Ever since he got out of rehab for his heroin addiction, Scott Weiland seems to be cranking out new music left and right in an effort to prove to everyone, including the judge, that he is rehabilitated and clean.
However, the quality of his endeavors seems to be suffering significantly. Weiland's lyrics are much less catchy than they have been in years past, and he seems to be lacking inspiration for his songs; they do not seem to be about anything anymore. The glue that holds this album together certainly seems to be the lasting talent of the DeLeo brothers.
Weiland has apparently regressed in his songwriting abilities; the new single, "Days of the Week," lacks the trademark heaviness evident throughout the rest of the album, and the lyrics are so sophomoric as to be expected of a band with half as much talent and experience as Stone Temple Pilots.
Perhaps Weiland had already given it his all with Core and Purple, for Tiny Music was even more ridiculous than this album, and many faithful fans believed that Weiland has finally pulled it all back together with the release of No. 4 in 1999. Now, however, that belief is waning as STP fans, hoping Shangri La Dee Da to be as exhilarating as No. 4, cringe as they hear the uninspiring new tunes.
It is unfortunate that Weiland should flag so early in his second wind, as he is a truly talented musician and worthy of much more praise than this review can give him. However, based on this album, he needs to put much more time and effort into his music.
