This fine band's powerful music has been often overshadowed by singer Scott Weiland's well-documented drug and legal troubles. Not to mention that STP's 1992 debut, Core, was dismissed by critics as "Seattle lite." Nonetheless, STP has managed to make four noteworthy albums, No. 4 being the latest in their solid and cohesive body of work. No. 4 is not groundbreaking, but the quartet's aggressive, dynamic hard rock is emotion-packed and timeless. Not as hit-heavy as its predecessors, No. 4 is nevertheless strong and diverse. On the gentler side, there's the lilting '60s-influenced "I Got You" and "Atlanta," which is almost Doors-like in its dreamy mood. Heavier fare includes the midtempo heavy riffing opener "Down" and the winning but not-so-subtly titled "Sex and Violence," which matches an aggressive, linear feel with a cool punk vibe. At 42 minutes, the only thing wrong with No. 4 is that there's not enough of it. --Katherine Turman

uuid:	48779675-CB65-402E-82F4-6C843D71F3EF
upc:	0075678325526
tracklisting:	Down Heaven & Hot Rods Pruno Church On Tuesday Sour Girl No Way Out Sex & Violence Glide I Got You MC5 Atlanta
title:	No 4
rating:	4
purchase date:	09-05-2005
published:	26-10-1999
price:	$11.98
net Rating:	4
last lookup time:	137383664
fullTitle:	No 4
currentValue:	$1.74
created:	137383664
country:	us
aspect:	Audio CD
asin:	B000021XR5
artist:	Stone Temple Pilots