It features six tracks with seven songs (a hidden song entitled "The Gaping Lotus Experience" starts at 6:06 of Track 6). Unlike their later releases, Opiate doesn't deal with a wide range of topics, or incorporate a lot of complexity in its songs. More than anything, it's a typical grunge record from the early '90s. The first track, "Sweat," is quite indicative of their future work, dealing with a slightly more complex topic and using metaphorical material. The rest of the album uses society as a focal point—more specifically, society's problems.
The song "Hush" is about censorship and political correctness, and is accompanied by a video featuring the whole band wearing signs reading "Warning: Explicit Parts" over their genitalia. The songs "Jerk-Off" and "Opiate" also deal with society, and while it may not be life-altering material, it is definitely a great starting point to open up one's mind to the rest of the band's work.
Opiate was certified gold by the RIAA on January 12, 1996.
Track Listing
Personnel
