"RESTRICTED TO EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, ALL THE TIME”. Rated R is the second album from American alt-rock ensemble Queens of the Stone Age, originally released in 2000 on Interscope. It was their first major label record, and also the first album to feature bassist Nick Olivieri and vocalist Mark Lanegan. The album overall features a stoner rock / alt metal aesthetic which sits neatly with the Hunter S Thompson-esque references to substances that dot the lyrics of the album. “Feel Good Hit of the Summer” was their first mainstream hit, heavy guitar rumble and rollicking drum fills. “The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret” is on the more straightforward, funky tip moody keys subtly reminding of classic spy movie music cues. “Better Living Through Chemistry” is a conga-backed diss on the pharmaceutical industry, “Monsters in the Parasol” is driving alt-rock with quasi-motorik drums. This is the first ever US pressing that features the original blue artwork, and it includes the rare international bonus track “Ode To Clarissa”.

• 180g black vinyl pressing
• first US vinyl pressing featuring original blue album artwork
• includes 3 bonus tracks 
• includes printed insert
• limited edition
• original release year: 2000
• music label: Interscope 2019

reviewed by WILMAAAAA 01/2020