Stone Temple Pilots (STP), the iconic band that burst onto the music scene in the early 90s, delivered a sound that was both instantly recognizable and constantly evolving. With Scott Weiland's distinctive vocals and the band's knack for blending hard rock with grunge, psychedelic, and even pop sensibilities, STP carved out a unique space for themselves in rock history. For those looking to dive into their discography, knowing where to start can be a little daunting. So, let's break down some of the essential tracks and greatest hits that define the Stone Temple Pilots experience.

Core: The Album That Started It All

When Core dropped in 1992, it didn't just introduce Stone Temple Pilots to the world; it pretty much detonated them onto the scene. This album is a masterclass in 90s alternative rock, blending grunge grit with hard rock swagger in a way that felt both familiar and utterly new. "Sex Type Thing," with its raw energy and controversial lyrics, immediately set the tone. It's a track that's impossible to ignore, a snarling beast of a song that grabs you by the collar and demands your attention. Then there's "Wicked Garden," a slightly more melodic but equally powerful anthem that showcases Weiland's vocal range and the band's ability to craft seriously catchy hooks. But let's be real, the crown jewel of Core is undoubtedly "Plush." That opening riff? Instantly iconic. The chorus? Unforgettable. "Plush" isn't just a great STP song; it's a defining track of the entire decade. It's the kind of song that transcends genre and speaks to something universal. Beyond these heavy hitters, Core is packed with other gems like "Creep," a brooding, introspective track that highlights the band's versatility, and "Dead & Bloated," a relentless rocker that proves STP could go toe-to-toe with any of their contemporaries. Core isn't just a collection of songs; it's a statement of intent, a declaration that Stone Temple Pilots were here to stay, and they were going to do things their way. Listening to it now, it's easy to see why this album resonated so deeply with audiences and continues to be a cornerstone of 90s rock.

Purple: Expanding the Sound

With Purple in 1994, Stone Temple Pilots proved they were far from a one-hit-wonder. This album saw the band expanding their sonic palette, incorporating even more diverse influences and showcasing their willingness to experiment. "Vasoline" is a prime example of this evolution. With its unusual time signature and hypnotic groove, the song is both disorienting and incredibly compelling. It's a testament to the band's ability to push boundaries while still delivering a killer rock track. Then there's "Interstate Love Song," a song that needs no introduction. This track is a masterclass in melody, with Weiland's vocals soaring over a bed of lush instrumentation. It's a song that's both heartbreaking and uplifting, a perfect example of STP's ability to tap into complex emotions. But Purple isn't just about the singles. Tracks like "Pretty Penny" showcase the band's psychedelic side, while "Unglued" is a burst of pure, unadulterated energy. The album as a whole is a testament to STP's growth and their refusal to be pigeonholed. They were a band that was constantly evolving, always searching for new sounds and new ways to express themselves. Purple solidified their place as one of the most important and influential rock bands of the 90s. It demonstrated a depth and maturity that many of their contemporaries couldn't match, and it remains a classic album that continues to inspire and captivate listeners.

Tiny Music... Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop: A Bold Turn

In 1996, Stone Temple Pilots threw everyone for a loop with Tiny Music... Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop. Ditching the grunge-heavy sound of their earlier work, the band embraced a more eclectic and experimental approach, drawing influences from power pop, glam rock, and even bossa nova. "Big Bang Baby" perfectly encapsulates this shift. With its retro vibe and infectious energy, the song is a total departure from anything STP had done before. It's a fun, upbeat track that showcases the band's willingness to take risks. Then there's "Lady Picture Show," a lush and theatrical ballad that highlights Weiland's versatility as a vocalist. The song is both beautiful and haunting, a testament to STP's ability to create emotionally resonant music. But Tiny Music is more than just its singles. Tracks like "Trippin' on a Hole in a Paper Heart" prove that the band could still deliver a hard-hitting rock song, while "Adhesive" showcases their knack for crafting intricate and complex arrangements. The album as a whole is a testament to STP's artistic vision and their refusal to be confined by expectations. They were a band that was constantly pushing themselves creatively, and Tiny Music is perhaps their most daring and rewarding experiment. While it may have initially divided fans, the album has since been recognized as a bold and innovative work that cemented STP's status as one of the most important and influential bands of their generation.

No. 4: Back to Basics (Kind Of)

No. 4, released in 1999, saw Stone Temple Pilots finding a middle ground between their earlier grunge sound and the experimental tendencies of Tiny Music. While not a complete return to their roots, the album definitely has a heavier, more guitar-driven feel than its predecessor. "Down" is a perfect example of this. With its aggressive riffs and Weiland's snarling vocals, the song is a return to the band's hard rock origins. It's a high-energy track that's guaranteed to get your blood pumping. Then there's "Sour Girl," a bittersweet ballad that showcases the band's ability to craft emotionally resonant songs. With its haunting melody and Weiland's vulnerable vocals, the song is a standout track on the album. But No. 4 is more than just its singles. Tracks like "Heaven & Hot Rods" are high-octane rockers, while "Atlanta" is a more mellow and introspective tune. The album as a whole is a solid and consistent effort that proved STP could still deliver the goods after years of turmoil and personal struggles. While it may not be their most groundbreaking work, No. 4 is a testament to the band's resilience and their enduring talent. It's an album that rewards repeated listens and one that any STP fan should have in their collection.

Shangri-La Dee Da: A Return That Wasn't

Shangri-La Dee Da, released in 2001, is often considered one of Stone Temple Pilots' most underrated albums. While it didn't achieve the same commercial success as their earlier work, the album is full of interesting and experimental tracks that showcase the band's continued evolution. "Days of the Week" is a standout track, with its catchy chorus and upbeat vibe. It's a song that's both fun and infectious, a testament to STP's ability to craft memorable pop-rock tunes. Then there's "Hollywood Bitch," a raw and aggressive rocker that showcases the band's darker side. With its gritty guitars and Weiland's snarling vocals, the song is a welcome return to the band's hard rock roots. But Shangri-La Dee Da is more than just its singles. Tracks like "Black Again" are brooding and atmospheric, while "Too Cool Queenie" is a more experimental and psychedelic tune. The album as a whole is a diverse and eclectic collection of songs that showcases STP's willingness to take risks and push boundaries. While it may not be their most consistent work, Shangri-La Dee Da is a testament to the band's artistic vision and their enduring talent. It's an album that deserves a second look and one that any STP fan should appreciate.

Seven and Seven: Compilations and Beyond

While studio albums are the core of any band's discography, compilations offer a great way to get a broad overview of their work. Seven and Seven is a solid compilation that includes many of STP's biggest hits, making it a good starting point for newcomers. However, true fans will want to delve deeper into their individual albums to truly appreciate the band's evolution and diversity. Beyond the official releases, there are also numerous live recordings and unreleased tracks floating around that offer a glimpse into STP's creative process and their dynamic stage presence. Exploring these hidden gems can be a rewarding experience for die-hard fans.

In conclusion, Stone Temple Pilots left behind a rich and diverse musical legacy. From the grunge-infused hard rock of Core to the experimental sounds of Tiny Music, STP consistently pushed boundaries and defied expectations. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to their music, there's always something new to discover in the Stone Temple Pilots' discography. So dive in, explore, and enjoy the ride!