"Libertad" is the second and final studio album by American hard rock band Velvet Revolver, released on July 3, 2007. The title, meaning "Liberty" or "Freedom" in Spanish, reflects the band's desire to explore new musical territories and break free from previous constraints. It also marks a significant point in the band's history as it is one of the only albums lead singer Scott Weiland wrote while sober, alongside Core by Stone Temple Pilots and Stone Temple Pilots (2010).
The process of creating Libertad began in late 2005 when Velvet Revolver initially announced plans for their second album, with Weiland mentioning the idea of a concept album. However, these plans were eventually scrapped, and the band started working with producer Rick Rubin. After parting ways with Rubin, they brought in producer Brendan O'Brien, known for his work with Stone Temple Pilots. According to Weiland, O'Brien brought a new energy to the band, revitalizing their creative process.
Recording began in December 2006, with the band documenting the process through a series of video blogs available on their website. By June 2007, the band released a full preview of Libertad, giving fans an early taste of the album.
To support the album’s release, Velvet Revolver launched several promotional efforts. Libertad was made available as an Enhanced CD, which included a 10-minute documentary titled Re-Evolution: The Making of Libertad. There was also a deluxe edition sold at Best Buy, which included a 30-minute documentary titled Tierra Roja, Sangre Roja, capturing the band's South American tour.
In addition to the album's release, Velvet Revolver embarked on a South American tour with Aerosmith, concluding with a performance before 70,000 fans. The band also toured North America, Europe, and Asia, playing major festivals like the Download Festival and supporting bands such as Alice in Chains.
Several tracks from Libertad were used in television and media, including "Let It Roll," which served as the official theme song for the 2007 WWE Diva Search, and "American Man," which was featured in promotional ads for the popular TV drama Prison Break. The album's music was also featured at the X Games XIII, where it served as background music for the event.
The cover of Libertad features a stylized Chilean 10 pesos coin from 1973 to 1990. This coin alludes to the 1973 Chilean coup d'état that overthrew the socialist president Salvador Allende. The coin originally depicted a winged female figure associated with freedom, and after the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, it was replaced with the image of Chile's independence hero, Bernardo O'Higgins. The band's guitarist, Slash, later revealed in an interview that the image came from a friend's old Chilean necklace and that he was unaware of the political significance until later.
Libertad represented a bold musical statement for Velvet Revolver, blending elements of hard rock with a sense of artistic freedom. The album received mixed to positive reviews, with some praising its raw energy, while others noted that it didn't fully capture the band's potential. Regardless, it remains a notable chapter in the band's career before their eventual hiatus.
