weiland a star. But Stone Temple Pilots, the band’s second straight self-titled LP, lacks their classic charisma and harmonic depth. “The Art of Letting Go,” a rare highlight, nods to the more reflective, gently psychedelic moments on “Purple” or “Tiny Music ..”. , and opener “Middle of Nowhere” is STP at their hooky hard-rock best. But most of the album feels strangely generic, devoid of the personality their late singer always gave them.
‘Perdida’ (2020)
STP has never been afraid to unplug, from the reflective folk-grunge of early ballad “Creep” to the straight-up country-rock twang of 2010’s “Maver.” So they were better-equipped than most hard rock bands to go acoustic — OK, 90% acoustic — like they do on “Perdida“. It was still a risky move, especially since this was only their second LP with Gutt, but the softer settings allow the band to stretch out: the 12-string shimmer on “Three Wishes,” the waltzing orchestrations on “Miles Away,” the Seals and Crofts-y soft-rock on the sweetly sullen “Years” (featuring bassist Robert DeLeo on lead vocals). You naturally crave some heaviness to break up the monochrome vibe, but “Perdida” is an admirable experiment for a group that could easily coast in legacy-rocker mode.
‘Stone Temple Pilots’ (2010)
“I would never want to make a record like that again,” Robert DeLeo told Yahoo, detailing the fractured sessions that spawned Stone Temple Pilots, their first LP in nine years. Weiland initially worked on vocals separately from his bandmates, causing creative and logistical challenges — many of which were resolved after recruiting outside producer Don Was, who pushed the band to play together in the same room again. That shift in approach makes sense when you hear the songs, which channel the raw immediacy of their early work. Sometimes that simplicity sounds reinvigorating, like on the snarling glam-rocker “Between the Lines” and the dreamy, hooky “Cinnamon.” Elsewhere — like on the boneheaded “Huckleberry Crumble,” which comes off like a lesser version of Aerosmith’s “Same Old Song and Dance” you wish they’d spent a bit more time in the refining stage.
Stone Temple Pilots’ sixth full-length arrived in 2010, marking the band’s return to the studio after nearly a decade away. The San Diego rock group, long established for early 90s albums “Core” and “Purple“, took a sharper, riff-driven approach here. ‘Between The Lines’ and ‘Take A Load Off’ drew radio play for their lean hooks, while deeper cuts like ‘Huckleberry Crumble’ and ‘First Kiss On Mars’ showed a band refusing to coast on reputation. Now reaching its fifteenth year, the record is being reissued on vinyl. ‘Hazy Daze’, ‘Bagman’ and ‘Peacoat’ hold their own next to the classics, giving the album the feel of a band testing themselves after years apart.
‘Core’ (1992)
“Core” was Stone Temple Pilots debut album. This was a great one. The album featured the bands four original members.
Few albums in rock history are more divisive even decades later than STP’s embryonic debut. Critics, salivating with snark in an era of rampant grunge plagiarism, fired missiles of dismissal — taking aim at the band’s brooding riffs and Weiland’s testosterone-heavy howl. There’s some truth to such complaints: The murky guitar sound and Weiland’s macho vocals on “Dead and Bloated” land somewhere between grunge parody and teenage tribute. But their melodic craft and sonic adventure, cornerstones of 1994’s “Purple”, lift “Core” above the hate — from the slow-burning strum-to-distortion dynamics of “Creep” to the shift into trippy folk a la Led Zeppelin III on “Sin.”
The classic Stone Temple Pilots song “Creep” was released on this album. The song was so perfectly titled because it sounded as if the band was creeping up on the listener with its slow but haunting groove that almost put the listener in a trace. The album was released in 1993. Scott Weiland has been quoted as saying that the song was inspired by Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold.”
Stone Temple Pilots‘ 1992 album, “Core”, is a classic of alternative rock that is characterized by heavy guitars, catchy melodies, and Scott Weiland’s distinctive vocals. The album’s standout track is ‘Plush,’ a power ballad that showcases Weiland’s soaring vocals and the band’s knack for writing memorable hooks. Other highlights include ‘Sex Type Thing,’ a driving rocker with a catchy chorus, and ‘Wicked Garden,’ an up-tempo song that shows the Weiland at his more aggressive best. Reaching number three on the Billboard 200 chart, “Core” is an essential album for fans of 90s alternative rock.
‘No. 4’ (1999)
After expanding and experimenting on “Tiny Music …” , STP re-examined their heaviest impulses on No. 4. In terms of sheer force, the uptempo songs hit harder than anything else in their catalogue including the grungiest moments of “Core”. And fortunately, they hadn’t lost their chops: Juggernauts like “No Way Out” and “Heaven & Hot Rods,” with their dynamic shifts and subtly nuanced riffs, put the entire nu-metal movement to shame. But the beauty of “No. 4″ is how, even in this less frilly context, the band maintained the melodic prowess of their last two LPs — like the tranquil singalong of “Sour Girl” and the Beach Boys-y backing vocals of “Church on Tuesday.”
This one is heavy, and we love it. The excellent track “Down,” was released on the band’s fourth album entitled “No. 4” released in 1999. Listen to that killer guitar solo! The recording of “Down” took place at the legendary NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and a roster of famous clients. The track’s production was overseen by producer Brendan O’Brien, who always knows how to get such a great full sound.
‘Shangri-La Dee Da’ (2001)
STP’s platinum hot streak ran cold with “Shangri-La Dee Da”, which reached only gold sales and peaked at a comparatively weak No. 9 on the Billboard 200. That isn’t a total shock, since almost nothing on album five — outside of the next-level hooky glam-rocker “Days of the Week” scanned as an obvious single. But as a front-to-back album experience, it rivals anything in their catalogue , leaning into their more psychedelic side on a handful of shimmering ballads (“Black Again,” “Bi-Polar Bear,” “Hello It’s Late”).
The great track “Days Of The Week” was released on the band’s fourth album, “Shangri-La Dee Da”. For most of their career, Stone Temple Pilots were a heavy band that released songs that mixed elements of metal, grunge, and hard rock. But there were moments when the band recorded songs that veered towards the pop world. This was one of them. And it was great!
They do crank out some aggressive hard rock for the sake of variety (“Coma,” “Hollywood Bitch,” which sounds like a not-so-distant cousin of their earlier hit “Big Bang Baby”), but “Shangri-La Dee Da” works best as a headphones album, documenting the band at their most exploratory.
‘Purple’ (1994)
Stone Temple Pilots‘ second LP (1994) marked a shift from the rawness of their pilot album “Core” toward tighter song writing and broader sonic reach, layer-caking their readily established grunge sound in starker progressions and clearer Southern gothic baritones from Scott Weiland. ‘Vasoline’, ‘Big Empty’ and ‘Interstate Love Song’ still hit hard, yet deeper cuts like ‘Pretty Penny’, ‘Lounge Fly’ and ‘Silvergun Superman’ reveal the album’s layered charm.
The song “Big Empty” was released on “Purple” in 1994. It was released as the first single from the album. The song also found its way onto the soundtrack of the motion picture The Crow. The film starred Brandon Lee, the son of the legendary martial arts star, Bruce Lee. The recording of “Big Empty” was conducted at the legendary Harptone Studios,
Only 47 minutes long, but full of unexpected sonic flourishes, it’s now rediscovered in 45rpm form, thanks to Analogue Productions, compared to whom few do it better.
Probably regarded as one of the Stone Temple Pilots’ greatest songs. We struggled to choose between this and “Trippin” Stone Temple Pilots always balanced the line between the darkness and soul of grunge with the iconic guitar riffs and spirit of classic rock. This one leans a little more toward that Led Zeppelin sound with a bit of psychedelia oozing through. The song “Interstate Love Song” was released on “Purple” in 1994. It was released as the third single from the album
The killer track “Vasoline.” The song is featured on their second album, “Purple”, released in 1994. This song is a quintessential example of the band’s signature style, combining grunge-influenced guitar riffs with a cool, distinctly melodic approach. The recording of “Vasoline” took place at Southern Tracks Recording in Atlanta, Georgia. The song’s driving guitar riff, provided by Dean DeLeo, is instantly recognizable and stands as one of the best guitar riffs of the 1990s. The music video for “Vasoline” was directed by Kevin Kerslake.
Stone Temple Pilots reached a creative peak in the mid-’90s, riding the wave of “Core’s” multiplatinum success but also eager to silence their critics. “Purple” worked on both levels. It was their second straight blockbuster, topping the Billboard 200 and spawning some of alt-rock’s most timeless melodies (including the wistful open-road anthem “Interstate Love Song”). But these songs were also weightier and more artful, admirably moving beyond the grunge aesthetic that originally earned them so many insults. “Vasoline” is creepy and psychedelic, its incessant two-note riff rubbing up against Eric Kretz’s full-Bonham drumming; “Big Empty” takes the quiet-loud dynamic to its extreme, building from lounge-y, slide-guitar folk into primal hard rock; and “Pretty Penny” leans into trippy, sitar-like drones and complex rhythms
Here comes Stone Temple Pilots’ gatefold reissue of their seminal 1994 album, a pivotal moment in the 1990s grunge and alternative rock scene. Following the success of their debut, “Core”, “Purple” rocketed to number one on the Billboard 200 and achieved multi-platinum status worldwide.
The album’s standout single, ‘Interstate Love Song,’ became a defining anthem of the era, showcasing Stone Temple Pilots’ evolution from grunge newcomers to rock superstars. This reissue offers a fresh appreciation of the album’s potent blend of raw energy and introspective lyrics, with Scott Weiland’s exploration of themes like addiction, love, and self-discovery adding depth and authenticity. “Purple” is more than just a grunge album; it’s a show of the band’s artistic growth and enduring impact and this reissue provides fans with a chance to revisit or discover the powerful and emotionally resonant music that solidified their place in rock history.
‘Tiny Music … Songs From the Vatican Gift Shop’ (1996)
They’d already made a quantum leap on “Purple”, experimenting with new textures and styles — but the band’s third LP was almost indefinable. The die is immediately cast, as they pivot pointedly from the instrumental lounge-funk of “Press Play” into the swaggering glam of “Pop’s Love Suicide” and the acidic alt-punk of “Tumble in the Rough.” Overall, they go just about everywhere: plunging deeper into psychedelia (“And So I Know”), flirting with Beatles-y pop (“Lady Picture Show”) and cranking up the amps when the moment feels right (“Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart,” featuring one of the era’s definitive rock guitar solos). Nothing “tiny” about it.
If there is one great example of the power of The Beatles and how they inspired so many bands even into the 1990s, it can be found right here on this John Lennon / Paul McCartney-inspired great rock and roll tune called “Lady Picture Show.” This is one of the best Stone Temple Pilots songs ever released and probably one of the most unknown.
“Trippin’ On A Hole In A Paper Heart.” This one is deep. This great song defines everything we love about the Stone Temple Pilots. The riffs, the darkness, the depth of the lyrics, and the brilliant, passionate musicianship roar considerably on this mesmerizing track. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.
Stone Temple Pilots’ 1996 pivot from grunge scaffolding to something stranger and shinier comes remastered on Mobile Fidelity’s hybrid SACD; a hi-res edition cut from the original tapes. Recorded in a sprawling Californian ranch-turned-studio, the band ditched the confines of alt-rock purity for glam-flecked guitar pop, stoned psychedelia, garage crunch and warped lounge. It confused critics at the time, but “Tiny Music… Songs From The Vatican Gift Shop” has grown into its reputation, helped along by a vocal performance from Scott Weiland that drifts between smeared and swaggering, ragged and weirdly precise. Brendan O’Brien’s production brims with odd textures and giddy detours, as ‘Big Bang Baby’ borrows from ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’, while ‘Lady Picture Show’ veers into brittle melancholy. A record that made fun of the rules while rewriting them.
High Rise EP
“High Rise” is an EP by Stone Temple Pilots, released on October 2013, featuring Chester Bennington as the lead vocalist.
This marked a significant moment for the band as it was their first release without former lead vocalist Scott Weiland, who was fired in February 2013. Chester Bennington, known for his work with Linkin Park, took over as the lead vocalist for this EP.
The EP includes five tracks, with notable singles such as “Out of Time” and “Black Heart.” The music retains the classic Stone Temple Pilots sound while incorporating Bennington’s unique
vocal style which brought a fresh energy to the band. The EP received mixed reviews from critics but was generally well- received by fans. It showcased the band’s ability to evolve while still honouring their roots in rock music.
Also check out Stone Temple Pilots “MTV Unplugged 1993”
‘Live at Rolling Rock 2001’
Unearth a missing chapter with the previously unreleased ‘Live at Rolling Rock 2001’, coming to Record Store Day on April 18! This exclusive 2LP Canary Yellow colored vinyl set features Stone Temple Pilots firing on all cylinders with a raw, powerful performance of ‘Shangri-La-Dee-Da’ tracks alongside massive hits like “Sex Type Thing” and “Interstate Love Song.”
Here is a list of their studio albums to date
Core (1992) Purple (1994) Tiny Music… Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop (1996) No. 4 (1999) Shangri-La Dee Da (2001) Stone Temple Pilots (2010) High Rise (2013) – EP Stone Temple Pilots (2018) Perdida (2020)
In addition to these, they have also released 3 compilation albums, 2 live albums, and 1 extended play
Alive in the Windy City. Live 2018 are among the Live recordings
The Fat Angel Sings 