Stone Temple Pilots - Purple

Purple is the second studio album by American rock band Stone Temple Pilots, originally released in June 1994 via Atlantic Records.

Stone Temple Pilots had hits with Core, but they got no respect, in fact they were positively vilified. Purple as a result seems a conscious effort to distinguish themselves as a band not indebted to grunge. That didn't get them anywhere, as they were attacked as viciously as before, but Purple is nevertheless a quantum leap over their debut, showcasing a band hitting its stride.

Purple builds off the sounds forged on Core, while bringing that sound to a more enriched, mature, and entertaining level. This was accomplished by expanding on the sub-genres fused with the core hard-rock, grunge approach, utilizing some folk, jazz, funk, and Southern rock elements.

Lyrically, the songs contain many references to vocalist and lyricist Scott Weiland‘s struggles with drug abuse and the collateral damage brought on by these addictions. This serves to add a tinge of darkness and foreboding to the otherwise inspiring musical vibes.

Yes, they were considerably more mainstream than their peers, but time has proven that that's their primary charm, since they were unafraid to temper their grunge with big arena hooks and swirling melodies. It works particularly well on the tight, concise "Vasoline" and the acoustic-based "Pretty Penny", but it really shines on the record's two masterpieces, "Big Empty" and "Interstate Love Song".

"Big Empty" is ominous and foreboding, yet remains anthemic, a perfect encapsulation of mainstream alienation that is surpassed only by "Interstate Love Song", a concise alluring epic.

Purple is one hell of an album lead by these two tracks which on their own are proof positive that Stone Temple Pilots was the best straight-ahead rock singles outfit of their time.

This album is a 2023 Atlantic 75 series limited edition reissue on crystal clear coloured vinyl housed in a single pocket sleeve with a printed inner sleeve, pressed in Europe via Atlantic Records.