Although initially written off as merely Pearl Jam rip-offs, Stone Temple Pilots certainly spawned their share of imitators, as countless STP-influenced outfits sprung up on the scene during the mid- to late '90s. Sponge could easily be classified as one such band, especially with their 1995 hit release Rotting Pinata, which spawned such MTV/rock radio favorites as Plowed and Molly (Sixteen Candles). After taking a break during the early part of the early 21st century, Sponge returned with a vengeance -- releasing two albums in a three-year span, 2003's For All the Drugs in the World and 2005's The Man. The latter release sees longtime Sponge leader/vocalist Vinnie Dombrowski assume full control, as he also serves as the album's producer. The end result is an album not unlike what you'd expect from Sponge -- melodic hard rockin' tunes (the album opening title track, Sh*ttier Day Than Me) broken up with bits of tranquility (Unlucky and All the Drugs in the World). The Man is certainly not going to be mistaken for a groundbreaking rock record any time soon, but for longtime Sponge fans, Dombrowski has done an admirable job keeping the band on the same sonic course as their previous releases. ~ Greg Prato, Rovi

1		The Man
2		Higher, Pt. 1
3		Fame and Glory
4		Glue
5		Back Against the Wall
6		Unlucky
7		Feels Like Love
8		Higher, Pt. 2
9		Shittier Day Than Me
10		All the Drugs in the World

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