What makes Vasoline by Stone Temple Pilots notable?

Vasoline debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and received significant critical acclaim for its innovative sound. The lead single, 'Vasoline,' became a radio staple and helped cement the band's place in mainstream rock during the 90s, influencing many future alternative rock acts. Released on June 1, 1994, Vasoline was Stone Temple Pilots' second studio album, following their successful debut, Core, which had established them as a leading band in the grunge scene. With this album, they aimed to solidify their sound and expand their artistic reach, showcasing a maturation in songwriting and production techniques.

How many songs are on Vasoline?

Vasoline has 4 tracks, running approximately 13 minutes.

Vasoline

Stone Temple Pilots · 1994

13 min · 4 tracks · grunge

A gritty blend of hard rock and alternative melodies that captures the essence of 90s grunge with raw emotional intensity.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Vasoline — The title track exemplifies the album's signature sound, featuring a catchy chorus layered over gritty guitar riffs that highlight the band's ability to blend melody with aggression.
→
Meatplow — This track showcases dynamic shifts in energy and tempo, reflecting the band's penchant for experimentation while retaining a strong melodic core.
→
Andy Warhol — With its artsy lyrics and unique structure, this song illustrates Stone Temple Pilots' willingness to push boundaries and merge pop culture references with grunge sensibilities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production typical of early 90s grunge while maintaining its own identity.

What we noticed

The first track, 'Vasoline,' opens with a heavy guitar riff that sets a gritty tone, followed by a steady mid-tempo rhythm.
Each of the four tracks features prominent guitar work and dynamic shifts between softer verses and more aggressive choruses.
The lyrics across the tracks often employ abstract imagery, creating a sense of emotional intensity without straightforward narratives.

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: 6/10

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 — Established the band's reputation after their successful debut, Core.
Career context: Released on June 1, 1994, Vasoline was Stone Temple Pilots' second studio album, following their successful debut, Core, which had established them as a leading band in the grunge scene. With this album, they aimed to solidify their sound and expand their artistic reach, showcasing a maturation in songwriting and production techniques.
Stylistic neighbors: Soundgarden· Alice in Chains· Pearl Jam