About this album

Sound: "A diverse blend of alternative metal and rock, merging heavy riffs with introspective lyrics and experimental sounds."

Where they were

Released on June 3, 1997, 'Album of the Year' was Faith No More's fifth studio album and their first after a five-year hiatus following 'King for a Day... Fool for a Lifetime'. At this point in their career, the band was navigating lineup changes, with guitarist Jon Hudson joining the fold, bringing a fresh perspective to their sound. This album marked a shift towards a more polished production style while still retaining their signature eclecticism.

Why it matters

'Album of the Year' debuted at number 15 on the Billboard 200 and received generally positive reviews, highlighting its blend of genres. The lead single, 'Ashes to Ashes,' became notable for its radio play and further solidified Faith No More's influence in the alternative rock scene during the late '90s. This record is often regarded as a bridge between their earlier work and later endeavors, showcasing their evolution.

Essential tracks

  • "Ashes to Ashes" — This track exemplifies the band's ability to fuse heavy instrumentation with melodic elements, showcasing Mike Patton's vocal versatility.
  • "Stripsearch" — 'Stripsearch' stands out for its haunting atmosphere and compelling narrative about desire and vulnerability, woven through dynamic shifts in tempo.
  • "Last Cup of Sorrow" — The song features poignant lyrics reflecting on loss and longing, combined with an engaging chorus that captures listeners emotionally.

Release Date

June 3, 1997

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Collision 3:24
  2. 2 Stripsearch 4:30
  3. 3 Last Cup of Sorrow 4:11
  4. 4 Naked in Front of the Computer 2:08
  5. 5 Helpless 5:26
  6. 6 Mouth to Mouth 3:48
  7. 7 Ashes to Ashes 3:37
  8. 8 She Loves Me Not 3:29
  9. 9 Got That Feeling 2:20
  10. 10 Paths of Glory 4:17
  11. 11 Home Sick Home 1:58
  12. 12 Pristina 3:52
  13. 13 The Big Kahuna 3:04
  14. 14 Light Up and Let Go 2:18
  15. 15 Last Cup of Sorrow (Rammstein mix) 4:19
  16. 16 Ashes to Ashes (Hardknox alternative mix) 6:42
  17. 17 She Loves Me Not (Spinna Crazy dub mix) 4:35
  18. 18 Last Cup of Sorrow (Sharam versus FNM club mix) 7:24