When grunge exploded from Seattle in the early ’90s, Stone Temple Pilots emerged from San Diego with a swagger all their own. Despite initial criticism labeling them as derivative, STP carved out a legacy that’s undeniable—blending grunge grit with glam rock theatricality and psychedelic experimentation. The late Scott Weiland’s chameleon-like vocal delivery and the Deleo brothers’ innovative instrumentation created anthems that still resonate decades later. This deep dive into their greatest tracks showcases why STP remains one of rock’s most versatile and enduring acts, from arena-shaking classics to intimate acoustic moments that reveal the band’s extraordinary range.
Plush
The song that launched Stone Temple Pilots into the mainstream consciousness remains their signature achievement. Released in 1992 from their debut album Core, “Plush” earned the band a Grammy Award and established them as grunge heavyweights despite their California origins. The track’s hypnotic guitar riff—crafted by Dean DeLeo—creates an instantly recognizable foundation, while Weiland’s vocals shift effortlessly between vulnerable verses and explosive choruses. The production captures that early-’90s alternative rock aesthetic perfectly, with layered guitars and a rhythm section that knows exactly when to hold back and when to surge forward. Lyrically addressing themes of loss and regret, “Plush” showcases the emotional depth that would become a hallmark of STP’s catalog, and its MTV Unplugged performance remains legendary for demonstrating the song’s power in stripped-down form.
Interstate Love Song
Perhaps no other Stone Temple Pilots track better encapsulates their ability to craft radio-friendly rock without sacrificing edge. From 1994’s Purple, “Interstate Love Song” features one of the most infectious basslines in ’90s rock, courtesy of Robert DeLeo, driving the entire composition forward with relentless energy. The song’s structure is deceptively simple, but the execution is masterful—Weiland’s vocal melody weaves through the instrumentation like highway traffic, creating a sense of movement that perfectly matches the song’s themes of escape and longing. The guitar work alternates between jangly verses and distorted choruses, demonstrating the band’s dynamic range, while the mix allows each instrument to breathe without cluttering the sonic space. This track proved STP could evolve beyond their grunge roots into something more melodically sophisticated, and it remains a staple on classic rock radio for good reason.
Vasoline
Raw, unapologetic, and dripping with attitude, “Vasoline” represents Stone Temple Pilots at their heaviest and most aggressive. Also from Purple, this track opens with a guitar riff that sounds like it’s covered in grime and sweat, immediately establishing its confrontational tone. Weiland’s vocal performance here is particularly impressive, alternating between sneering verses and soaring choruses that showcase his remarkable range and versatility. The production by Brendan O’Brien captures the band in their rawest form, with distorted guitars that crunch and grind while maintaining clarity in the mix. Lyrically cryptic yet viscerally emotional, “Vasoline” became an anthem for alternative rock fans who appreciated STP’s willingness to get messy and experimental. The song’s bridge section features some of Dean DeLeo’s most creative guitar work, incorporating effects and textures that elevate the composition beyond standard verse-chorus-verse structure.
Creep
Not to be confused with Radiohead’s song of the same name, STP’s “Creep” is a slow-burning masterpiece of restraint and atmosphere. From their debut Core, this track showcases the band’s ability to build tension through minimalist arrangements and patient songwriting. The opening guitar line is sparse and haunting, creating space for Weiland’s vocals to explore darker emotional territory with intimacy that larger productions might obscure. As the song progresses, layers gradually accumulate—subtle percussion, textured guitars, and basslines that pulse beneath the surface like a heartbeat. The dynamics here are exceptional, with the band understanding that sometimes the most powerful moments come from what you don’t play rather than what you do. This early track demonstrated that STP possessed sophistication beyond the grunge label critics initially applied to them, and it remains a fan favorite for its emotional vulnerability and sonic craftsmanship.
Sex Type Thing
Controversial and confrontational from its very first note, “Sex Type Thing” announced Stone Temple Pilots as a band unafraid to provoke and challenge listeners. The opening track from Core features a lurching, heavy riff that feels physically imposing, while Weiland adopts an aggressive vocal character that addresses toxic masculinity and sexual violence from the perpetrator’s perspective—a songwriting choice that sparked debate but ultimately highlighted the issue through uncomfortable confrontation. The production is deliberately raw and abrasive, with guitars that sound like machinery grinding against itself and drums that pound with relentless intensity. This wasn’t music designed for easy listening or commercial appeal; it was a statement of intent that established STP as artists willing to explore uncomfortable subjects through their art. The song’s bridge features a tempo shift that adds unexpected dynamism to the composition, and if you’re comparing headphones for the optimal listening experience, you’ll appreciate how the layered guitar distortion reveals new textures with quality audio equipment.
Sour Girl
A significant departure from their heavier material, “Sour Girl” from 2000’s Shangri-La Dee Da showcases Stone Temple Pilots embracing melodic sophistication and Britpop influences. The track features a breezy, almost psychedelic arrangement with shimmering guitars, vintage organ sounds, and a rhythm section that swings rather than pounds. Weiland’s vocal delivery is playful and melodic, demonstrating his ability to adapt his style to match the song’s lighter aesthetic without losing authenticity. The production incorporates layered harmonies and tasteful effects that create a warm, inviting sonic landscape—quite different from the band’s grunge-era output. This willingness to evolve and experiment prevented STP from becoming trapped in nostalgia, and “Sour Girl” proved they could craft compelling music across multiple genres and styles. The song’s music video, featuring Sarah Michelle Gellar, became an MTV staple and introduced the band to a new generation of listeners who may have dismissed them as purely ’90s grunge revivalists.
Big Empty
Featured prominently in the 1994 film The Crow, “Big Empty” captures a cinematic quality that few rock songs achieve. The track opens with an atmospheric guitar line that immediately establishes mood and space, creating an almost noir-like sonic environment. Weiland’s vocals are delivered with restraint and melancholy, perfectly matching the song’s themes of emptiness and disconnection that resonated with both the film’s dark aesthetic and the band’s artistic vision. The production balances clarity with atmosphere, allowing each instrument to contribute to the overall texture without overwhelming the delicate emotional core of the composition. Eric Kretz’s drumming is particularly noteworthy here, providing rhythmic foundation while incorporating subtle fills that add movement without distraction. “Big Empty” demonstrated STP’s capacity for soundtrack work and their ability to craft songs that serve both standalone listening and visual narratives, expanding their artistic palette beyond traditional rock album formats.
Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart
One of Stone Temple Pilots’ most energetic and aggressive tracks, “Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart” from Tiny Music… Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop delivers pure adrenaline from start to finish. The song explodes with distorted guitars and driving rhythms that never let up, creating a sense of controlled chaos that’s exhilarating through quality speakers or when experienced live. Weiland’s vocal performance is manic and intense, matching the instrumental frenzy with a delivery that feels genuinely unhinged yet precisely executed. The guitar tones here are particularly satisfying, with Dean DeLeo achieving a crunch that’s both heavy and articulate, allowing individual notes to cut through the mix even at maximum intensity. Lyrically chaotic and emotionally raw, this track captures the band at their most unrestrained, and it remains a highlight of their catalog for fans who appreciate STP’s harder-edged material. The song’s relentless energy makes it a standout live performance moment, and if you’re exploring the best songs in rock history, this track exemplifies ’90s alternative at its most visceral.
Lady Picture Show
From the experimental Tiny Music… album, “Lady Picture Show” finds Stone Temple Pilots incorporating ’70s glam rock influences into their sound with remarkable success. The track features swaggering guitar riffs that recall T. Rex and David Bowie, while maintaining the band’s distinctive sonic identity through production choices and arrangement. Weiland’s vocals adopt a theatrical quality here, playing with phrasing and delivery in ways that showcase his often-underrated technical abilities and artistic range. The bass work from Robert DeLeo is particularly funky and melodic, driving the song forward with groove rather than just providing low-end support. This willingness to reach backward into rock history while pushing forward artistically prevented STP from stagnating creatively, and “Lady Picture Show” represents the band at their most playfully experimental. The production incorporates vintage-sounding effects and recording techniques that give the track a warm, analog quality despite being recorded in the digital age.
Wicked Garden
The opening track from Core establishes Stone Temple Pilots’ sound with confidence and aggression that’s impossible to ignore. “Wicked Garden” features a distinctive guitar riff built on chromatic movement and rhythmic precision, immediately grabbing attention and refusing to let go. Weiland’s vocals are delivered with sneering attitude, introducing listeners to his ability to convey both menace and vulnerability within the same performance. The song’s structure incorporates dynamic shifts that prevent monotony, with quieter bridge sections providing contrast to the heavy verses and choruses. Eric Kretz’s drumming is powerful and precise, providing the foundation for the guitars to explore different textures and tones throughout the composition. Lyrically abstract yet emotionally resonant, “Wicked Garden” set the template for STP’s approach to songwriting—combining heavy riffs with melodic sensibility and avoiding the traps of simplistic verse-chorus repetition. The track announced the arrival of a band with something to prove, and decades later, it still sounds fresh and vital.
Atlanta
A deeper cut from Purple, “Atlanta” showcases Stone Temple Pilots’ ability to craft compelling album tracks that don’t rely on radio-friendly choruses or immediate accessibility. The song features a mid-tempo groove that allows space for textural guitar work and expressive vocal delivery, creating an atmosphere that’s both relaxed and slightly uneasy. Weiland’s lyrics here are more narrative and personal than some of the band’s more abstract compositions, referencing specific places and experiences that ground the song in authentic emotion. The production is warm and organic, with instruments recorded in ways that capture natural resonance and room ambience rather than sterile precision. Robert DeLeo’s bass playing shines particularly bright on this track, providing melodic counterpoint to the guitar lines and demonstrating why he’s considered one of alternative rock’s most musical bassists. “Atlanta” may not have received the radio airplay of STP’s bigger hits, but it represents the kind of deep catalog gem that rewards repeated listening and reveals new details with each encounter.
Dead & Bloated
The explosive opening track from Core immediately established Stone Temple Pilots as a force to be reckoned with in the early ’90s rock landscape. “Dead & Bloated” begins with feedback and distortion before erupting into one of the album’s heaviest riffs, setting an aggressive tone that demands attention. Weiland’s vocal approach here is deliberately abrasive and confrontational, matching the instrumental intensity with a performance that feels genuinely dangerous and unpredictable. The song’s structure is unconventional, featuring tempo changes and dynamic shifts that keep listeners off-balance and engaged throughout its runtime. Dean DeLeo’s guitar work incorporates various effects and techniques that add layers of sonic interest beyond simple power chord progression, and the production by Brendan O’Brien captures the band’s raw energy while maintaining clarity and punch. This opening statement declared that Stone Temple Pilots weren’t interested in playing by established rules or fitting neatly into genre categories, and “Dead & Bloated” remains a powerful example of the band’s heavier capabilities.
Big Bang Baby
A glam-infused rocker from Tiny Music…, “Big Bang Baby” represents Stone Temple Pilots at their most commercially accessible without sacrificing artistic integrity. The track features a catchy, sing-along chorus built around a memorable vocal melody that sticks in your head long after the song ends. The guitar work here is cleaner and more articulate than on the band’s grungier material, incorporating chiming chords and melodic leads that add brightness to the composition. Weiland’s vocal delivery is confident and playful, demonstrating his ability to match his performance to the song’s lighter aesthetic while maintaining authenticity. The production is polished and radio-ready, with each element sitting perfectly in the mix and contributing to an overall sense of sonic cohesion. “Big Bang Baby” proved that STP could evolve their sound and appeal to broader audiences without abandoning the musical sophistication that made them interesting in the first place, and it remains one of their most enduring radio hits from the mid-’90s period.
Meadow
An acoustic-driven ballad from Shangri-La Dee Da, “Meadow” showcases Stone Temple Pilots’ softer side with genuine emotional depth rather than calculated sentimentality. The track features delicate fingerpicked guitar work that creates an intimate foundation for Weiland’s vulnerable vocal performance, and the arrangement wisely avoids overproduction that might obscure the song’s emotional core. The lyrics explore themes of longing and peace with poetic imagery that’s more evocative than literal, allowing listeners to project their own experiences onto the composition. As the song progresses, subtle layers are added—light percussion, ambient textures, and supporting instrumentation—that build emotional intensity without overwhelming the acoustic intimacy. This kind of restraint and tasteful arrangement demonstrates musical maturity that some critics never credited STP with possessing, and “Meadow” stands as evidence that the band’s talents extended well beyond heavy riffs and arena rock anthems. The track provides essential balance within their catalog, proving they could handle quiet moments with the same skill they brought to their louder material.
Unglued
From Purple, “Unglued” delivers pure rock energy with a groove that’s impossible to resist moving to, whether you’re hearing it through quality earbuds during a workout or blasting it in your car. The song features a funky, syncopated rhythm section that drives the entire composition, with Robert DeLeo’s bass work particularly standing out for its melodic creativity and rhythmic precision. Weiland’s vocals are delivered with swagger and attitude, playing with phrasing and timing in ways that add personality to the performance. The guitar tones are crunchy and satisfying, providing texture and punch without muddying the mix or obscuring the rhythmic foundation. This track showcases STP’s often-overlooked ability to incorporate funk and groove elements into their rock framework, creating music that engages both the head and the body. The production allows each instrument clarity and presence, and careful listeners will notice subtle details in the arrangement—background vocal harmonies, percussion accents, and guitar effects—that reveal themselves through repeated listening sessions.
Down
The haunting lead single from 2010’s self-titled reunion album proved that Stone Temple Pilots could still create compelling music even after years apart. “Down” features a hypnotic, eastern-influenced guitar riff that immediately distinguishes it from the band’s earlier work, demonstrating artistic growth and willingness to explore new sonic territories. Weiland’s vocal performance is mature and controlled, lacking the raw aggression of youth but gaining emotional depth and nuance in exchange. The production is modern and polished without sounding overly processed, capturing the band’s performance with clarity while adding contemporary production touches that keep the sound fresh. This track represented a successful reunion that honored STP’s legacy while moving forward creatively rather than simply recreating past glories, and it reminded listeners why the band mattered in the first place. The song’s darker atmosphere and more contemplative mood reflected both the band’s evolution and the changed landscape of rock music in the 21st century.
No Way Out
An intense album track from Core, “No Way Out” showcases Stone Temple Pilots’ ability to sustain musical tension and emotional intensity across an entire composition. The song features a relentless, driving rhythm that never lets up, creating a sense of urgency and claustrophobia that matches its lyrical themes. Weiland’s vocals are delivered with desperation and power, pushing his range and demonstrating the raw talent that made him one of the ’90s most compelling frontmen. The guitar work layers multiple textures—from clean, arpeggiated picking to full distortion—creating sonic depth that rewards careful listening through quality audio equipment. Eric Kretz’s drumming is particularly powerful on this track, providing both foundation and forward momentum with fills that propel the song rather than simply marking time. “No Way Out” may not have been a single, but it represents the kind of deep catalog material that defines great albums and separates memorable bands from merely successful ones.
Army Ants
A quirky, experimental track from Purple, “Army Ants” finds Stone Temple Pilots in playful mood while maintaining musical sophistication. The song features unusual instrumentation and production choices that create an off-kilter atmosphere—strange percussion sounds, filtered vocals, and guitar effects that seem designed to disorient and intrigue. Weiland’s vocal delivery matches the experimental nature of the composition, playing with character voices and unconventional phrasing that adds to the track’s surreal quality. This willingness to take risks and potentially alienate mainstream audiences demonstrated artistic integrity and creative confidence that not all commercially successful bands possess. The arrangement incorporates elements that seem random on first listen but reveal intentional structure through repeated exposure, rewarding patient listeners who invest time in understanding the song’s internal logic. “Army Ants” represents the kind of album-deep experimentation that made STP’s catalog interesting beyond their hit singles, and it showcases the band’s range and unwillingness to simply repeat successful formulas.
Hollywood Bitch
From the band’s final album with Scott Weiland, Stone Temple Pilots (2010), “Hollywood Bitch” delivers biting social commentary wrapped in accessible rock songwriting. The track features a memorable guitar riff that’s both catchy and aggressive, creating immediate impact while supporting Weiland’s sardonic vocal delivery. The lyrics critique celebrity culture and superficiality with the insider perspective of someone who experienced the music industry’s darker aspects firsthand, adding authenticity to observations that could otherwise seem cynical or detached. The production is clean and modern while retaining organic warmth, avoiding the sterile quality that plagues some contemporary rock recordings. This later-period material proved that STP remained relevant and capable of creating engaging music even as rock’s mainstream dominance faded, and “Hollywood Bitch” specifically demonstrates that the band’s songwriting skills remained sharp. The track’s balance of accessibility and attitude makes it an overlooked gem in their extensive catalog.
Still Remains
A powerful closing track from Purple, “Still Remains” showcases Stone Temple Pilots building from quiet introspection to epic conclusion with masterful dynamics. The song begins with acoustic guitar and subdued vocals before gradually adding layers—electric guitars, drums, bass, effects—that transform the composition into something monumental. This kind of patient arrangement demonstrates confidence in songwriting and an understanding that emotional impact often comes from contrast rather than constant intensity. Weiland’s vocal performance spans his full range, from intimate whispers to soaring declarations, and his delivery conveys genuine emotion that transcends technical precision. The production captures both the delicate acoustic opening and the powerful electric conclusion with equal clarity, requiring careful engineering and mixing to maintain balance across such dynamic shifts. “Still Remains” serves as an ideal album closer, providing both catharsis and resolution while leaving listeners wanting more—the mark of great sequencing and artistic vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stone Temple Pilots’ most successful song?
“Interstate Love Song” reached number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and remains their most commercially successful single, though “Plush” won them their Grammy Award and achieved broader mainstream recognition. Both tracks continue to receive extensive radio airplay and streaming numbers decades after release, demonstrating their enduring appeal to multiple generations of rock fans.
Why did Stone Temple Pilots face criticism in the early 1990s?
Critics initially dismissed STP as derivative of Seattle grunge bands like Pearl Jam and Nirvana, despite the band originating from San Diego with different musical influences. This criticism largely faded as the band demonstrated their versatility across multiple albums, incorporating glam rock, psychedelic, and even funk elements that distinguished them from their grunge-era contemporaries and proved their artistic depth extended beyond any single genre classification.
What makes Scott Weiland’s vocal style distinctive?
Weiland possessed remarkable range and an ability to adopt different vocal characters within individual songs, shifting from vulnerable whispers to powerful belting with technical precision and emotional authenticity. His theatrical background influenced his performance approach, and he incorporated phrasing techniques from various genres—glam rock, punk, soul—creating a distinctive style that defied easy categorization and elevated STP’s songwriting through dynamic interpretation.
Which Stone Temple Pilots album is considered their best?
Purple (1994) is often cited as their masterpiece, achieving both commercial success and critical acclaim while showcasing the band’s full range of capabilities from heavy rockers to experimental compositions. However, Core (1992) holds significance as their breakthrough debut, and Tiny Music… Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop (1996) represents their most adventurous artistic statement, so “best” ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding accessibility versus experimentation.
How did Stone Temple Pilots’ sound evolve over their career?
The band progressed from grunge-influenced heavy rock on Core through increasingly experimental territory on Tiny Music…, incorporating glam, psychedelic, and Britpop influences before returning to more straightforward rock on later albums. This evolution demonstrated artistic growth and prevented them from becoming trapped in ’90s nostalgia, though it occasionally alienated fans who preferred their heavier early material over the more melodic and experimental later work.
What was the relationship between the DeLeo brothers’ playing and STP’s sound?
Dean DeLeo’s guitar work provided distinctive riffs and textured leads that became STP’s sonic signature, while Robert DeLeo’s melodic bass playing often served as a compositional foundation rather than simple rhythm support. Their collaborative approach to arrangement created the musical framework that allowed Weiland’s vocals and Eric Kretz’s powerful drumming to shine, making their instrumental partnership essential to the band’s identity and distinguishing them from contemporaries with more guitar-centric approaches.