Album of the Year

This was the first Faith No More album I purchased and it's in a 3 way tie for my favorite (with Angel Dust and King For A Day, certainly a feeling many FNM fans share). Keeping in the tradition of having each album sound nothing like the predecessor, this album sounds unique unto itself.

As was said by members themselves, this album was worked on primarily by half the band (you can imagine insinuating that Mike Patton and Mike "Puffy" Bordin were more occupied elsewhere during these times). It's hard to believe that what might have not been a whole-hearted effort still leaves an impression with fans.

Jon Hudson gave his first and only performance with the band (not counting live stuff and b-sides) and did an admirable job here. He's not going into the pantheon of guitar wizards or anything, but his playing was effective and fits well with the sound they were going for here (actually many sounds).

Standout tracks are Stripsearch, Last Cup of Sorrow and Ashes to Ashes, with many songs also very strong. Stripsearch is probably one of the most chilled out songs ever (this band is metal?) with a calming keyboard performance and atmospheric vocals by the great Mike Patton, who as always re-establishes himself as a top male vocalist. Last Cup of Sorrow is a more biting song, with low-end guitars and an excellent chorus. This song also had a very intriguing music video (inspired by Hitchcock's Vertigo).

There are great lyrics to be had too, like "I even tried to get arrested today, but everyone looked the other way". Maybe it doesn't look that cool in this review but believe me, in the song (Naked in Front of the Computer) it works.

These guys were never exactly great buddies or anything, so it's remarkable they even made it to 1998. We should be glad they did, because they left a real gem here.