Alice Cooper – The Last Temptation (1994): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in June 1994, The Last Temptation is Alice Cooper’s fourteenth solo studio album and a return to his concept-driven storytelling. Produced by Alice Cooper and Bob Ezrin, the album draws inspiration from a fictional narrative based on a comic book storyline of the same name, blending hard rock, theatrical elements, and dark humor.
Album Overview
The Last Temptation is a concept album that tells the story of a young man tempted by the Devil and the forces of good and evil. Musically, it combines heavy rock riffs, catchy choruses, and cinematic flourishes reminiscent of Cooper’s 1970s theatrical work.
This album marked Cooper’s return to collaboration with producer Bob Ezrin, who had produced many of his classic albums, including Welcome to My Nightmare. The narrative-driven approach makes it a spiritual successor to Cooper’s earlier concept albums, appealing to fans of both his theatrical 1970s and heavier 1980s eras.
Tracklist – Alice Cooper: The Last Temptation (1994)
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Disgraceland – 4:10
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Nothing’s Free – 3:55
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It Rains on Me – 4:05
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Salvation – 3:50
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Sideshow – 4:25
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I Love the Dead (Re-recorded) – 3:40
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Sister Sara – 3:55
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Stolen Prayer – 4:00
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The Garden of Allah – 3:45
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Somewhere in the Jungle – 3:50
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Somewhere in the Jungle (Reprise) – 2:50
Note: Tracklists may vary slightly depending on international editions.
Album Review
The Last Temptation successfully blends Alice Cooper’s theatricality with 1990s hard rock production. The opening track, Disgraceland, sets a darkly humorous and dramatic tone, showcasing Cooper’s ability to combine storytelling with rock energy.
Tracks like Sideshow and Salvation feature cinematic arrangements and catchy choruses, while re-recorded tracks like I Love the Dead pay homage to his 1970s shock-rock roots. The album’s concept is tightly integrated, with each song contributing to the overarching narrative, offering listeners a rock opera experience.
Cooper’s vocals remain theatrical and expressive, while the instrumentation, handled by his long-time band and session musicians, balances hard rock riffs with atmospheric touches, highlighting the album’s narrative depth.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: The Last Temptation is a concept album inspired by a comic book storyline created specifically for Cooper.
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• Trivia: Bob Ezrin returned as producer, reuniting with Cooper after a decade to recapture the cinematic sound of their earlier collaborations.
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• Did You Know? The album includes re-recordings of classic Alice Cooper songs, connecting his 1990s work with his 1970s theatrical era.
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• Fun Fact: The narrative explores themes of temptation, morality, and the eternal struggle between good and evil, typical of Cooper’s theatrical storytelling.
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• Did You Know? Songs from the album, such as Disgraceland and Sideshow, became staples in Alice Cooper’s live shows during the mid-1990s.
The Last Temptation is a standout concept album in Alice Cooper’s 1990s catalog, blending theatrical rock, dark humor, and narrative-driven songwriting. It demonstrates Cooper’s ability to evolve while staying true to the theatrical and shock-rock elements that define his career.
