10 Perfect Rock Albums From The LA Alternative Scene

10. Faith No More: The Real Thing (1989)

Two early groups notable for pioneering the rap/metal/funk fusion were Red Hot Chili Peppers and Faith No More. Although they had originally been amicable, a feud broke-out after the release of FNM's third studio album.

Mike Patton's fusion of rap/rock vocals, and erratic body poppin' caused Anthony Kiedis to accuse him of ripping off the Chili Peppers' vibe - see the Epic video for details. But, despite some similarities in vocal inflection, FNM had their own thing going on. The adulation heaped on them by fans and critics alike, reflected their musical ability to craft uniquely impactful songs.

For the most part, their third album had been written and recorded prier to the hiring of Mike Patton, who'd been pulled in to replace Chuck Mosley. He had the challenge of writing lyrics to fit the parameters provided. No easy task, when you consider the musical intricacies of the record...

Alternative rock has never sounded so raucous. This album is front-loaded with absolute bangers. By the time you work your way through, From Out Of Nowhere, Epic, and Falling to Pieces, you'll be sold on Faith No More's unique ability to blend genres.