It’s one of greatest albums of an entire decade. From top to bottom, the diverse selection of groove heavy melody and heart wrenching ballads is hard to match. Not only that but it solidified a band that was labeled a copy cat group from the ‘grunge’ era. But with their second album ‘Purple,’ Stone Temple Pilots embedded themselves as their own alternative hard rock band. The album varies from groove metal junctions to psychedelic hard rock excellence to epic ballads. The band knew that they had to differentiate themselves from the rest of their peers; being late to the party. And they did just that with 1994’s ‘Purple.’
‘Meatplow’ serves as a strong opener. The heavy, down tuned riff mixed with the heavy bass and drums says that this band isn’t going soft anytime soon. ‘Vasoline’ has become a legendary staple of the era. The syncopated groove is instantly recognizable. It’s a quintessential 90’s track that has set itself as one of the greats. But the album doesn’t really start to differentiate itself from the rest of the pack until the third song ‘Lounge Fly’ comes in. It’s one of the songs where STP took their own take on alternative hard rock to the next level. Eric Kretz’ thom beats fill the verses unconventionally. The chorus is a catchy vocal melody that’s infectious. Scott Weiland’s voice shines through and differentiates itself from the rest of the early 90’s rock singers. Much more than just a ‘yarler.’ The signature ‘Interstate Love Song’ is next on the album list. I mean, what can you say about it? It’s not only one of the most iconic songs of it’s era, but of all rock. And it made the band megastars. I honestly haven’t met someone who doesn’t like the song. It’s still a radio staple. But it’s not until ‘Still Remains’ that the record establishes itself as a consistent masterpiece. The passion the band exudes in the chorus is breathtaking. Yet another ear worm of a melody that burrows itself.
‘Pretty Penny’ gives an MTV Unplugged vibe. Which makes sense seeing as how the album was released in 1994; the peak of MTV Unplugged. It’s somewhat of a filler track, but a strong acoustic/vocal ballad none the less. The heavy metal comes back with ‘Silvergun Superman.’ It might be the song that resembles the previous album, ‘Core,’ the most. The riff digs itself under the skin, provoking slow tempo headbanging. The albums next gift is truly that, a gift. One of the greatest ballads ever written entitled ‘Big Empty.’ It’s an instant cigarette lighter tune that the entire audience will end up singing with. The MTV Unplugged version of the song is particularly legendary. Rivaling moments of Alice In Chains’ MTV Unplugged for greatest ever. The heavy, punk influenced ‘Unglued’ is a prime example of how early 90’s hard rock combined classic heavy rock and punk. A welcome addition to the album and something that could fit on many ‘grunge’ era records. ‘Army Ants’ follows the same vein. There’s more of a psychedelic hard rock groove to it though. A major head nodder. The album closes with ‘Kitchenware & Candybars.’ It has a vibe to it that’s comparable to ‘Where the River Goes.’ Which is the closing track for the first album ‘Core.’ There’s definitely a closing track pattern that the band is trying to establish. It’s also got an excellent melancholy overlay that permeates the song.
All in all ‘Purple’ is one hell of a record. A perfect album from top to bottom. Not only did it cement a bands career, it differentiated them from the rest of their peers. Which is what has made Stone Temple Pilots a timeless band. Without ‘Purple’ STP wouldn’t have been able to continue into the next decade and beyond. Even though Weiland has left us. May he rest in peace. A 25th anniversary box set will be available on Sept 13. It includes the full album remastered, a second disc with rarities, b-sides and remixes. And a third disc with a live concert recorded in New Haven, CT. So crank it, jam it and celebrate the 25th anniversary of a terrific album for the rockers, broken hearted and partiers out there. What are some of your favorite tracks on the album?
