Contraband
Velvet Revolver · 2004
56 min · 13 tracks · hard rock
A gritty fusion of classic hard rock energy and modern grit, defined by soaring vocals and heavy guitar riffs.
Top tracks — play these first
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Slither — This track embodies the raw energy of the album with its infectious chorus and driving guitar riffs, making it a standout anthem for the band.
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Fall to Pieces — A poignant ballad that showcases Scott Weiland's emotional vocal delivery, this song reflects personal struggles and vulnerability amidst the hard rock aesthetic.
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Sucker Train Blues — Opening with an explosive sound, this track sets the tone for the album's blend of grunge influences and classic rock elements, encapsulating Velvet Revolver's identity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Contraband blends classic hard rock elements with modern production, creating a solid debut that balances energy and melody.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a high-energy tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and powerful vocals, setting a strong opening tone.
- The album features a consistent use of layered guitar harmonies throughout, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the hard rock sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- high-energy anthems for driving
- cathartic release through grit
- unapologetic attitude and rebellion
- late-night party ignition
- emotional peaks and valleys
Maybe skip if you
- prefer soft, mellow sounds
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on June 8, 2004, Contraband was Velvet Revolver's debut album, marking a significant moment for the band formed by former members of Guns N' Roses and Stone Temple Pilots. It came after years of relative silence from its members in their previous projects, establishing them as a powerhouse in the hard rock scene of the early 2000s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Stone Temple Pilots· Audioslave· Soundgarden
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Fall to Pieces
The song conveys a shift from despair to hope through stark imagery and confessional honesty about addiction and recovery.
The candidness in addressing personal demons establishes a deeper connection with listeners, contrasting sharply with the more aggressive tones present throughout the record.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sucker Train Blues 4:27
- 2 Do It for the Kids 3:55
- 3 Big Machine 4:25
- 4 Illegal I Song 4:17
- 5 Spectacle 3:41
- 6 Fall to Pieces 4:30
- 7 Headspace 3:42
- 8 Superhuman 4:15
- 9 Set Me Free 4:07
- 10 You Got No Right 5:35
- 11 Slither 4:08
- 12 Dirty Little Thing 3:57
- 13 Loving the Alien 5:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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