Album Info
| Artist: | Velvet Revolver |
| Album: | Contraband |
| Gatefold: | Yes |
| Released: | Europe, 12 May 2014 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Sucker Train Blues | |
| A2 | Do It For The Kids | |
| A3 | Big Machine | |
| B1 | Illegal I Song | |
| B2 | Spectacle | |
| B3 | Fall To Pieces | |
| C1 | Headspace | |
| C2 | Superhuman | |
| C3 | Set Me Free | |
| Producer - Nick Raskulinecz | ||
| Producer [Associate] - Douglas Grean | ||
| D1 | You Got No Right | |
| D2 | Slither | |
| D3 | Dirty Little Thing | |
| Written-By - Keith Nelson | ||
| D4 | Loving The Alien |
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Description
Velvet Revolver - Contraband: A Hard Rock Resurgence
Released in 2004, "Contraband" marked the explosive debut of Velvet Revolver, a supergroup formed from the ashes of some of the most iconic bands of the '80s and '90s, including Guns N' Roses and Stone Temple Pilots. This album not only signified the return of hard rock to the mainstream but also showcased the collective talents of Scott Weiland, Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum, and Dave Kushner. "Contraband" is a powerhouse of an album, blending the raw energy and aggression of rock with melodic sensibilities and introspective lyrics, resulting in a sound that was both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
The opening track, "Sucker Train Blues," sets the tone with its high-octane riffs and Weiland's unmistakable vocal prowess. The song's driving rhythm and compelling hook immediately establish Velvet Revolver as a force to be reckoned with, combining the best elements of their members' previous bands while carving out a unique identity.
"Slither," the album's lead single, became an anthem of the early 2000s rock scene, thanks in no small part to its catchy chorus and Slash's signature guitar work. The song's success on the charts and on MTV solidified Velvet Revolver's place in the rock pantheon and demonstrated the band's ability to craft songs that appealed to both longtime rock fans and a new generation of listeners.
"Fall to Pieces" is a standout ballad that showcases a different side of the band. Weiland's heartfelt lyrics and vulnerable delivery, paired with Slash's emotive guitar solos, create a poignant and powerful track that resonates with themes of love, loss, and redemption. This song, in particular, highlighted the band's versatility and the depth of Weiland's songwriting.
"Dirty Little Thing" and "Big Machine" are high-energy tracks that harken back to the glory days of hard rock, with infectious riffs and anthemic choruses that beg to be played at maximum volume. These songs encapsulate the spirit of "Contraband," an album that celebrates the excesses and escapism of rock 'n' roll while also acknowledging the personal demons that often accompany such a lifestyle.
The production of "Contraband," helmed by Josh Abraham, is crisp and modern, yet retains the raw edge that is essential to the band's sound. The mix balances the gritty guitars, driving bass, and pounding drums with Weiland's dynamic vocals, ensuring that the emotional weight of the lyrics cuts through the sonic assault.
In retrospect, "Contraband" represents a moment in time when rock music was in dire need of a revival. Velvet Revolver rose to the challenge, delivering an album that was both a nod to the past and a step forward for the genre. The band's chemistry, combined with their collective experience and personal struggles, lent an authenticity to the album that resonated with fans and critics alike.
In conclusion, "Contraband" by Velvet Revolver is a testament to the enduring power of hard rock. The album combines the signature elements of its members' storied pasts with a fresh energy and urgency, resulting in a collection of songs that are as compelling as they are cathartic. "Contraband" not only marked the successful return of several rock legends but also left an indelible mark on the landscape of early 21st-century rock music.
