Stone Temple Pilots (2010 album)

The self-titled Stone Temple Pilots album, released in 2010, represents a significant chapter in the band's discography, marking their first studio release in nine years. This comeback was born from a reunion that began with a North American tour in April 2008. However, the path to recording was fraught with unexpected challenges.

A lawsuit filed by Atlantic Records in June 2008 threatened to derail the project entirely, casting doubt on the album's future. The resolution of this legal dispute, described by the band's attorney as a 'misunderstanding,' ultimately allowed the band to proceed. This album holds particular historical weight as it is the final release featuring the complete original lineup, preceding Scott Weiland's departure in 2013 and his subsequent passing in 2015.

It also marked the end of their tenure with Atlantic Records.

Defying the wishes of Atlantic Records, bassist Robert DeLeo championed the band's decision to self-produce the album. This move underscored a desire for greater artistic control and a commitment to their own creative vision. Recording sessions commenced in early 2009, interspersed with the band's touring schedule, resulting in a production period that spanned nearly ten months.

The band utilized multiple recording spaces, including Robert's personal home studio and Eric Kretz's dedicated Bomb Shelter Studios. To ensure cohesion across these disparate recording locations and to meticulously shape Scott Weiland's vocal performances, producer Don Was was brought in as an additional producer. The album was completed by December 2009, with mixing and mastering finalized by February 2010, showcasing a deliberate and extensive creative process.

Upon its release, the Stone Temple Pilots album garnered generally favorable reviews, with a consistent theme emerging from critical reception: a strong influence from the country and rock music of the 1960s and 1970s. The band themselves confirmed these observations, citing lyrical inspirations such as Bob Dylan and guitarists like Speedy West and Brad Whitford as key influences. This deliberate retro sonic palette suggests a conscious effort to evoke the sounds and aesthetics of a formative era in rock music.

It's a testament to the band's deep appreciation for the roots of their genre, translated through their own unique musical lens, creating a sound that is both familiar and distinctively Stone Temple Pilots.

The band actively promoted their self-titled album through various channels to re-establish their presence in the music landscape. Performances at prominent music festivals and headlining concerts served as a primary vehicle for showcasing new material. Furthermore, the band engaged with media outlets, participating in interviews with influential music websites and magazines such as Billboard and Spin, and appearing on radio and television talk shows.

The lead single, 'Between the Lines,' was released on March 22, 2010, followed by the second single, 'Take a Load Off,' and the promotional single, 'Cinnamon.' The album's commercial performance was robust, selling 62,000 copies in its first week and achieving a peak position of number two on the Billboard 200 chart, demonstrating significant fan engagement and commercial appeal.