Bands such as Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and Nirvana are often at the forefront when discussing the giants of the 90s grunge era. Stone Temple Pilots, despite their massive success and incredible albums, often sit a notch below these titans in popular discourse. Let’s see why STP didn’t quite reach the same towering heights when it comes to critics and some streaming numbers.
Constant Evolution of Sound from Stone Temple Pilots
One of the most fascinating aspects of the band was their willingness to evolve their sound with each album. While bands such as Pearl Jam and Nirvana had more consistent sonic signatures, STP embraced change, sometimes drastically. From the raw grunge of Core to the psychedelic vibes of Tiny Music… Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop, their musical evolution was relentless. This constant change sometimes made it hard for casual listeners to latch onto their music initially.
Stone Temple Pilots’ music ins’t always immediately casual listener-friendly. Their use of harshness and dissonance to build tension before delivering ear-pleasing relief can be jarring on first listen, along with their changing sound. Songs often require multiple listens to fully appreciate on later albums, a barrier that can deter new fans. For those who do dive in, this complexity becomes a part of their charm and makes the music rewarding.
The Scott Weiland Factor
Scott Weiland, the enigmatic frontman, was both a blessing and a curse. His charisma and vocal prowess were central to the band’s appeal. However, his well-documented struggles with substance abuse severely impacted the band’s trajectory. In the mid 90s, during the Tiny Music era, Weiland’s issues became more prominent, leading to cancellations and erratic behavior that hurt the band’s momentum.
In the 90s, the band was massive. Albums like Core and Purple dominated the charts and the airwaves. However, the band’s trajectory took a hit as Weiland’s personal issues began to overshadow their music achievements. Despite a strong comeback with No.4, which featured hits like “Sour Girl” and “Down,” the band struggled to reclaim their former glory. The internal and external pressures, coupled with shifting musical landscapes, meant the band couldn’t sustain their peak success.
While Stone Temple Pilots may not have reached the acclaim of the other aforementioned bands, their legacy is undeniable. Their willingness to experiment and evolve has left a lasting impact on fans and musicians alike. The band’s story is one of immense talent and occasional turmoil. Their changing sound, combined with Scott Weiland’s tumultuous life, certainly created amazing music and posed significant challenges. They might not stand as tall as some of their peers in the grunge scene, but their contributions to rock music are profound and enduring.
