Released on 31/07/2000
Label: Polydor

Currently causing certain sections of the music press to spontaneously combust with excitement, Queens Of The Stone Age's, 'Rated-R' has to be one of the most eagerly anticipated albums for some time. The perfect antidote to the current crop of synthetic boy/girl bands, tiresome two-steppers and fey acoustic rockers, their uncompromising stance and good time ethos indeed makes for a refreshing change.

Twisted, brooding, American rock 'n' roll, free from the usual pompous angst, and with a far better sense of humour than your average dumb U.S punk pop outfit, The Lost Art Of Keeping A Secret is a fine example of their craft. A dark nicotine stained pop song it simmers menacingly before bursting into life with some seriously scuzzy riffs and an infectious hook laden chorus. Suitably low down and dirty and thoroughly amoral, the noxious blast created by Queens Of The Stone Age is like a breath of fresh air.

    by Josh Rogan