Description
Alice Cooper – Hey Stoopid / The Last Temptation – Double Compact Disc
Alice Cooper’s Hey Stoopid (1991) and The Last Temptation (1994) are two significant albums in his expansive career, showcasing his ability to evolve with the times while maintaining his status as the king of theatrical rock. These records highlight Cooper’s knack for blending heavy rock with storytelling and social commentary, ensuring his relevance in the shifting musical landscape of the 1990s.
Hey Stoopid (1991)
Hey Stoopid is Alice Cooper’s 19th studio album, released on July 2, 1991. Produced by Peter Collins, the album features an all-star lineup of guest musicians, including Slash (Guns N’ Roses), Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Ozzy Osbourne, and Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe). This album continues the hard rock and glam-metal sound established in Cooper’s previous record, Trash, but with a darker and heavier tone.
The album’s title track, “Hey Stoopid,” serves as a direct address to listeners, tackling issues like suicide, addiction, and mental health. Cooper, always keen to use his music to address societal concerns, delivers a powerful message wrapped in anthemic rock. Tracks like “Love’s a Loaded Gun” and “Feed My Frankenstein” blend campy horror themes with heavy riffs, reflecting Cooper’s signature style.
Feed My Frankenstein gained widespread recognition after its inclusion in the 1992 film Wayne’s World, bolstering the album’s legacy. Hey Stoopid received positive reviews for its energetic performances and Cooper’s ability to modernize his sound while retaining his trademark theatrics.
The Last Temptation (1994)
The Last Temptation, released on July 12, 1994, is Alice Cooper’s 20th studio album and a concept record that delves into themes of temptation, morality, and redemption. Produced by Don Fleming, the album explores a more introspective and narrative-driven approach, incorporating elements of hard rock, acoustic balladry, and theatrical storytelling.
The album follows the journey of a character named Steven (a recurring figure in Cooper’s work) as he confronts the allure of a Faustian figure known as the Showman. Through songs that explore themes of choice, temptation, and faith, Cooper delivers a narrative steeped in moral and philosophical undertones. The story was also adapted into a three-part comic series by Marvel Comics, written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Michael Zulli.
The album balances its darker themes with humor and accessibility. Songs like “Lost in America” feature satirical takes on modern disillusionment, while tracks like “Stolen Prayer” and “Cleansed by Fire” delve into the heavier emotional and spiritual weight of the story.
The Last Temptation is widely regarded as one of Cooper’s most artistically ambitious works, blending music with storytelling in a deeply impactful way. It was seen as a return to form for Cooper, showcasing his ability to craft compelling narratives while exploring new sonic territories.
While both albums belong to the hard rock and glam-metal domain, Hey Stoopid is more straightforward and arena-ready, appealing to fans of Cooper’s heavier, theatrical side. The Last Temptation, on the other hand, represents a more introspective and conceptual approach, showcasing Cooper’s ability to evolve as an artist and storyteller. Together, these albums highlight two sides of Alice Cooper: the showman and the philosopher.
Whether you’re drawn to the raucous energy of Hey Stoopid or the narrative depth of The Last Temptation, both albums are essential listening for fans of Cooper’s work and his ability to push the boundaries of rock music.
Australian Import
Song Records
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Hey Stoopid
Hey Stoopid
Love’s A Loaded Gun
Snakebite
Burning Our Bed
Dangerous Tonight
Might As Well Be On Mars
Feed My Frankenstein
Hurricane Years
Little By Little
Die For You
Dirty Dreams
Wind-up Toy
The Last Temptation
Sideshow
Nothing’s Free
Lost In America
Bad Place Alone
You’re My Temptation
Stolen Prayer
Unholy War
Lullaby
It’s Me
Cleansed By Fire
