Era Vulgaris
by Queens of the Stone Age
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 233 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 205 out of 233
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 233
  3. Negative: 9 out of 233

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  1. TomB
    Nov 30, 2009
    10
    The best album of the decade. I know it's a weak decade but I would rank this album along side Surfer Rosa, Siamese Dream, and Daydream Nation. The riff for 3s and 7s reminisces of the lone, cutting perfection of the opening seconds of Smells Like Teen Spirit.
  2. p
    Jun 14, 2007
    2
    I love the Queens and have seen them 6 times in their various incarniations, but I am very disappointed with this album. It does not compare as a whole to any of their previous offerings, and there are no stand out tracks that pepper the previous albums either. This album certainly does not rock or have any real passion instead it sound lifeless, dull and as if the band are bored. I love the Queens and have seen them 6 times in their various incarniations, but I am very disappointed with this album. It does not compare as a whole to any of their previous offerings, and there are no stand out tracks that pepper the previous albums either. This album certainly does not rock or have any real passion instead it sound lifeless, dull and as if the band are bored. "Turning the Screw" is not a good song let alone one to open an album with, and "Sick, Sick ,Sick" is their weakest single yet. Not a good start. "I'm a Designer" is a mismatched song with a nice hook in the middle but the surroinding music just does not fit. "Into the Hollow" is straight off Lullabies to Paralyse" and alothough a good song I can't help feeling I have heard it before. "Misfit Love" is repetative beyond belief and "Battery Acid" has a terrible song structure that I am not used to from QOTSA who have a gift of blending great heavy rock with just the right pinch of melody. "Make it Wit Chu" was my favourite favourite song for years after hearing it on Desert Sessions, but without Mark Lanegans vocals the new version is nowhere near as dirty and sexy. However it is easily the best song on the album. "3's & 7's" and "Suture up your Future" are repatative and instantly forgettable and I cant even be bothered to write about the last 2 tracks! I am hoping that Josh and Co can recover their near perfect blend of solid dirty rock and melody that I believe is the best since the Pixies and come back with a stronger less experimental album full of loud rock sooner rather than later.… Expand
  3. DJMC
    Jun 6, 2007
    4
    I really don't see where the acclaim for this album is coming from. Apart form "Sick, Sick, Sick" the rest of the record sounds like they just couldn't be bothered. Josh Homme is an amazing musician, but he's let himself down with this release. Listen to this, then listen to Blues for the Red Sun, or Songs for the Deaf. No comparison.
  4. Sarah
    Mar 30, 2008
    10
    Every song has a hook, line has a catch-Homme has rewarded loyal Queens fans with snarky eyeroll aimed at corruption in the music industry and an openmouthed kiss fill with tongue, sweat, saliva, and a heap of good cranking tunes.
  5. declanM
    Jun 15, 2007
    2
    Extremely disappointing album that has no memorable songs i know the last album was a take no chances album at least it had a couple of memorable songs this is pure crap ... i dont know whether its too much drugs or what but i dont think they will ever match songs for the deaf
  6. Hein
    Jun 15, 2007
    7
    I think this one is their weakest. But still a very good album!
  7. GaborA
    Jun 17, 2007
    7
    (7.5) I don't mind that Homme wears his influences on his sleeves more than ever. Some are subtle and fitting like the nirvana esque hook in the background of 3's and 7's. Some are more obvious like the toll ex tour buddy Trent Reznor makes on the first third of the album. Theres enough there to make these QOTSA songs, though. I don't mind the new stripped down (7.5) I don't mind that Homme wears his influences on his sleeves more than ever. Some are subtle and fitting like the nirvana esque hook in the background of 3's and 7's. Some are more obvious like the toll ex tour buddy Trent Reznor makes on the first third of the album. Theres enough there to make these QOTSA songs, though. I don't mind the new stripped down approach. I don't mind the new more mellow tone. But all this coupled with the fact that the album is 47 minutes with one desert sessions rehash evokes the feeling that this is a good album but i know more could have been done(ie APC's 13th step). The album makes perfect summer listening, but i fear that once the leaves start changing colors i may be reaching for other more complete and durable QOTSA albums.… Expand
  8. TravisH
    Jun 18, 2007
    4
    Let me start off by saying QOTSA is probably my favorite band of all time. I was so excited to get this album but it just falls flat. The songs seem to be a jumble of riffs that never go anywhere. After seeing Kyuss perform many moons ago i instantly fell in love with this style of music that was so unique and groundbreaking. Maybe it will grow on me but i doubt it. Rehashing the desert Let me start off by saying QOTSA is probably my favorite band of all time. I was so excited to get this album but it just falls flat. The songs seem to be a jumble of riffs that never go anywhere. After seeing Kyuss perform many moons ago i instantly fell in love with this style of music that was so unique and groundbreaking. Maybe it will grow on me but i doubt it. Rehashing the desert sessions does not a good album make. Sorry Holmes, I'm not feeling this one.… Expand
  9. Glen
    Jun 19, 2007
    3
    worst queens album thus far, wheres olveri when you need him
  10. moonwaffle
    Nov 8, 2007
    5
    I've always been conflicted about qotsa. it seems like everyone one of their albums bears a meager handful of amazing songs, brilliant in their simplicity, and way more that i could hardly care less about. 'misfit love' and "3's & 7's" are essential. the rest sounds like a mix of stone temple pilot songs and really grating robot rock. it's worth a purchase, I've always been conflicted about qotsa. it seems like everyone one of their albums bears a meager handful of amazing songs, brilliant in their simplicity, and way more that i could hardly care less about. 'misfit love' and "3's & 7's" are essential. the rest sounds like a mix of stone temple pilot songs and really grating robot rock. it's worth a purchase, just barely though.… Expand
  11. Busted...
    Jun 12, 2007
    4
    Nothing special...Would have received less if I didn't have a previous devotion to the band.
  12. paulA
    Jun 13, 2007
    6
    did i miss something. this album is ok as far as rock albums go, but as far as queens of the stone age is concerned, it's a mess. i was ready for more crunchy guitar tones followed by competant and complete songwriting. what i got was a muddle of scratchy vocals coupled with whiny paper thin guitar sounds. the worst part about the album was their inablility to write a song that did i miss something. this album is ok as far as rock albums go, but as far as queens of the stone age is concerned, it's a mess. i was ready for more crunchy guitar tones followed by competant and complete songwriting. what i got was a muddle of scratchy vocals coupled with whiny paper thin guitar sounds. the worst part about the album was their inablility to write a song that sounded complete. these songs just kinda fizzle out into a mess of uncomprehendable B.S. even though this review sounds harsh they still manage to throw a song or two onto the album that makes it almost worth buying. so if your a fan buy it, if not then i would just borrow it from a friend.… Expand
  13. TheRocker
    Jun 13, 2007
    3
    Era Vulgaris sounds like a computer, not a kick-ass rock band. Booo QOTSA. Boooo.
  14. LoganM
    Jun 14, 2007
    7
    As addicted to Queens of the Stone Age as I am, I am disapointed in this album, yet it's still good enough to earn a 7. I came to expect rock that has balls, along with catchy melodies, but this record seems to have less balls and no melody. It is much more industrial sounding a la NIN, and Homme's vocals aren't as good as the last record. Still, Queens is one of the only As addicted to Queens of the Stone Age as I am, I am disapointed in this album, yet it's still good enough to earn a 7. I came to expect rock that has balls, along with catchy melodies, but this record seems to have less balls and no melody. It is much more industrial sounding a la NIN, and Homme's vocals aren't as good as the last record. Still, Queens is one of the only bands that actually can rock.… Expand
  15. AndrewA
    Jul 19, 2007
    4
    Boring and flat, this is their weakest album. Most of the songs go nowhere. Apparently, now that Holmes is "alone" he needs a hand to help him pen some songs.
  16. GuidedByVoices
    Aug 24, 2009
    5
    it's not crap, but it isn't a good album neither, they always suck from a lot of sources to build great songs, here they were looking for third rate bands,and they got second hand songs, QOTSA fanboys, is It as good as previous albums?, here they are as skilled as always, but skill is not all in a song, honestly, after beasts such as lullabies or rated I expected a lot more, I it's not crap, but it isn't a good album neither, they always suck from a lot of sources to build great songs, here they were looking for third rate bands,and they got second hand songs, QOTSA fanboys, is It as good as previous albums?, here they are as skilled as always, but skill is not all in a song, honestly, after beasts such as lullabies or rated I expected a lot more, I see very high scores for the album, sure you give everything that's brand newfive stars.… Expand
  17. J.PThompson
    Jun 15, 2007
    8
    Again, I was thrown off in which direction this album was heading. Awesome opening track then right into sick. I'm designer has so much swagger it makes me feel 10 feet tall. Hollow; catchy, but stale in a way. Misfit love and battery acid are ok. Picks back up with make it wichu and 3s & 7s. Suture is a great song with a bass line that kills. River in the road and run pig run make Again, I was thrown off in which direction this album was heading. Awesome opening track then right into sick. I'm designer has so much swagger it makes me feel 10 feet tall. Hollow; catchy, but stale in a way. Misfit love and battery acid are ok. Picks back up with make it wichu and 3s & 7s. Suture is a great song with a bass line that kills. River in the road and run pig run make me feel like im at the circus. 2 things that let me down about the album: 1. The title track era vulgaris should be on this album. I thought it would of flowed nice with the other songs 2. It's missing a bald headed bassist who likes to play naked....we miss you nick.… Expand
  18. archv
    Jun 5, 2007
    10
    Soooo queens are again on the top, guys. Look at the album - the cover, the songs, the lyrics....Homme at his best ! Suture up your future is the best ballad since "in the fade" Go Hommie, GO!
  19. jyotirmayad.
    Jul 7, 2007
    8
    Not bad, very sonic and I, unlike past Queen's albums, really really enjoy it -- not just play it because I bought it... Now i wish that Joshe Homme would grow his hair... he's Ozzy Osbourne status now!!!
  20. [Anonymous]
    May 31, 2007
    10
    this album is killer. it sounds a little like lullabies mixed with rated r mixed with something totally new. awesome.
  21. alih
    Jun 12, 2007
    10
    full of intrigue and spine tinglingly good guitar. lullabies got better with every listen-so if this gets better it could be a classic. (PS era vulgaris got positive reviwes in amny british papers such as the daily telegraph and sunday times-add these scores)
  22. FelipeP
    Jun 13, 2007
    10
    Simply the best rock album of 2007!
  23. AaronC
    Jun 14, 2007
    10
    Every QOTSA album progresses to a subtly different sound. Each equally as great as the last. Era Vugaris is a new overall sound. It's more of an electric, industrial sound. Except "I Wanna Make It Wit You" which came from the Desert Sessions 9&10. I do miss the metal element that Nick brought to the band though. Anyone who doesn't own each of QOTSA's albums should purchase Every QOTSA album progresses to a subtly different sound. Each equally as great as the last. Era Vugaris is a new overall sound. It's more of an electric, industrial sound. Except "I Wanna Make It Wit You" which came from the Desert Sessions 9&10. I do miss the metal element that Nick brought to the band though. Anyone who doesn't own each of QOTSA's albums should purchase them all cause your missing out on some classics.… Expand
  24. matt
    Jun 20, 2007
    9
    Definately a great album. A return to their early works. A work that grows on you the more you listen. Homme and crew are just getting better and better.
  25. TeagueS
    Jun 26, 2007
    8
    It's a break from their last album, but they've all been that way. It's not on the level of Lullabies in terms of sonic accomplishment, or SFTD in terms of continuous driving sound, but it is definitely a unique and satisfying album. You have to work to be able to pick out the flow of the cd, and the resolution of the constant dischord, but it's worth it. If you It's a break from their last album, but they've all been that way. It's not on the level of Lullabies in terms of sonic accomplishment, or SFTD in terms of continuous driving sound, but it is definitely a unique and satisfying album. You have to work to be able to pick out the flow of the cd, and the resolution of the constant dischord, but it's worth it. If you haven't already, give "3's and 7's" and "Battery Acid" another chance.… Expand
  26. JorgeP
    Jun 4, 2007
    9
    Josh Homme and gang have managed to distill the Queens Of the Stone Age sound into an excellent and outstanding record.Even though they received flak for Lullabies to Paralyze this record is a throwback to the lean, fast, riff driven songs of Rated R while combining the polished elements of Lullabies.Basically, if the first song doesn't grab you,the next one will, or the one after Josh Homme and gang have managed to distill the Queens Of the Stone Age sound into an excellent and outstanding record.Even though they received flak for Lullabies to Paralyze this record is a throwback to the lean, fast, riff driven songs of Rated R while combining the polished elements of Lullabies.Basically, if the first song doesn't grab you,the next one will, or the one after that, or the one after that....End to end genius!… Expand
  27. StevenS.
    Apr 3, 2008
    9
    I love this album, it's better than lullabies (which was great) and it's equal with songs for the deaf, it's absolutely addictive... kinda hard to explain what it sounds like... it's still QOTSA, but it's definitely unique, sometimes i even hear a little core-era STP influence, anyway, just buy it, it's awesome
  28. Ikarus14
    Dec 5, 2009
    8
    The sound and direction are questionable, but it's still a great album.
  29. TtKKjj
    Nov 8, 2007
    10
    It's really f*cking good. Most powerful drums since In Utero.
  30. Joris
    Dec 1, 2007
    8
    Intense and solid, especially the latter half of the album is very good, leaves room for some dark experimentation. While the opener Turning On The Screw somehow sounds lazy and Make it with Chu draws to hard on the same repetitive line until it becomes boring, Suture Up Your Future has to be one of QOTSA's finest songs to date, other favourites are River In The Road, Run Pig Run and Intense and solid, especially the latter half of the album is very good, leaves room for some dark experimentation. While the opener Turning On The Screw somehow sounds lazy and Make it with Chu draws to hard on the same repetitive line until it becomes boring, Suture Up Your Future has to be one of QOTSA's finest songs to date, other favourites are River In The Road, Run Pig Run and Sick Sick Sick. Re"commended.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Most Discussed Album of 2007
36
#36 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. Hot Press
    80
    If Lullabies To Paralyze was a strange forest fairytale dusted with desert blues courtesy of Billy Gibbons, Era Vulgaris finds the band holed up in an abandoned funkhouse in the centre of a shady copse, waiting for some strange sexually-contracted fever to pass.
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  2. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    Homme's ever-catchy formula remains, but the mood is uneasy and brooding, with tracks such as 'Sick, Sick, Sick' revealing a venomous new band that's finally learned to separate business and pleasure.
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  3. Rolling Stone
    80
    Era Vulgaris is Homme's fifth Queens album, and like the others, it's intricately crafted, meticulously polished and ruthlessly efficient in its pursuit of depraved rock thrills.
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