What makes Big Empty by Stone Temple Pilots notable?

'Big Empty' achieved notable success, reaching number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Its inclusion in the film 'The Crow' further cemented its cultural relevance and helped introduce the band to a broader audience. In 1994, Stone Temple Pilots released 'Big Empty' as part of their second album, 'Purple.' This marked a significant moment in their career following the commercial success of their debut album, 'Core,' establishing them as key figures in the grunge movement.

How many songs are on Big Empty?

Big Empty has 2 tracks, running approximately 10 minutes.

Big Empty

Stone Temple Pilots · 1994

10 min · 2 tracks · grunge

Ethereal melodies blend with heavy guitar riffs, encapsulating a haunting atmosphere that defines grunge's emotional depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Big Empty — This track features an atmospheric soundscape paired with introspective lyrics, representing the band's ability to blend heavy instrumentation with emotional vulnerability.
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Loungefly — 'Loungefly' showcases a more aggressive sound with its driving rhythm and raw vocals, highlighting the band's versatility within the grunge genre.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks cohesion due to its two contrasting tracks.

What we noticed

The song features a slow, steady tempo with a prominent use of reverb on the vocals and guitars, creating an expansive sound.
The structure alternates between verses and a chorus that emphasizes emotional intensity, with layered instrumentation building towards the climax.
The second track, 'Loungefly,' shifts to a more aggressive tone with faster pacing and heavier guitar riffs, contrasting with the first track.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — 'Big Empty' solidified Stone Temple Pilots' reputation after their debut, achieving significant chart success.
Career context: In 1994, Stone Temple Pilots released 'Big Empty' as part of their second album, 'Purple.' This marked a significant moment in their career following the commercial success of their debut album, 'Core,' establishing them as key figures in the grunge movement.
Stylistic neighbors: Soundgarden· Alice in Chains· Pearl Jam