Contraband has been done before. Even though there are some very good songs here (Do it for the kids, Sucker train blues, Slither, Loving the Alien, etc..), the album lacks charisma. Slash does not have a good guitar tone throughout the album. His playing is not unique anymore. It feels like he's trying to imitate exactly what he did during his years with Guns N' Roses. The riffs are not catchy enough and seem to be all over the place. Its a generic rock album. The only reason it has tasted success is because of all the star members. This album would be more on the unknown side if it wasn't for the ex members of GNR and a notorious drug addict lead singer. This is a "rock n roll" band that the music industry expects you to listen and buy. I recommend Silvertide over this.