The Last Temptation (CD - 1994)

This limited edition release of THE LAST TEMPTATION is specially packaged with a full-size, 36 page, full-color Marvel comic book. The comic was conceived in part by Neil Gaiman, best known for his Sandman comic book series.

Producers: Duane Baron, John Purdell, Don Flemming, Andy Wallace.

THE LAST TEMPTATION is based on a three-part comic book series, created by Neil Gaiman, author of the comic "Sandman."

Personnel: Alice Cooper, Chris Cornell (vocals); Stef Burns (guitar, background vocals); Dan Wexler (guitar); Derek Sherinian (keyboards, background vocals); John Purdell (keyboards); Greg Smith (bass, background vocals); David Vosikkinen (drums); Lou Merlino, Mark Hudson, Craig Copeland, Brett Hudson (background vocals).

Producers: Duane Baron, John Purdell, Don Fleming, Andy Wallace.

Engineers: John Agnello, Duane Baron, Andy Wallace.

Recorded at Music Grinder Studios, Hollywood, California; Sony Recording Studios, Santa Monica, California; Record One Studios, Sherman Oaks, California; Devonshire Studios, North Hollywood, California.

Though Alice Cooper's 1989 comeback gave him his first hit album in over a decade, the Trash record left some diehard fans disappointed, as did 1991's Hey Stoopid. Many listeners felt that Cooper had sold himself short, now completely focusing on sleazy sexual anthems, making him just another face in the heavy metal crowd. By the time The Last Temptation was released in 1994, the hair band fad that had fueled Cooper's return was dead, and Cooper was obviously aware of its downfall -- the album sounds almost nothing like its two predecessors. Instead of relating to such albums as Motley Crue's Dr. Feelgood, Last Temptation seems more similar to Ozzy Osbourne's No More Tears. Thematically, the record returns to mostly conceptual songs, such as "Nothing's Free," "You're My Temptation," and "Cleansed by Fire." Though the album still has a few goofy interruptions, such anthems as "Lost in America" nonetheless boast more originality than anything off of Hey Stoopid or Trash. Far surpassing anything Cooper recorded in almost 20 years, The Last Temptation is unquestionably some of his best work. ~ Barry Weber

In 1994, coming off the commercial disappointment of HEY STOOPID, Alice Cooper decided to switch gears and composed his first concept album since the '70s, THE LAST TEMPTATION. Cooper worked with a trio of producers--Andy Wallace (Slayer), Don Fleming (Hole), and Duane Baron (Ozzy Osbourne)--to create an interesting sonic balance. A number of renowned rock artists again lend their songwriting talents to this collection. However, only Chris Cornell actually plays on the album, unlike the all-star cast of musicians who appeared on Cooper's last release.

While the album wasn't a major hit in the United States, it was Alice's third top-10 release in England and easily his best and most satisfying work in years. The pair of songs that Cornell co-wrote with Cooper, "Stolen Prayer" and "Unholy War," are the album's best; it's a headbanger's dream come true to hear these two exceptional singers share the mic. Other highlights include the opening epic, "Side Show"; the dramatic album closer, "Cleansed By Fire"; and the melancholy "It's Me." Although THE LAST TEMPTATION was a great return to form for Alice, his failure to promote it with a tour made it one of his most overlooked albums. minimize