King for a Day... Fool for a Lifetime cover

King for a Day... Fool for a Lifetime

Faith No More · 1995

56 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A chaotic blend of genres, weaving between heavy riffs, jazz-inflected melodies, and sardonic lyrics that challenge norms.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Get Out Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Evidence — This track showcases the band's ability to blend melancholic melodies with introspective lyrics, highlighting their range beyond heavy metal. The gentle instrumentation coupled with poignant storytelling encapsulates the emotional depth of the album.
  • →
    Digging the Grave — With its infectious chorus and driving rhythm, this single exemplifies Faith No More's knack for crafting accessible yet complex songs. The juxtaposition of aggressive verses with melodic hooks demonstrates their unique approach to songwriting.
  • →
    King for a Day — The title track stands out for its theatricality and dynamic shifts, merging various musical styles into a singular experience. Its exploration of identity and self-perception resonates through compelling imagery and powerful vocal delivery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a blend of genres and strong lyrical themes, making it distinctive within its era.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that features aggressive guitar riffs and rapid tempo, immediately setting a chaotic tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate unexpected shifts in style, such as the transition from heavy instrumentation to softer, jazz-influenced sections.
  • The lyrics often employ irony and sarcasm, with vocal delivery varying from melodic singing to harsh shouting, reflecting the album's diverse emotional landscape.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • wave-like pacing experiences
  • immersive and varied textures
  • reflective late-night moods

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Significant artistic evolution, showcasing diverse sounds and solidifying their influence.
Moods
Energetic
Career context
By the time 'King for a Day... Fool for a Lifetime' was released in 1995, Faith No More was navigating the aftermath of their mainstream breakthrough with 'Angel Dust'. This album marked their first release after the departure of guitarist Jim Martin, leading to an evolution in sound that embraced greater experimentalism and eclectic influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Mr. Bungle· System of a Down· Tool

Tracklist

  • 1 Get Out Start here 2:17
  • 2 Ricochet 4:29
  • 3 Evidence 4:53
  • 4 The Gentle Art of Making Enemies 3:29
  • 5 Star A.D. 3:23
  • 6 Cuckoo for Caca 3:43
  • 7 Caralho Voador 4:02
  • 8 Ugly in the Morning 3:06
  • 9 Digging the Grave 3:05
  • 10 Take This Bottle 4:58
  • 11 King for a Day 6:35
  • 12 What a Day 2:38
  • 13 The Last to Know 4:27
  • 14 Just a Man 5:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata