Contraband is the debut studio album by American hard rock band Velvet Revolver, released on June 8, 2004, by RCA Records.

A commercial success, Contraband debuted at number one on the American Billboard 200 chart and was certified double platinum by the RIAA.

Several lead singers auditioned including Josh Todd of Buckcherry, Kelly Shaefer of Neurotica and Travis Meeks of Days of the New.

[18] Rolling Stone rated it as four stars out of five and said, "it is a rare, fine thing: the sound of the perfect A&R sales pitch turning into a real band.

"[19] Entertainment Weekly gave it a B−, saying, "[E]ven at its sharpest, Contraband feels secondhand, and much of it is also hobbled by a disconnect between singer and band.

"[11] Allmusic rated it as three stars out of five, saying, "With Contraband, Velvet Revolver has pulled off something tidy, fashioning music that manages both hedonism and maturity.

[10] Playlouder rated it as three candles out of five saying it sounded more like Stone Temple Pilots and "anyone who'd hoped for Guns N' Roses mark II (or III) will be very seriously disappointed."

In January 2005, Velvet Revolver were also asked to play the music for a cover of Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven".

All lyrics are written by Scott Weiland, except where noted; all music is composed by Velvet Revolver, except where notedNote