Rated R (Queens of the Stone Age album)

Rated R is the second studio album by American rock band Queens of the Stone Age, released on June 6, 2000, by Interscope Records. It is considered a significant step in the band's development, showcasing a more experimental and diverse sound compared to their self-titled debut.

The album features a notable shift in songwriting, incorporating elements of psychedelic rock, stoner rock, and desert rock, while retaining the band's signature heavy riffs and driving rhythms. Josh Homme serves as the primary songwriter and vocalist, with contributions from other band members and guest musicians.

Rated R includes several well-known tracks, such as "Feel Good Hit of the Summer," a controversial song featuring a repetitive listing of drugs; "The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret," a melodic and atmospheric track that became a commercial success; and "Auto Pilot," known for its hypnotic groove.

The album's artwork and overall aesthetic are notable for their bold and colorful designs, contributing to the album's distinctive identity. Rated R received positive reviews upon its release and is widely regarded as a classic album in the band's discography. It solidified Queens of the Stone Age's reputation as innovators in the rock genre and paved the way for their subsequent success.