Stone Temple Pilots No. 4: A Hard Rock Return to Form Review
💿 Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 Quick Facts
- Artist: Stone Temple Pilots
- Released: October 26, 1999
- Label: Atlantic Records
- Producer: Brendan O’Brien
- Genre: Alternative Rock, Hard Rock
- Length: 42:20
- Singles: “Down”, “Sour Girl”
- Sales: Platinum (1+ million copies)
- Chart Peak: #6 Billboard 200
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5/5
Key Takeaways
- Released: October 26, 1999 via Atlantic Records
- Genre: Alternative Rock with elements of Hard Rock and Psychedelic Rock
- Hit Songs: “Sour Girl,” “Down,” “Church on Tuesday”
- Commercial Success: Platinum certification, peaked at #6 on Billboard 200
- Legacy: Marked STP’s return to hard rock roots while maintaining melodic sophistication
- Best For: Fans of Core, Purple, and 90s alternative metal
Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 stands as a defiant return to hard rock aggression after the band’s experimental third album. Released on October 26, 1999, this fourth studio effort found the San Diego rockers reclaiming the heavy riffs and raw energy that defined their breakthrough albums Core and Purple. Despite launching amid Scott Weiland’s legal troubles and minimal promotional support, the album achieved platinum status and delivered some of the band’s most enduring tracks.
The album represents both a consolidation of Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 strengths and a band proving they could weather internal storms. Produced by Brendan O’Brien, who had previously helmed Pearl Jam and Rage Against the Machine records, the collection alternates between crushing alternative metal anthems and surprisingly melodic pop-rock gems. This duality would prove essential to the album’s lasting appeal and commercial success in the shifting landscape of late-90s rock.
No. 4
Table of Contents –
- What Is Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 About?
- Stone Temple Pilots’ Journey to No. 4
- Complete Track Listing
- Is No. 4 Worth Listening To? Track-by-Track Analysis
- What Are the Best Songs on No. 4?
- How Did No. 4 Perform Commercially?
- What Do Critics Say About No. 4?
- No. 4’s Legacy and Influence
- Production Credits and Personnel
- Similar Stone Temple Pilots Albums
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Verdict: Should You Buy No. 4?
What Is Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 About?
Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 emerged from one of the most turbulent periods in the band’s history. After the psychedelic experimentation of Tiny Music… Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop in 1996, the band fractured under the weight of Scott Weiland’s escalating addiction issues. The DeLeo brothers and drummer Eric Kretz formed Talk Show with vocalist Dave Coutts, while Weiland pursued a solo career with 12 Bar Blues in 1998.
The reunion that produced No. 4 came in late 1998, with the band determined to recapture the raw power of their early work. The album’s themes reflect this back-to-basics approach, exploring addiction, redemption, relationships, and the struggle to maintain artistic integrity while battling personal demons. Weiland’s lyrics throughout the record oscillate between defiance and vulnerability, creating a portrait of a man fighting for survival.
Recording took place across multiple studios in 1999, with Brendan O’Brien returning as producer after working on Tiny Music. The sessions were marked by both creative intensity and underlying tension, as band members navigated Weiland’s impending legal consequences for probation violations. This urgency permeates the album’s sound, giving even its poppiest moments an edge of desperation.
Stone Temple Pilots’ Journey to No. 4
By 1999, Stone Temple Pilots had experienced the full rollercoaster of 90s rock stardom. Their 1992 debut Core went 8x platinum despite critics dismissing them as Pearl Jam imitators. The follow-up Purple debuted at number one in 1994, spawning the era-defining “Interstate Love Song.” Then came Tiny Music in 1996, a deliberately experimental left turn that confused some fans while earning critical praise.
The three-year gap between Tiny Music and Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 saw the band come perilously close to permanent dissolution. Weiland’s heroin addiction resulted in multiple arrests and a conviction that would send him to jail shortly after No. 4’s release. The other members pursued side projects but ultimately recognized that Stone Temple Pilots remained their most potent creative vehicle.
The Recording Process
No. 4 was recorded at Southern Tracks in Atlanta, The Village in West Los Angeles, and additional facilities throughout 1999. Brendan O’Brien’s production philosophy emphasized capturing live energy, with the DeLeo brothers and Kretz tracking basic tracks together to maintain the band’s natural chemistry. Engineers Nick DiDia and Russ Fowler worked to capture the raw, garage-rock aesthetic the band sought.
The sessions moved quickly by necessity, as everyone involved knew Weiland faced incarceration. This time pressure created focus rather than chaos, with the band displaying newfound efficiency. Dean DeLeo later described the sessions as some of the most productive of the band’s career, despite or perhaps because of the external pressures.
Album Concept and Direction
Unlike the conceptual unity of Tiny Music, Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 was designed as a collection of strong individual songs. The band consciously returned to the Core and Purple formula, emphasizing heavy guitars, Kretz’s thunderous drumming, and Weiland’s versatile vocals. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic noted the album positioned STP to compete with emerging alternative metal bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit.
The album also showcased the band’s matured songwriting abilities. Tracks like “Sour Girl” demonstrated they could craft Beatles-esque pop melodies, while “Down” proved their heavy material had evolved beyond mere grunge pastiche. This balance between accessibility and aggression defined the album’s identity.
Complete Track Listing
| # | Track Title | Length | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | “Down” | 3:49 | ⭐ Grammy Nominated |
| 2 | “Heaven & Hot Rods” | 3:26 | Album Opener Energy |
| 3 | “Pruno” | 3:15 | Heavy Rocker |
| 4 | “Church on Tuesday” | 3:01 | ⭐ Fan Favorite |
| 5 | “Sour Girl” | 3:11 | ⭐ Hit Single |
| 6 | “No Way Out” | 4:11 | Psychedelic Elements |
| 7 | “Sex & Violence” | 2:54 | Bowie Influence |
| 8 | “Glide” | 4:54 | Epic Soundscape |
| 9 | “I Got You” | 4:12 | Acoustic Texture |
| 10 | “MC5” | 2:40 | Garage Rock Tribute |
| 11 | “Atlanta” | 5:17 | ⭐ Epic Closer |
Is No. 4 Worth Listening To? Track-by-Track Analysis
Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 demands attention from its opening seconds and rarely lets up across its 42-minute runtime. The album’s quality remains remarkably consistent, with even lesser tracks offering compelling musical ideas. Here’s how each song contributes to the album’s narrative.
“Down”
Length: 3:49
The album explodes with “Down,” a relentless hard rock assault that earned STP a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance. Eric Kretz’s drumming drives the track with almost mechanical precision, while Dean DeLeo’s guitar work alternates between chunky power chords and squealing leads. Weiland’s vocals convey barely controlled rage, spitting lyrics about internal struggles and societal pressure. The song’s antisocial groove set the tone perfectly, announcing that Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 meant business.
Critics noted the track’s similarity to Alice in Chains’ darker material, though STP’s melodic sensibility prevented it from becoming mere sludge. The song peaked at number 5 on the Mainstream Rock chart and became a staple of rock radio rotation, helping the album gain traction despite minimal video support.
“Heaven & Hot Rods”
Length: 3:26
The second track maintains the aggressive energy while introducing more dynamic variation. Robert DeLeo’s bass provides a thick foundation for Dean’s angular guitar riffs, creating a sound that bridges classic hard rock and modern alternative metal. The song’s bridge features unexpected tempo shifts that showcase the band’s technical prowess without sacrificing accessibility.
“Pruno”
Length: 3:15
Named after prison-made alcohol, “Pruno” delivers the album’s most unrelentingly heavy moment. The song features grinding guitars and Weiland’s most abrasive vocal performance, channeling genuine anger and frustration. Brendan O’Brien’s production allows the track to sound massive without losing clarity, each instrument occupying its own sonic space while contributing to the overwhelming wall of sound.
“Church on Tuesday”
Length: 3:01
The album’s first major gear shift arrives with “Church on Tuesday,” a breezy power-pop gem that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Teenage Fanclub record. The track showcases STP’s often-overlooked melodic sophistication, with jangly guitars and Weiland’s most restrained vocal performance. O’Brien’s keyboards add texture without overwhelming the song’s fundamental simplicity. Critics highlighted this track as evidence that the band hadn’t abandoned the experimental spirit of Tiny Music entirely.
“Sour Girl”
Length: 3:11
The album’s biggest commercial success, “Sour Girl” remains Stone Temple Pilots‘ only single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number 78. The track channels 60s British Invasion pop through a 90s alternative rock filter, with acoustic guitars, subtle string arrangements, and one of Weiland’s most vulnerable vocal performances. The song addresses romantic disillusionment with surprising tenderness, offering respite from the album’s heavier moments.
The music video, featuring actress Sarah Michelle Gellar during her Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame, received heavy rotation on MTV and VH1, earning a VMA nomination for Best Cinematography. The song’s crossover appeal helped introduce STP to audiences who might have been intimidated by tracks like “Down” or “Pruno.”
“No Way Out”
Length: 4:11
The album’s second half opens with “No Way Out,” which Entertainment Weekly’s Rob Brunner dismissed as a Jane’s Addiction ripoff. While Perry Farrell’s influence is undeniable in the song’s psychedelic guitar effects and Weiland’s theatrical delivery, the track succeeds on its own terms. The extended instrumental passages showcase Dean DeLeo’s growing confidence as a lead guitarist, with echo-drenched solos that add atmospheric depth.
“Sex & Violence”
Length: 2:54
Drawing heavily from David Bowie’s glam rock playbook, “Sex & Violence” finds Weiland adopting an androgynous vocal affectation over crunching guitars. The song’s bratty energy and provocative title belie relatively introspective lyrics about fame’s corrupting influence. Robert DeLeo switches to guitar for this track, adding textural variety to the arrangement.
“Glide”
Length: 4:54
The album’s longest track builds slowly, incorporating zither and fuzz bass alongside conventional rock instrumentation. “Glide” represents Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 at its most experimental, with O’Brien’s piano work and string-like guitar textures creating an almost orchestral soundscape. Some critics found the track overly indulgent, but its ambition fits the album’s willingness to take risks.
“I Got You”
Length: 4:12
This acoustic-driven love song showcases the band’s gentler side without sacrificing intensity. Weiland’s lyrics walk a tightrope between romantic devotion and acknowledgment of his destructive tendencies, with the line “when the mind begins to wander to the spoon” offering a sobering reminder of his struggles. The track’s country-rock influences point toward musical directions the band would explore on subsequent releases.
“MC5”
Length: 2:40
Named for the legendary Detroit proto-punk band, “MC5” channels garage rock energy through STP’s alternative rock lens. The song’s summery, beach-party vibe provides an unlikely late-album energy boost, with Kretz’s hard-hitting drums and Dean DeLeo’s groovy guitar work creating an infectious toe-tapper. The repeated refrain “you’ll never get it” takes on multiple meanings given the album’s context.
“Atlanta”
Length: 5:17
Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 closes with “Atlanta,” an epic ballad featuring David Campbell’s lush string arrangements. Critics noted the song’s melodic similarity to “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music, though STP transforms the melody into something distinctly their own. Weiland delivers one of his most emotionally raw performances, with sweeping vocals that convey both hope and resignation. The song provides cathartic release after the album’s emotional intensity, ending No. 4 on a note of hard-won beauty.
What Are the Best Songs on No. 4?
While Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 maintains consistent quality, several tracks stand above the rest. “Sour Girl” earns its status as the album’s most beloved song through sheer melodic perfection, demonstrating that STP could compete with any band when it came to crafting irresistible hooks. The track’s chart success validated the band’s decision to include softer material amid the heavier fare.
“Down” represents the album’s hard rock credentials at their most undeniable. The Grammy nomination recognized what fans already knew – this was Stone Temple Pilots firing on all cylinders, creating music that honored their grunge roots while pushing into heavier territory. The song’s continued presence on rock radio playlists testifies to its enduring power.
“Church on Tuesday” and “Atlanta” bookend the album’s emotional spectrum. The former offers pure pop pleasure without apology, while the latter provides profound emotional depth. Together, they demonstrate the range that made Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 more than just another hard rock record.
Explore More Stone Temple Pilots
Dive deeper into Stone Temple Pilots’ complete discography with our comprehensive guides to Core, Purple, and Tiny Music, or learn about the members of Stone Temple Pilots.
How Did No. 4 Perform Commercially?
Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 debuted at number 6 on the Billboard 200 chart the week of November 13, 1999, selling approximately 95,000 copies in its first week. While this represented a decline from the number one debuts of Purple and the number 4 peak of Tiny Music, the performance exceeded industry expectations given the album’s lack of promotional support.
The circumstances surrounding the release were uniquely challenging. Scott Weiland entered Los Angeles County Jail in September 1999, just weeks before the album’s October 26 street date. Atlantic Records canceled the planned promotional tour, and the band couldn’t appear on television shows or conduct the usual album campaign. Despite these obstacles, Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 achieved platinum certification on August 7, 2000, indicating sales of over one million units in the United States.
Singles Performance
“Sour Girl” became the album’s breakout hit, reaching number 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart and number 3 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. More significantly, it peaked at number 78 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the only Stone Temple Pilots song ever to chart on the publication’s premier pop tally. The single’s crossover success demonstrated the band’s ability to reach beyond their core alternative rock audience.
“Down” performed strongly on rock radio, peaking at number 5 on Mainstream Rock and number 10 on Modern Rock Tracks. The Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance raised the song’s profile, though it ultimately lost to Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony’s “The Call of Ktulu.” Both singles received substantial airplay throughout 2000, helping the album maintain sales momentum.
International Performance
The album achieved platinum certification in Canada (CRIA) in August 2001, demonstrating strong North American appeal. While detailed international chart data remains limited, Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 charted in multiple territories including the UK, Australia, and across Europe, though it didn’t match the worldwide dominance of Core or Purple.
What Do Critics Say About No. 4?
Critical reception for Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 proved decidedly mixed, reflecting the divided opinions that had followed the band throughout their career. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic awarded the album four out of five stars, calling it the band’s “hardest effort” since Core. He praised the opening tracks “Down” and “Heaven & Hot Rods” while noting that the album “consolidates all [of STP’s] strengths.”
Rolling Stone’s Lorraine Ali offered a more measured three-star review, describing the songs as “strong pop-rock pieces but without the self-consciousness of previous efforts.” This backhanded compliment suggested the album succeeded through straightforward execution rather than artistic ambition, a characterization some fans disputed.
Entertainment Weekly’s Rob Brunner delivered the harshest assessment, grading the album a “C” and dismissing it as “generic and phoned in” and mostly “unexciting and obvious.” Brunner called “Down” dour, “No Way Out” a dated Jane’s Addiction ripoff, and “Atlanta” pretentious and lugubrious. However, he acknowledged “Sex & Violence” and “Pruno” as “well-crafted” despite their lack of originality.
Defenders and Retrospective Reassessment
CMJ New Music Monthly’s M. Tye Comer offered a more positive assessment, calling the album “powerful and cohesive” and specifically recommending “Heaven & Hot Rods,” “Church on Tuesday,” “Sour Girl,” and “No Way Out.” This review better captured fan sentiment, which generally viewed Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 as a successful return to form.
Time has treated the album kindly. Retrospective reviews often position No. 4 as an underrated entry in the Stone Temple Pilots catalog, with particular praise for its balance of aggression and melody. Music journalists have noted that the album’s back-to-basics approach anticipated the garage rock revival of the early 2000s, making it more prescient than critics initially recognized.
No. 4’s Legacy and Influence
The legacy of Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 extends beyond its commercial success to its role in the band’s survival. The album proved Stone Temple Pilots could create vital music despite Scott Weiland’s ongoing struggles, establishing a template the band would follow for years. When STP reunited in 2008 after a lengthy hiatus, tracks from No. 4 featured prominently in their setlists alongside Core and Purple classics.
The album marked one of the last major releases of the 90s alternative rock era. By late 1999, nu-metal bands like Limp Bizkit and Korn dominated rock radio, while post-grunge had evolved into mainstream modern rock. Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 represented a band refusing to chase trends, instead doubling down on the songwriting and musicianship that had always separated them from lesser acts.
Influence on Future Artists
“Sour Girl” influenced countless alternative rock bands in its wake, demonstrating that heavy bands could create genuinely pretty songs without sacrificing credibility. The track’s Beatles influence helped inspire the 2000s indie rock movement’s embrace of 60s pop aesthetics, though few bands matched STP’s ability to make such influences sound organic rather than calculated.
The album’s heavier material influenced the alternative metal scene, with bands like Breaking Benjamin and Shinedown citing Stone Temple Pilots as a crucial influence. The balance of melody and heaviness that defines No. 4 became a blueprint for commercially successful hard rock in the 2000s and beyond.
Reissues and Anniversary Celebrations
Atlantic Records reissued Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 on vinyl in October 2023 as part of the label’s 75th-anniversary celebrations. The exclusive black and white cornetto vinyl pressing featured new lacquers cut by Barry Grint at AIR Mastering, offering improved sound quality for audiophile collectors. The reissue introduced the album to younger listeners who had discovered STP through classic rock radio or streaming services.
The 20th anniversary in 2019 prompted renewed critical attention, with music publications running retrospective features examining the album’s place in STP’s discography and 90s rock history. These pieces generally concluded that No. 4 deserved more respect than it initially received, recognizing it as a solid, professional rock album from a band that had mastered their craft.
Production Credits and Album Personnel
Stone Temple Pilots:
Scott Weiland – Lead vocals, lyrics
Dean DeLeo – Guitar
Robert DeLeo – Bass, backing vocals, percussion on “Church on Tuesday” and “Sour Girl”, guitar on “Sex and Violence”, “Glide”, and “I Got You”, fuzz bass and zither on “Glide”
Eric Kretz – Drums, percussion on “No Way Out” and “Atlanta”
Production Team:
Brendan O’Brien – Producer, mixing, backing vocals on “Pruno” and “I Got You”, keyboards on “Church on Tuesday”, percussion on “Church on Tuesday”, “Sour Girl”, “Sex & Violence” and “I Got You”, backing vocals on “Sour Girl”, piano on “Glide” and “I Got You”
Nick DiDia – Recording engineer
Russ Fowler – Recording engineer
Stephen Marcussen – Mastering
David Campbell – String arrangement on “Atlanta”
Chapman Baehler – Photography
Richard Bates, Andrea Brooks – Art direction, design
Recording Details:
Recorded: 1999
Studios: Southern Tracks (Atlanta, GA), The Village (West Los Angeles, CA)
Label: Atlantic Records
Released: October 26, 1999
Similar Stone Temple Pilots Albums You’ll Love
If you enjoyed Stone Temple Pilots No. 4, explore these other essential albums from the band’s catalog:
Core
1992
The album that started it all. STP’s 8x platinum debut delivers grunge-era anthems like “Plush” and “Creep” with raw power and surprising melodic sophistication.
Buy on Amazon
Purple
1994
The band’s commercial peak featuring “Interstate Love Song” and “Vasoline.” This number one album perfected STP’s blend of hard rock muscle and alternative edge.
Buy on Amazon
Tiny Music… Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop
1996
STP’s experimental third album incorporates glam rock, psychedelia, and pop influences. A bold artistic statement that divided fans but showcased the band’s range.
Buy on Amazon
MTV Unplugged
1993
Acoustic reimaginings of STP classics reveal the strong songwriting beneath the electric guitars. Highlights include stripped-down versions of “Plush” and “Creep.”
Buy on Amazon
Thank You
2003
The essential greatest hits compilation spanning 1992-2002. Perfect introduction to STP featuring all the major hits plus rarities and live tracks.
Buy on Amazon
Stone Temple Pilots
2010
The reunion album that proved STP still had something to say. Vintage-inspired rock with mature songwriting and the classic lineup firing on all cylinders.
Buy on Amazon
Perdida
2020
An acoustic-driven departure featuring new vocalist Jeff Gutt. Intimate and introspective, this album explores STP’s quieter side with surprising emotional depth.
Buy on Amazon
Alive in the Windy City
2012
Live album capturing the reunited band’s 2010 tour energy. Essential performances of classic tracks prove STP’s enduring power as a live act.
Buy on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions About Stone Temple Pilots No. 4
The Verdict: Should You Buy No. 4?
🎯 The Final Word
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Best For: Fans of 90s alternative rock, hard rock enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the balance between heavy riffs and melodic songwriting
Skip If: You prefer STP’s experimental side showcased on Tiny Music, or if you’re looking for purely heavy music without melodic interludes
Essential Tracks: “Sour Girl”, “Down”, “Church on Tuesday”, “Atlanta”
Bottom Line: Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 represents a band at a creative crossroads delivering one of their most consistent albums. While it may lack the raw breakthrough energy of Core or the arena-rock perfection of Purple, it showcases mature songwriting and professional execution that rewards repeated listening.
Conclusion: Why Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 Still Matters Today
Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 endures as a testament to artistic resilience and professional craftsmanship. Released amid chaos and personal turmoil, the album proved that Stone Temple Pilots could create compelling music regardless of external circumstances. Its balance of aggression and melody, experimentation and accessibility, established a template that influenced countless rock bands in the decades since.
The album remains relevant because it captures a specific moment in rock history – the last gasp of 90s alternative rock before nu-metal and post-grunge fully dominated. Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 refused to chase trends, instead doubling down on songwriting quality and musical diversity. This commitment to artistic integrity over commercial calculation gives the album lasting value beyond nostalgia.
For new listeners, No. 4 offers an accessible entry point to Stone Temple Pilots’ catalog, showcasing their range without requiring familiarity with their previous work. For longtime fans, it represents the last album from the classic lineup before their 2003 breakup, making it a crucial chapter in understanding the band’s complete story. The album’s combination of hits, deep cuts, and sonic experimentation ensures it rewards both casual listening and close study.
Twenty-five years after its release, Stone Temple Pilots No. 4 stands as an underrated gem in the 90s rock canon – not the band’s masterpiece, perhaps, but a solid, professional album that demonstrates why Stone Temple Pilots outlasted so many of their peers.
Ready to explore more Stone Temple Pilots?
Check out our complete guide to Stone Temple Pilots members, read about Scott Weiland’s legendary career, or catch the band on their 2026 tour dates!