Velvet Revolver - Libertad Review

Velvet Revolver's first release Contraband was a very good album that will never have the longevity of any GnR album but is still very impressive. I was excited about this cauldron of Rock legends from the day I heard 'Set Me Free' a year or so before Contraband was released.

However, this album dissapoints on so many levels...the songs aren't bad as much as they are bland and unmemorable. Where is the exciting ROCK that used to ooze from Slash and Scott Weiland?

1. "Let It Roll" 5/10: Let what roll? The first song was the first sign that the lyrics for the whole album were probably written in about twenty minutes.
2. "She Mine" 3/10: This song is just generally terrible.
3. "Get Out the Door" 6/10: A little bit better.
4. "She Builds Quick Machines" 7/10: This is the first single. It sounds more like a single than anything else on the album.
5. "The Last Fight" 8/10: This song grew on me a bit.
6. "Pills, Demons & Etc." 6/10: For Scott Weiland, probably the most personal song on the album.
7. "American Man" 7/10: It's kind of catchy; I'll give it that.
8. "Mary Mary" 9/10: Right now, this is probably my favorite song on the album.
9. "Just Sixteen" 5/10: I think this is a filler track.
10. "Can't Get It Out of My Head" 6/10: I guess this is a cover song. It's okay.
11. "For a Brother" 6/10: This song could grow on me.
12. "Spay" 5/10: Here's another filler track.
13. "Gravedancer" 7/10: I liked this song better the first time when it was called "Fall to Pieces."
14. "Don't Drop That Dime" 8/10: For what it is, it's pretty good.

Overall, this is a very archetypal rock album from a very experienced collection of musicians. That comes with all its upsides and downsides. In my opinion, the first Velvet Revolver album was a lot better. Songs like "Sucker Train Blues" and "Set Me Free" were sing-along gold, and "You Got No Right" and "Loving the Alien" evoked real emotion. This album just doesn't measure up. As someone who owns every STP album, I think it's safe to say that Scott has gotten lazy.