Era Vulgaris (album)

Era Vulgaris is the fifth studio album by the American rock band Queens of the Stone Age, released on June 11, 2007, in the United Kingdom and June 12, 2007, in the United States. The album features a more raw and experimental sound compared to the band's previous work, incorporating elements of electronica, krautrock, and angular guitar riffs.

The album title, Era Vulgaris, translates from Latin to "Common Era," which is a secular term for the Anno Domini (AD) system of dating. While seemingly simple, the title is intentionally ambiguous and open to interpretation, reflecting the album's themes of modern alienation, hedonism, and the darker side of contemporary society. Josh Homme, the band's frontman, has stated that the title was chosen to represent a feeling of vulgarity and a "strange era" that is both fascinating and troubling.

Era Vulgaris includes guest appearances from Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, Mark Lanegan, and Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. The album spawned several singles, including "Sick, Sick, Sick," "3's & 7's," and "Make It Wit Chu," the latter being a re-recording of a previous Desert Sessions track.

The album received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its experimental nature and the band's willingness to push boundaries. Despite not being as commercially successful as some of their earlier albums, Era Vulgaris is considered a significant and influential work in the Queens of the Stone Age discography, known for its unique sound and thought-provoking themes.