“There ain’t no magic pen to get back what you lost,” claims Scott Weiland on Stone Temple Pilots’ new album.

He’s right, of course. But that hasn’t stopped the reunited arena-rockers from trying to rewrite their past. Or at least reconnect with it.

Click here to listen to the album exclusively on Canoe.ca.

On their self-titled comeback disc — their first new material since 2001’s underwhelming Shangri-La Dee Da — Weiland and co. want to make it clear they’re back to their old selves. All their old selves. The dozen-track disc conducts a thorough survey of every nook and cranny of the band’s stylistic landscape; you’ve got post-grunge and arena-rock, Beatle-pop and psychedelia, glam and even rootsy touches. It doesn’t take a marketing degree to suspect it’s a calculated bid to appease anyone and everyone who ever dug an STP song.

But for the most part, it succeeds. Despite the variety, the 41-minute album — produced by bassist Robert DeLeo and his guitarist brother Dean, with assistance from superstar studio rat Don Was — may be their most focused and consistent work. Some of these songs sport a ’60s vibe; others have more of a ’70s sound. But every one is a lean, clean little nugget of polished, radio-ready rock. Never mind indulging their inner artistes; these guys want hits, and plenty of ’em.

And if there’s still enough magic left in STP’s pen to pull that off, maybe they’ll get back what they lost after all.

Between the Lines 2:50

The band makes a bed of groovy go-go rock — while Weiland channels Dylan (believe it or not) and brays about the days “when we used to take drugs.” It shouldn’t work. But it does.

Take a Load Off 3:11

The last one was for the airwaves; this midtempo shot of shape-shifting, Led-based blues-rock is built for the arenas — with a bridge that will soar into the upper decks.

Huckleberry Crumble 3:10

A slice of classic ’70s boogie-rock. Sure, it’s got the same ingredients as Aerosmith’s Same Old Song and Dance. But it’s not like Joe and Steve are using that recipe anymore.

Hickory Dichotomy 3:22

Dean’s hypnotically twanging licks and slide work supply the hickory. Weiland’s glammy, hammy drawl creates the dichotomy. “You’re messing with my brain,” he says. Look who’s talking.

Dare if You Dare 4:29

I dare you not to think of The Beatles when you listen to this midtempo piano-rocker — topped by a chorus anthemic enough to play at sporting events.

Cinnamon 3:33

Another song, another genre; this time it’s jangling paisley-pop, complete with a bittersweet melody and a chorus that wouldn’t have been out of place on an old R.E.M. album.

Hazy Daze 2:59

The disc’s second half opens on a more familiar note, thanks to another slug of big blues-rock riffs set to a slightly funky backbeat.

Bagman 2:45

Eric Kretz’s thumping tom-toms and Dean’s slashing guitar are straight from the Stones’ playbook, but the chorus sounds more like Bowie. Another weird combination.

Peacoat 3:29

More glam crooning from Weiland, but this time decked out in massive power chords, a treated guitar solo. It’s not bad, but it never really grabs you.

Fast as I Can 3:33

Ladies and gentlemen, The Yardbirds! Or at least a tune that drives the same tracks as Train Kept A-Rollin’ — until it veers off into an arena-sized chorus.

First Kiss on Mars 3:03

If the title doesn’t make you think of Bowie, Weiland’s low-register vibrato and Dean’s lushly layered guitars will do the trick.

Maver 4:52

Out comes the piano again for the mandatory closing ballad — though it’s got enough momentum and rootsy touches to keep from getting too sappy.

Click here to listen to the album exclusively on Canoe.ca.