alice cooper dada tour

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In Defense of … Alice Cooper’s ‘DaDa’

Alice Cooper can’t recall making DaDa , but that doesn’t mean that the 1983 album isn’t worth remembering.

The rock legend’s 15 th studio LP (eighth after breaking apart from the Alice Cooper band in the mid-’70s) is the third installment in Cooper’s “blackout trilogy.” That’s the term for the series of Special Forces , Zipper Catches Skin and DaDa – retroactively applied because Cooper was so deep in the throes of substance abuse in the early ’80s that he has no memory of recording any of the albums.

Although Forces and Zipper have their merits, DaDa is the lost classic of his career. It’s a strange semi-concept record that displays all of the hallmarks of classic Cooper: hard rock, killer melodies, macabre details and a bit of Broadway-style razzle dazzle. In the midst of an arc that involves multiple personalities, gender confusion, suicide and daddy issues (hence that winking title), the album is also a slice of dark comedy. After all, Cooper becomes a department store Santa and plays a used car salesman on the ’Murica send-up “I Love America.”

Listen to Alice Cooper's 'I Love America'

DaDa was probably too twisted to be a hit (even Cooper later called it “a really sick album”), although circumstances certainly conspired against it. In no shape to promote the LP with a tour, Cooper instead made his way to rehab and got clean for good after making the record. Warner Bros. essentially buried the album, failing to even release a single from DaDa in the States. Cooper had been on the label since “I’m Eighteen,” but with his mounting addiction struggles, the folks at Warner were only too pleased to have his contract fulfilled and their relationship severed (or, perhaps, guillotined).

Yet Warner Bros.’ lack of interest in Cooper helped make DaDa a more compelling album. According to longtime Cooper collaborator Dick Wagner, the label’s hands-off approach was freeing for the record’s primary creative team – Cooper, guitarist (and associate producer) Wagner and producer Bob Ezrin , who had built his career on releases for the Alice Cooper band. With no commercial expectations placed on the project, the guys ran wild in the studio.

Knowing that Cooper was about to be a former Warner Bros. recording artist, Wagner named a character “Former Lee Warner” – although it was later changed to Former Lee Warmer, suggesting that "Lee" might be some sort of undead creature. The album’s title wasn’t just a joking reference to parent-child matters (Cooper growls “ I just want to tell you you’re a lousy Dad ” on “Enough’s Enough”), but also a nod to the Dada artistic movement, which rejected the norms of society in favor of chaos. Surrealism, which came out of Dada, was represented on the album cover via a riff on Salvador Dali’s Slave Market With the Disappearing Bust of Voltaire painting.

All of that could have become self-indulgent quickly, but even in his blackout phase, Cooper was too indebted to his ’60s music heroes to sacrifice songs for concept. As a story, DaDa makes about as much sense as Welcome to My Nightmare , because the melodies rightly take precedence over the plot. Logic goes out the window (keeping DaDa thoroughly Dada) as Cooper and Co. deliver a series of tuneful vignettes.

Listen to Alice Cooper's 'Scarlet and Sheba'

Inspired by flirty waitresses, “Scarlet and Sheba” presents a pair of seductive torturesses in a bold power ballad. Cooper runs his mouth a mile a minute as a truly Bad Santa on the hook-laden “No Man’s Land.” “Dyslexia” mixes bad puns and bouncy New Wave, but is a real head-sticker. “Former Lee Warmer” seems to take both its sonic and thematic cues from Phantom of the Opera .

On the dark end of the scale is the sinister title track, which opens the record with Floydian foreboding (no surprise that it was composed wholly by Ezrin, a Pink Floyd collaborator) and a child’s voice crying for “da-da” in the darkness. On the other end of that spectrum is the gloriously goofy “I Love America,” which finds Cooper sending up himself, his country, capitalism, misogyny, government, war and anything else that gets in the way of his performance. It’s sledgehammer satire delivered by a Hollywood vampire.

In between the haunted-house sound effects and the more comedic moments, DaDa also allows room for Cooper to delve into some of the actual demons that were ruining his life at the time. No stranger to confessional songwriting (see his 1978 rehab-themed LP From the Inside ), Cooper admits to some deeply disturbing problems on the album. It was likely no accident that one song was titled “Enough’s Enough,” while other songs dealt in the “personalities” that were brought forth by Cooper’s drinking and drugging.

Listen to Alice Cooper's 'Pass the Gun Around'

But no song was more of a cry for help than “Pass the Gun Around,” DaDa ’s dark closer that combines AM pop sensibilities with Beatlesque guitar by Wagner and true details from Cooper’s unhappy life. Cooper begins the tune by describing a character who requires vodka to start his day and is bleeding from his eyes due to the stuff in his body (both of which happened to Cooper). Soon, he switches to first person – “ I’ve had so many blackout nights before / I don’t think I can take this anymore ,” he wails. Cooper begs to be put out of his misery in the chorus.

The soaring ballad ends abruptly with a loud noise, though it sounds less like a gunshot than a lightning bolt (perhaps forecasting Cooper’s sobering wake-up call?). After DaDa came out and promptly flopped – failing to make the U.S. charts and barely scraping the U.K. ones – Cooper got clean and took an extended hiatus from recording. He returned as a pop-metal singer in the late ’80s, with songs positioned to hit the charts, but albums that lacked the craft, intricacies and sonic variety of his best solo work.

In so many ways, DaDa was the end of an era – Cooper’s time with Warner Bros., his partnership with Wagner (the two would never again work on a full album together) and his collaboration with Ezrin (who wouldn’t return, in full, to the world of Alice Cooper until 2011). DaDa was locked in the attic, dismissed as part of Cooper’s blackout era and disregarded for years by everyone but the most dedicated Cooper fans. Cooper has never performed any of the LP’s nine songs in concert. Decades later, the album deserves to be reassessed. Even in a severely compromised state, Cooper was capable of disturbingly great music.

Alice Cooper Albums Ranked

ALICE COOPER Adds 12 U.S. Shows To Summer 2024 Tour

Icon, pioneer, and Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee Alice Cooper has added 12 new shows to his summer 2024 tour.

Pre-sale tickets and VIP packages will be available on Tuesday, April 16 at 10 a.m. local time with code SICKTHINGS. Tickets to the general public go on sale on Friday, April 19.

Newly announced shows:

Jul. 30 - Niagara Falls, ON @ OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino Jul. 31 - Albany, NY @ Palace Theatre Aug. 02 - Kalamazoo, MI @ Wings Event Center Aug. 04 - Peoria, IL @ Peoria Civic Center Aug. 06 - Huber Heights, OH @ Rose Music Center at The Heights Aug. 07 - Rockford, IL @ BMO Harris Bank Center Aug. 10 - Tulsa, OK @ River Spirit Casino and Resort Aug. 11 - Park City, KS @ Hartman Arena Aug. 13 - Denver, CO @ The Mission Ballroom Aug. 15 - Valley Center, CA @ Harrah's Rincon Pavilion Aug. 16 - Costa Mesa, CA @ Pacific Amphitheater* Aug. 17 - Tucson, AZ @ Casino De Sol - AVA Amphitheater

The "Too Close For Comfort" tour brings fans closer than ever to Alice with giant video screens blending the live action with pre-recorded scenes to delve deeper into Alice 's world.

Expect spectacle — snakes, guillotines, monsters and more — wreaking havoc on stage nightly. Classics like "Under My Wheels" , "I'm Eighteen" , "School's Out" , "Poison" , "Billion Dollar Babies" and "No More Mr. Nice Guy" are staples and there are surprises every night, effortlessly drawn from one the greatest catalogues in rock and roll.

Fresh from the success of his latest album "Road" , a concept album about the thrills and spills of touring, Alice is back, accompanied as always by his long-running live band of Ryan Roxie (guitar), Chuck Garric (bass), Tommy Henriksen (guitar), Glen Sobel (drums) and Nita Strauss (guitar).

"For 'Road' , I wanted the band to be involved in the foundation of all the songs," says Alice . "I only see these guys when we're on the road. So, I wanted them to be as tight as they are for the show but on all new material. When you have a band this good, I believe in showing it off, and this is my way of doing so."

Cooper pioneered a grandly theatrical brand of hard rock that was designed to shock. Drawing equally from horror movies, vaudeville, and garage rock, the group created a stage show that featured electric chairs, guillotines, fake blood and boa constrictors. He continues to tour regularly, performing shows worldwide with the dark and horror-themed theatrics that he’s best known for.

With a schedule that has included six months year in and year out on the road, Cooper brings his own brand of rock psycho-drama to fans both old and new, enjoying it as much as the audience does. Known as the architect of shock-rock, Cooper (in both the original ALICE COOPER band and as a solo artist) has rattled the cages and undermined the authority of generations of guardians of the status quo, continuing to surprise fans and exude danger at every turn, like a great horror movie, even in an era where CNN can present real-life shocking images.

With his influence on rock and roll and popular culture long since acknowledged, there is little that Cooper hasn't achieved in his remarkable career, including platinum albums, sold-out tours and any number of honors and career achievement awards.

Don't get too comfortable Sick Things, the Too Close For Comfort Tour is only getting bigger. 12 new shows added this... Posted by Alice Cooper on Monday, April 15, 2024

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Alice Cooper Announces Summer 2024 US Tour

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The post Alice Cooper Announces Summer 2024 US Tour appeared first on Consequence .

Alice Cooper has announced a Summer 2024 US headlining tour set to take pace before his previously reported co-headlining run with Rob Zombie .

The newly added dates kick off July 30th in Niagara Falls, New York, and run through an August 17th show in Tucson, Arizona. A few days later, Cooper will launch his outing with Zombie on August 20th in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Get Alice Cooper Tickets Here

An artist ticket pre-sale for the new dates begins today (April 16th) at 10 a.m. local time using the code SICKTHINGS . General ticket sales start Friday (April 19th) at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster . Fans can also look for deals or get tickets to sold-out dates via StubHub , where your purchase is 100% guaranteed through StubHub’s Fan Protect program.

In other Alice-related news, the shock rocker recently launched a new radio show via Superadio, “Alice’s Attic,” which will serve as the spiritual successor to his long-running “Nights with Alice Cooper” program. Meanwhile, on the music front, Cooper’s seminal album Billion Dollar Babies received a 50th anniversary deluxe reissue earlier this year.

Below you can see the updated list of Alice Cooper’s 2024 tour dates.

Alice Cooper’s 2024 Tour Dates: 07/30 – Niagara Falls, NY @ Fallsview Casino Resort 07/31 – Albany, NY @ Palace Theatre 08/02 – Kalamazoo, MI @ Wings Event Center 08/04 – Peoria, IL @ Peoria Civic Center 08/06 – Huber Heights, OH @ Rose Music Center at The Heights 08/07 – Rockford, IL @ BMO Harris Bank Center 08/10 – Tulsa, OK @ River Spirit Casino and Resort 08/11 – Park City, KS @ Hartman Arena 08/13 – Denver, CO @ The Mission Ballroom 08/15 – Valley Center, CA @ Harrah’s Rincon Pavilion 08/16 – Costa Mesa, CA @ Pacific Amphitheater 08/17 – Tucson, AZ @ Casino De Sol – AVA Amphitheater 08/20 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater * 08/22 – West Valley City, UT @ Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre * 08/24 – Lincoln, NE @ Pinnacle Bank Arena * 08/25 – Saint Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center * 08/27 – Milwaukee, WI @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater – Summerfest Grounds * 08/28 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center * 08/30 – Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre * 08/31 – Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Music Center * 09/01 – Maryland Heights, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre * 09/03 – Burgettstown, PA @ The Pavilion at Star Lake * 09/04 – Syracuse, NY @ Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview * 09/06 – Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center * 09/07 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center * 09/08 – Camden, NJ @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion * 09/10 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live * 09/11 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion * 09/12 – Alpharetta, GA @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre * 09/14 – Austin, TX @ Germania Insurance Amphitheater * 09/15 – The Woodlands, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion * 09/17 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP * 09/18 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena *

* = w/ Rob Zombie, Ministry, and Filter

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Alice Cooper Announces Summer 2024 North American Tour

The run will precede his previously announced co-headlining outing with Rob Zombie

Alice Cooper has announced a Summer 2024 North American headlining tour set to take pace before his previously reported co-headlining run with Rob Zombie .

The newly added dates kick off July 30th in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and run through an August 17th show in Tucson, Arizona. A few days later, Cooper will launch his outing with Zombie on August 20th in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Get Alice Cooper Tickets Here

Below you can see the updated list of Alice Cooper’s 2024 tour dates.

Alice Cooper’s 2024 Tour Dates: 07/30 – Niagara Falls, ON @ Fallsview Casino Resort 07/31 – Albany, NY @ Palace Theatre 08/02 – Kalamazoo, MI @ Wings Event Center 08/04 – Peoria, IL @ Peoria Civic Center 08/06 – Huber Heights, OH @ Rose Music Center at The Heights 08/07 – Rockford, IL @ BMO Harris Bank Center 08/10 – Tulsa, OK @ River Spirit Casino and Resort 08/11 – Park City, KS @ Hartman Arena 08/13 – Denver, CO @ The Mission Ballroom 08/15 – Valley Center, CA @ Harrah’s Rincon Pavilion 08/16 – Costa Mesa, CA @ Pacific Amphitheater 08/17 – Tucson, AZ @ Casino De Sol – AVA Amphitheater 08/20 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater * 08/22 – West Valley City, UT @ Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre * 08/24 – Lincoln, NE @ Pinnacle Bank Arena * 08/25 – Saint Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center * 08/27 – Milwaukee, WI @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater – Summerfest Grounds * 08/28 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center * 08/30 – Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre * 08/31 – Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Music Center * 09/01 – Maryland Heights, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre * 09/03 – Burgettstown, PA @ The Pavilion at Star Lake * 09/04 – Syracuse, NY @ Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview * 09/06 – Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center * 09/07 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center * 09/08 – Camden, NJ @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion * 09/10 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live * 09/11 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion * 09/12 – Alpharetta, GA @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre * 09/14 – Austin, TX @ Germania Insurance Amphitheater * 09/15 – The Woodlands, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion * 09/17 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP * 09/18 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena *

* = w/ Rob Zombie, Ministry, and Filter

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REVIEW: Alice Cooper – DaDa (1983)

ALICE COOPER – DaDa (1983 Warner)

DaDa is one of the most fascinating albums in the Alice Cooper catalogue. So interesting in fact that this is the second time I’ve tackled a review of it. The first, posted on Amazon years ago shortly after buying the album, was not flattering. The entire thing is below:

This is what happens when you drink too much and can’t remember years of your life anymore. This is what happens when your producer is nursing his own drug problems. This is what happened to Alice Cooper in the early 80’s. Guitars, drums and bass have been jettisoned in favour of samples, keyboards, and programs. Songs? Non-existant. This album is worthless, filled with dreck that Cooper wouldn’t have even considered a decade earlier, or later. I defy anyone to explain the concept of the story to me. No songs ever played live, no tour. One novelty track: “I Love America”, which is actually hilarious. It is also available on the Cooper boxed set. Pick that up, not this. 0/5 stars. The absolute nadir of the man’s storied career.

That’s what I said then, and I have to own it now. I could delete it and pretend I never said it, but that would be dishonest.

Rich at Kamertunesblog did a fantastic Alice Cooper series a few years back. When he got to DaDa , I said that “I still have not really penetrated [it]. I don’t know if I so much as appreciate it, rather than like it.” When Rich said he found that surprising, I realized I must be missing something with DaDa . So how does DaDa sit now, after a few years to let it absorb?

It’s different. It’s creepy. It’s funny. It’s worth the time spent with it.

The story of DaDa itself is almost as interesting as the story of how one man can go from hating it to loving it.

Alice re-teamed with Bob Ezrin on this album, for the first time in years. Dick Wagner came back for guitar, bass and songwriting duties. Wagner claimed in his autobiography that Alice wasn’t that enthused about making this album, and confessed that contracts stipulated he had to. Backing up Wagner’s claim is the fact that this was Alice’s last album for Warner, followed by a three year hiatus to finally get clean and sober for good. There was no tour, in fact no band.

In lieu of a drummer, all beats are programmed. This lends a stark early 80’s synthpop sound to DaDa . It works exceptionally well on the title track, an Ezrin instrumental creation. The echoey electronics sound as if from a frightening science fiction horror movie from the period. Punctuating this is the mechanical repeating sample of a child saying “da da”…and heavenly new age keyboard melodies. Talk about chills! If that doesn’t get you, perhaps the spoken word conversation between a therapist and a patient will give you the shivers. “I have a daughter too,” says the elderly patient. “You don’t have a daughter,” responds the doctor. “Yeah, I have a daughter,” insists the sick man. “Sir, you have a son,” insists the doctor as the conversation gets creepier. Alice Cooper is not even on this piece. Perhaps that is one reason it failed to make an impression on me all those years ago.

Alice emerges on “Enough’s Enough”, changing to the perspective of the son. “I just want to tell you, you’re a lousy dad, to hell with you!” Dark but strangely upbeat, “Enough’s Enough” has some of those Bob Ezrin touches that you love, such as the perfectly arranged backing vocals. The Dick Wagner guitars are the only real touch of rock and roll; the song otherwise lives in a punky new wave land. The best song is much creepier: “Former Lee Warmer”. Alice alludes to the character of “Former Lee” on the previous song: “Why’d you hide your brother?” “Former Lee Warmer” reveals that the body of the brother was locked in a chest in the attic. “All the mops and brooms keep him company, misconceived of the family.” Musically and thematically, this is just as good as Welcome to My Nightmare ! This is all done in Alice’s brilliant speak-sing style.

The concept becomes harder to follow on “No Man’s Land”, a good rock and roll song only weakened by the clanky electronic percussion. Wagner is outstanding. Similarly disconnected is “Dyslexia”, which sounds like Devo snuck into the studio. Harmless fun; I wonder how many songs have been written about dyslexia in popular music? It’s not clear who is on bass (probably Prakash John rather than Wagner), but the bass pulse is brilliantly subtle and perfect. “Scarlet and Sheba” is an album highlight, electronically exotic and heavy too. It’s perfectly dressed a with killer chorus and kinky lyrics, topped with a brilliant Ezrin arrangement.

“I Love America” is admittedly a novelty track, but I still like it today. Taking on the persona of a redneck, Alice lampoons every cliche about his homeland. “I love Velveeta slapped on Wonder Bread! I love a Commie…if’un he’s good ‘n dead!” The reason it works is because it’s Alice Cooper. I don’t think anyone else could have pulled it off. Ezrin provides suitably pompous backing music, turning it into a rock national anthem. (My favourite lyric is the last one: “I love my bar, and I love my truck. I’d do most anything to make a buck! I love a waitress who loves to ffff…flirt. They’re the best kind!”)

Going into “Fresh Blood” you’ll notice the synth horns, not really a substitute for the real thing. It’s actually a pretty good funky rock tune. Alice sings melodically with layered vocals, and once again the bass sounds awesome if you pay attention to it. The final track is another drama-laden burner called “Pass the Gun Around”. The character (referred to as “Sonny”; perhaps the son from earlier in the album) wakes up in a hotel room after another blackout night. It’s not a pretty scene but it ends the album on a suitably serious and musically complex note. It’s actually one of the better Cooper tracks from any era, thanks in no small part to Bob Ezrin and Dick Wagner.

Interesting trivia: Probably because Ezrin recorded the album in his native land (Canada), Lisa DalBello is credited on backing vocals. Queensryche would later cover one of her singles, “Gonna Get Close to You”. She was also a part of Alex Lifeson’s Victor project.

Today’s rating: 4/5 stars, but only after a long journey. And the concept still seems to derail halfway through the album.

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21 comments

I remember you commenting on Rich’s post about this… I was pretty surprised you didn’t like it too. I wouldn’t say it was top-tier Coop but it’s a good, overlooked album of his. Weird you were so wrong about it. It’s almost like you might be… deaf or something? Hehe

Like Liked by 2 people

I think I’ve heard that before… ;)

See, I couldn’t have lied about my history with this LP if I tried. You guys would have called me on it.

Like Liked by 1 person

It happens. Everyone’s changed their minds about music at some point. Maybe you should have another go at that Europe album!

Maybe I should! Of course I could also re-do every review that somebody’s bitched about…but na!

Since it came out in 1983, I do intend to visit this album somewhere down the line. The mixed reviews should make things interesting when I finally get around to listening to it. I never bought it.

I look forward to your take! It’s really interesting. No matter what side of the fence you fall on, it’s an interesting album.

Wow, what a story. This is one of my favourite reviews on here. Not only do you get Alice’s story and the oddity that is this record, and a heap of trivia, but you also get the transformation of Mike’s thinking on it and its place in the Cooper catalogue. This is storytelling right here, folks, multiple elements coming together to make a new and interesting whole. Hot damn. 5 Stars!

Man, after that other recent one where he spent time in an asylum (and a zillion other things besides, surely) Alice sure has had an interesting life. Imagine making a whole record and not remembering it at all? He must’ve been GONE! Haha whoa. And from the sounds of it, it’s equally weird and creepy. What a thing!

Awww, look at this guy! Come here you big lug, give us a hug. Man, that was so kind. I really appreciate it.

Since you guys like the then/now review style, you’ve given me the courage to post my original review of the Transformers movie from 2009. I’ll do it then/now style too, and you guys will probably find it a hoot :)

Really interesting life. Here is a guy who counted Grouchy Marx and Jimi Hendrix among his friends. Look at everything he’s seen and done…and survived intact! Going strong today! All the while remaining an artist.

Also, do with this as you see fit (just for info’s sake). From Wiki:

Dada was an informal international movement, with participants in Europe and North America. The beginnings of Dada correspond to the outbreak of World War I. For many participants, the movement was a protest against the bourgeois nationalist and colonialist interests, which many Dadaists believed were the root cause of the war, and against the cultural and intellectual conformity—in art and more broadly in society—that corresponded to the war.

Many Dadaists believed that the ‘reason’ and ‘logic’ of bourgeois capitalist society had led people into war. They expressed their rejection of that ideology in artistic expression that appeared to reject logic and embrace chaos and irrationality. For example, George Grosz later recalled that his Dadaist art was intended as a protest “against this world of mutual destruction.”

According to Hans Richter Dada was not art: it was “anti-art.” Dada represented the opposite of everything which art stood for. Where art was concerned with traditional aesthetics, Dada ignored aesthetics. If art was to appeal to sensibilities, Dada was intended to offend.

As Hugo Ball expressed it, “For us, art is not an end in itself … but it is an opportunity for the true perception and criticism of the times we live in.”

A reviewer from the American Art News stated at the time that “Dada philosophy is the sickest, most paralyzing and most destructive thing that has ever originated from the brain of man.” Art historians have described Dada as being, in large part, a “reaction to what many of these artists saw as nothing more than an insane spectacle of collective homicide.”

Years later, Dada artists described the movement as “a phenomenon bursting forth in the midst of the postwar economic and moral crisis, a savior, a monster, which would lay waste to everything in its path… [It was] a systematic work of destruction and demoralization… In the end it became nothing but an act of sacrilege.”

Thanks! I actually read a bit of this while researching!

I’m grinning like a proud papa knowing that my post on this album inspired you to give it another shot, and I’m thrilled that you feel so strongly about it now. This is one of the reasons I usually focus on one artist at a time, revisiting their discography in its entirety, so I can hear each album in the context of its time and where it fits in his/her/their catalog. I’m sure your post will inspire others to check out “Dada” and, as long as they have open minds, they should find a lot to enjoy.

This one was for you buddy! Context is so important. Sometimes you really have to listen from a different point of view and let things click. This one did, in a “eureka!” moment. It was fairly recently. I was sitting there and I said, “THIS is the album I gave 0/5 stars to? Why the hell did I do that?”

Proud papa or proud dada?

Oh ya, Mike. 0 to 4 is a great journey. I reckon I’d quite like this odd album. The Dada / Father thing is kinda Cooper-ish for smart-arse pseudo-intellectuals like, er, no-one I know (whistles at ceiling in totally nonchalant fashion).

PS. Always wanted to write a song about dyslexia called “Dylsexia”.

Dylsexists of the wordl UNTIE!!!

Wow. 0 to 4. I don’t think I’ve ever revisited an album that I would give a big fat zero, so I tip my hat to you for going back to it with an open mind! The fact that you owned your zero rating deserves another hat tipping!

Sounds like a curious album, though. The Coop really made some intriguing records!

I’ve decided to series it up. Next album review is done, and then I’m going to do the one after this.

Hurrah! I dig a series!

Great write-up, Mike. I think you’re really spot on with this review. I have loved this album since the first time I heard it and I just can’t get it through my skull why it have gotten so much crap throughout the years. I mean, sure, it have its fair share of electronica, but the melodies and arrangements are all classic Coop. Scarlet And Sheba is one of Coop’s best songs ever and Fresh Blood, Former Lee Warmer, Pass The Gun Around, I Love America and No Man’s Land are all killers. Enough’s Enough and Dyslexia are the only tracks on here that haven’t really stuck on me, but they’re not bad.

Another thing about this being his last album for Warner Bros, Former Lee Warmer is a little kick in the butt to that company. Formerly Warner… Geddit? ;.)

Hah! I get it. Yeah, last album for Warner. “Enough’s Enough”.

This album is very cerebral and conceptual. I really appreciate it now.

The succesfull years of Alice are pretty much over at this time, but DaDa is a very good album. I think there’s a lot of freshness in it. Of Course there are the usual shock songs ( titletrack and Former Lee Warmer) but also songs with nice electrorock that is perfect for a ride in the summer with an open roof. Overall the production is not great. Ok, it was 1983, but Alice Cooper albums must have a great sound. Not all of that. But still a underrated piece. The Weakest song is clearly I Love America, but the humor in it makes it acceptabel.

Alice was in a very bad shape at this time and short after the recording he was almost a dead man. It’s a miracle that DaDa is such a good album. It takes 3 years for Alice to recover and it was good to notice he was in a good condtion and sober.

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Defenders of the Faith

Your home for metal album reviews, concert reviews, and interviews., from my collection #6: alice cooper – dada.

February 24, 2021 Joe Miller From My Collection 1

Welcome to another edition of From My Collection. Today, we take a deep dive into the catalog of one of rock’s most important figures, Alice Cooper. This Friday, the Coop will be releasing his twenty eighth studio album, Detroit Stories. And while I look forward to reviewing that album, today it’s all about album #15: DaDa.

Editor’s Note: In a recent conversation with Mr. Cooper, he confirmed that “Scarlet and Sheba” was indeed based on two cocktail waitresses. However, it was guitarist Dick Wagner who partook in the encounter that the song details, not Cooper himself.

The early 1980s were strange times for Mr. Vincent Furnier, better known to the general public as Alice Cooper. While the rest of his 1970s peers did their best to keep up with the heavy metal craze they started a decade earlier, Cooper took a creative 180 and went new wave. Mind you, when I say he went “new wave”, I don’t mean he started dressing goofy and relying solely on synthesizers. That menacing Alice Cooper edge remained present in both the lyrics and music. If anything, it was more intensified than on his late 70s releases. This was no coincidence.

By 1983, Alice Cooper’s drug dependency had reached an all time high. He was hitting the bottle harder than ever. Worse yet, he developed a crippling addiction to crack cocaine. This nearly killed him. In the midst of his boozed and cracked out insanity, Alice Cooper managed to write an unsung masterpiece; a musical suicide note within a meandering manifesto: DaDa . There’s only one little problem. The very man who wrote and recorded this album has zero recollection of doing so. Not only this, but he’s gone as far to say he has no idea what he was trying to communicate on here. This is where I come in. Mind you, what you’re about to read is NOT definitively what Alice Cooper was thinking at the time of writing and recording, but merely my interpretation and analysis based off research and critical listening.

According to late guitarist Dick Wagner, Cooper presented DaDa as a concept album. This wouldn’t be his first rodeo. After all, this is the man who gave us Welcome to My Nightmare and From the Inside . But while Welcome to My Nightmare was a collection of hard rock horror stories, and From the Inside a Broadway style extravaganza based on Cooper’s real life sanitarium stay, there was something darker and different about DaDa . The story centered around Sonny: a cannibal with multiple personality disorder. Each song would unveil one of his personalities. It was then up to the listener to determine which one of these personalities was the “real” Sonny. We can best guess that the “real Sonny” doesn’t exist in any of the songs, but rather in the voice of the man singing them. DaDa was a lyrical and musical reflection of Alice Cooper’s deteriorating mental state, whether he knew it or not.

The album opens with a nearly 5 minute soundscape. It’s dark and foreboding, almost as if what happens between now and the end of the album is irrelevant. No matter what happens, things aren’t gonna end well. In between the pulsating synthesizers, we hear Sonny mumbling to his therapist. He utters something about “nasty feelings” and “his son…and his daughter”. The therapist corrects Sonny, insisting he doesn’t have a daughter and Sonny agrees…or does he? In this story, the line between truth and fiction is thin.

“Enough’s Enough” introduces us to Sonny’s nameless son. Based off the lyrics, we can assume he’s a cowboy of some sorts. Or maybe that’s just a pet name given to him by his parents (“little cowboy”). Then again, maybe he’s the same type of “cowboy” that Jon Voight was in Midnight Cowboy (“Go buck and fuck and make a buck.”) Interestingly enough, I believe this is the only song in the Cooper catalog to contain use of the word “fuck”.

In “Former Lee Warmer”, we learn about Sonny’s brother mentioned in “Enough’s Enough” (“Why’d you hide your brother?”). That’s a good question. Why was Former Lee hidden? We’ve heard true life horror stories of families in the 1800s banishing a child to the attic for having a deformity. In those days, it was a mark of shame to be seen in public with such an “abomination”. Perhaps this was one of those circumstances. Sonny laments over his brother; locked away for eternity with nothing but a piano to soothe his soul.

“No Man’s Land” is a prime example of classic Cooper camp. In a matter of seconds, we’re transported from the menacing confines of the old Victorian mansion envisioned in “Former Lee Warmer” to a “mall in Atlanta”. The lyrics to this song are almost identical to the premise of Bad Santa which wouldn’t be released for another 20 years. I wonder if Billy Bob Thornton is a Cooper fan. We’re then treated to perhaps the most straightforward track on DaDa , “Dyslexia”. Something is wrong with Sonny and he knows it. He describes his struggles to the tune of a whiteboy reggae flavored beat.

If side A documented Sonny’s “rise” (if you could call it that), side B chronicles Sonny’s downfall, beginning with one of the finest tracks in the Cooper catalog, “Scarlet and Sheba”. On the surface, this song tells the allegedly true story of Cooper’s sordid encounter with two cocktail waitresses. What began as these two young ladies serving the strung out rockstar drinks turned into them serving equal parts pain and pleasure in a BDSM fueled threesome. If we’re to assume this is true, it would contradict Cooper’s claim that he “never cheated” on his wife of 45 years, Sheryl Goddard. Perhaps it’s merely lustful fantasy, just as “Nurse Rozetta” was on From the Inside . There’s an even larger theory that in some bizarre way, “Scarlet and Sheba” serves as a juxtaposition between Christianity (“Scarlet”) and Islam (“Sheba”), but I’m not even going to try and entertain that thought.

“I Love America” is not Cooper’s first song about America and it certainly wouldn’t be his last. If you think about it, one couldn’t exist without the other. I mean, I guess there could’ve been an America without Alice Cooper. It’s just hard to imagine this country without the cultural impact of this black eyed sultan of shock. On this song, Sonny assumes the persona of a patriotic redneck who loves the things that make America great. Among these are: “Velveeta slapped on Wonder Bread”, “chicken Kentucky Fried”, “the bomb, hot dogs and mustard”, etc. You get the idea.

“Fresh Blood” brings us to the present day, introducing us to “the real Sonny”. After stints as a deadbeat dad, befuddled brother, bad Santa, dyslexic, gimp, and redneck patriot, Sonny settles on being a lurking cannibal. As the lyrics demonstrate, Sonny has no set type (“Showgirls, businessmen in suits in the midnight rain. If they walk alone they are never seen again.”) If you’re breathing, you’re a walking target for this sick psychopath. Interestingly enough, there’s reason to believe this tale of bloodlust and perversion takes place in none other than my hometown of Chicago…

“In the paper, seems a florist Found in Lincoln Park, died of some anemia No one raped her, poor Doloris Just detained her and drained her on the spot”

Lincoln Park is a prominent neighborhood on the north side of town. Furthermore, Cooper had a property here in the 1980s because his wife’s family was based in Chicago.

The story ends with the cathartic “Pass the Gun Around”. By now the jig is up. Sonny’s mental illness and reprehensible acts have pushed him to the edge. He sits wasting away in a hotel room, drinking shots of vodka before delivering one final shot: a bullet to the head. The song abruptly ends with the same bizarre bodily noises that opened the album and the coo of a baby: “Da da”.

The story of Sonny is only half of DaDa . Its accompanying soundtrack is equally important. Overall, the album is a 50/50 mix of new wave and hard rock, with occasional elements of rock opera thrown in. Some tracks lean more on the new wave side (“Dyslexia”, “Fresh Blood”), while others lean more on the hard rock side (“No Man’s Land”, “Scarlet and Sheba”). No matter the case, there is one thing that all these songs have in common. They’re very uncomfortable to the ear. DaDa is ugly and abrasive and deranged and twisted…yet there’s something about it that pulls me in over and over again.

If you’ve never listened to DaDa before, do yourself a favor. Before doing so, take everything you thought you knew about Alice Cooper and throw it out the window: “School’s Out”, “Poison”, “I’m Eighteen”, etc. Once you’ve done that, turn off the lights, close your eyes, and hold on tightly to your sanity. You’re gonna need it to digest this one.

pop. rock. metal. punk. opinionations. other junk.

ALICE COOPER – DaDa

The beginning of this dark chapter had given him the inspiration for the songs that filled 1978’s ‘From The Inside’, arguably his best record since 1975’s ‘Welcome To My Nightmare’. With Alice given sterling support from members of Toto – the session hard-men who’d shaped Steely Dan records – and lyrical help from the legendary Bernie Taupin, ‘From The Inside’ is very much a product of the time in which it was created, but never the worse for it. With Westcoast sounds and a fluid, sometimes even funky musical backdrop all topped by The Coop’s distinctive growl, it shouldn’t work, but it does – and works brilliantly. Equally surprising records followed on a yearly basis, and as the orange and brown world of the 70s gave way to a brighter and more technological era, Cooper embraced a world of new sounds. Kicking off the new decade with ‘Flush The Fashion’, a new wave inspired thirty minutes, he strayed from rock and yet still managed to unleash a genuine classic in ‘Pain’, and although ‘Special Forces’ and ‘Zipper Catches Skin’ (released in 1981 and 1982, respectively) combined new wave quirks and sly humour less effectively, those records still showed off a songwriter more than able to change with the times.

At the beginning of 1983, Alice was at a distinctly low ebb. Enter legendary producer Bob Ezrin – the man behind many a classic Cooper record from the 1970s, though absent as a guiding hand since 1977’s ‘Lace and Whiskey’. Having produced Lou Reed’s masterpiece of misery ‘Berlin’ in 1972, Alice’s own career defining ‘Welcome To My Nightmare in 1975 and Pink Floyd’s double platter ‘The Wall’ in 1979, it would be fair to suggest that Ezrin never thought small . As a producer, he also knew Alice better than anyone. If any producer could push our hero back into the realms of greatness, it was Ezrin, and as expected, the Cooper/Ezrin team really delivered the goods on 1983’s ‘DaDa’.

The first thing that’s surprising about ‘DaDa’ is that it doesn’t come in with all guns blazing. Both ‘…Nightmare’ (1975) and ‘Goes To Hell’ (1976) opened with Cooper and Ezrin setting the scene with overtly theatrical performances and lyrics that seemed to communicate directly with the audience, as if actually witnessing a live show. ‘DaDa’, by contrast, opens with something that sounds like the soundtrack which plays under the opening credits of a John Carpenter movie. A Fairlight keyboard sets up a heartbeat, the pulsing of which is hammered home with a giant echo; a small child calls the title at intervening moments, and a wobbly keyboard line tops everything with an understated tune. There are effective key changes and a sense of a slow, creeping movement, but as a listener, it never gives too much away too quickly. …And what of our hero? Where is The Coop’s grand entrance? There isn’t one: he belatedly appears in a quiet speaking role, talking to a psychiatrist. Mixed very low under the keys and heartbeat, we get glimpses of things he says, but never a full picture. In typical Ezrin style, it replicates the feeling of uncertainty and the mood of a broken mind… One of the core themes is that of family and ineffectual parenting, which leads rather neatly into the first real song. ‘Enough’s Enough’, lyrically, deals with the protagonist’s relationship with a domineering father and dying mother. If this sounds all too bleak, fear not: Alice’s darkest lyrical strains are sent off by a band performing with a real punch. Pitching a hard guitar chord against a synth backdrop, Cooper band regular Dick Wagner adds a sharp edge which rarely subsides throughout the number, eventually culminating in a furious solo – the kind you’re possibly not expecting in such an unashamedly eighties sounding piece. Cooper recounts the tale of a terrible upbringing with suitably sharp meter, creating a hard melody for a verse, eventually exploding during a slightly more AOR chorus. The push and pull between the two styles really holds the attention with the tune feeling forever buoyant. The inclusion of a frighteningly blunt lyric only suggests an angrier side to Alice, certainly sounding more spiteful than we’ve been allowed to hear for a few years.

In ‘Former Lee Warmer’, the mood changes for what’s arguably the album’s most essential cut. Understated and rather spooky piano lines kick things off, making no secret of the horror aspects that are about to emerge. The keyboards embellished with string sounds invite the vocal to take the stage and Alice seems theatrically hushed as he delivers the opening lines. All the best Cooper albums have this moment dark storytelling, but fewer conjure such vivid imagery as this this track. The tale of an upstairs room, the protagonist speaks of a brother locked away; a family black sheep. Unable to speak, he calls out via an old piano played in “ a twisted key ” and we visit him when his meals are taken on a tray. Ezrin really ups the ante with a great arrangement; it never becomes bombastic, but the string sounds swell and create tension, though never lose the sense of sadness that’s evident in other Cooper tunes such as ‘You & Me’ or ‘Only Women Bleed’. Darker than anything since the Alice Cooper Band days, this is given an extra twist, as it’s never entirely clear whether the boy who has “ no dreams go in or out of the hole in his wrinkled head ” is alive and severely disturbed, whether he’s a cadaver locked in an attic, or just an emotional skeleton that’s just a fragment of Cooper’s own imagination while speaking to the family psychiatrist.

At the point where the listener could be convinced that ‘DaDa’ is a concept album about coming to terms with family demons – possibly in both the metaphorical and the very real sense – things then take a left turn. The remainder of side one ( after all, for those who’ve actually heard it, this will surely be an album associated with the vinyl format ) still deals with the human spirit and relationships, but in a broader fashion. ‘No Man’s Land’, a rather quirky pop-rocker casts Alice in the role of department store Santa. He’s not the obvious choice, but he got the role because he “ was the only one the suit would fit ”. Dealing with the demanding kids is a doddle; things go awry when he meets a blonde temptress, deserts his post and leaves an angry mob of parents and tearful toddlers in his wake. In The Coop’s time honoured tradition, this is the humorous flipside to the disturbing elements of preceding tracks. It still comes with a feeling of unease, but a tongue in cheek humour and a hard rhythmic backdrop – adding a few chunky guitar chords to what’s still an undeniably very eighties piece – really helps to lighten the mood. In what sounds a little like an overhang from 1980’s ‘Flush The Fashion’, ‘Dyslexia’ closes the first act with three minutes of shameless mechanics, over which Alice puts us in the shoes of a bespectacled geek who appears to be struggling with his inner emotions. His world has been turned upside down and back to front with feelings hitherto unfelt. Love is a tricky beast at the best of times, but the confusion that ensues results in a strange indifference. Even with some sharp, Devo-esque twists in a synth-heavy arrangement, this is arguably ‘DaDa’s weak link. Even with a terribly bad pun that borders on classic Alice humour (“ Is this love, or is dys-lexia? ”), it’s no match for ‘DaDa’s best tunes.

Flipping to side two, the mood darkens again, as mechanised drums and keyboard patches lay down an Eastern – possibly North African – sound that isn’t far removed from a low-budget movie soundtrack. The percussion rattles like chains, the keyboards eventually evoke the unsettled mood of a stretched tape and – BANG – ‘Scarlet & Sheba’ switches gears and gives the listener a melodic rock number that’s heartfelt and very eighties, but never loses sight of the grand feel of the album as a whole. The verses come with a great, crunching guitar, with Coop’s growl the most assured it’s been on the album thus far; the chorus is a touch cheesy, but very much looking forward to Alice’s work with Desmond Child, but much like ‘Enough’s Enough’, the track belongs to Wagner whose soaring guitar leads counterbalance the 80s mood with a very 70s tone, with lots of vibrato topping the return of the theatrical tune that formed the intro. Yes, it sounds like two separate and possibly incomplete tunes spliced together, but with everything it offers, ‘Scarlet & Sheba’ comes out winning. …And although – much like the whole of ‘DaDa’ – it possibly has its detractors, it’s arguably superior to anything on the previous year’s ‘Zipper Catches Skin’. The track then segues surprisingly – and rather effortlessly into ‘I Love America’, a sprightly pop-rocker where the lyrics always outshine the music. Against hard chords and a solid electronic drum beat, Alice places himself in the shoes of a second hand car salesman, reeling off all the things that supposedly make America great. Between mentions of Mount Rushmore, Kentucky Fried Chicken, the A-Team, 4 th of July fireworks, gorgeous women and hot dogs, a booming choir intones the song’s title in a tongue-in-cheek fashion. There’s also a hint that this middle aged patriot is so patriotic he’s treading a fine line towards intolerance and racism, so in the usual Cooper tradition, none of this is genuinely patriotic at all, just a giant backhanded slap – and very funny it is, too.

Another of ‘DaDa’s weaker numbers, ‘Fresh Blood’ attempts to blend a horror and blood theme with a (then) contemporary synth pop tune. The verses are only a small step from the likes of Heaven 17 and Imagination (both chart heavyweights at the time), and it’s nice to hear Cooper not being tied down stylistically, but the best musical elements are hampered by a slow, rather lumpen delivery and synthesized brass. Over this, Alice sounds as fine as ever, though, and during an ambling mid section, Wagner gets the opportunity to throw out a couple of bluesy noodles. There are glimmers of something interesting here, but given the brassy female backing vocals and hard slapped bass, it’s all rather dated. Still, you have to hand it to Alice: he was never one to get stuck in the past and was always happy to experiment – even if things didn’t always work out, at least he had the guts to put himself in the firing line and try . Finishing everything on a high, albeit with Cooper’s preferred dark tone, ‘Pass The Gun Around’ opens with a pan-pipe keyboard and heartfelt vocal, but quickly explodes into a chorus that demonstrates Ezrin’s big production style: honking organs, harmony vocals and big drums are the order of the day, as an AOR chorus takes shape, but underpinned by the kind of grandiosity last heard on ‘Alice Cooper Goes To Hell’ some seven years earlier. Cooper is in arguably his finest voice this time out, prefiguring the sounds of his albums for the rest of the decade, while Wagner’s fretboard work lends melody, edge, a little extra grandeur and a whole lot of class. From ‘DaDa’s synthetic beginnings, we leave the album in big theatrical rock mode…and Cooper’s future appears wide open.

…But that future would have to wait. Following ‘DaDa’s release, Cooper took a break from recording for almost three years. Having released fifteen studio albums in just over a decade and a half , no-one could deny he was in need of a rest. Upon returning, Alice delved back into the world of rock music, crafting some of the purest rock sounds since the original Alice Cooper band called it quits in 1974. From there on, it would be onward and upward until Desmond Child helped put Cooper back at the top of the chart with the radio friendly sounds of ‘Trash’ and its lead single ‘Poison’ – a track that would ultimately become as much a classic rock radio staple as ‘School’s Out’. With Cooper firmly re-established in the late 80s, ‘DaDa’ seemed all to quickly forgotten – and that’s a tragedy. Despite the Fairlight synthesizers, despite the new wave overhangs – on their last legs by 1983 – and despite being a far cry from Alice’s glam rock glory days, ‘DaDa’ is a terrific album, a worthy companion to ‘Flush The Fashion’ in terms of showing off the breadth of The Coop’s talent. While in a different league to ‘Killer’, ‘Welcome To My Nightmare’ and ‘From The Inside’, ‘DaDa’ is equally indispensable. With smart lyrics, some great choruses and one of Alice’s best ever horror stories, there are fewer records from world renowned musicians that are any more deserving of the tag “overlooked gem”.

October/November 2015

Apr. 15, 2024

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Dyslexia (DaDa, 1983)

Dec 11, 2020 | DaDa

“Dyslexia” Lyrics:

Sometimes my world goes upside down Sometimes I see things backwards When I go walking in town, can’t get back home Sometimes I see things right to left And I know that’s not right at all But since I bumped into you, I bump into walls And no one knows what’s wrong with me They think that I got dropsie

Is dis love? Or is dyslexia Dyslexia Dyslexia

I’ve got these glasses real thick and green Just like the bottoms of coke bottles I stumble ’round my house, so strange to me

Sometimes my world goes upside down Sometimes I see things backwards But since I bumped into you, I bump into walls And no one knows what’s wrong with me They think that I got dropsie

Is dis love? Or is dyslexia Dyslexia Dyslexia, yeah Dyslexia Dyslexia, no Dyslexia Yeah, no yeah no yeah no yeah…

Alice’s 8th solo album, “ DaDa ,” was released in 1983. The last of four albums referred to as the “blackout” albums – it winds up being his final album for Warner Bros. Records. Interestingly enough, Alice doesn’t remember much about the writing process.

“The real Alice fans’ four favorite albums are the four blackout albums. The ones that I wrote totally subconsciously, and I go back now and listen to them and go, “For somebody who doesn’t remember writing that song, recording or touring it, that’s a pretty cool song!” (laughs). – Alice Cooper

The cover art, based on a painting by surrealist artist Salvador Dali, and the album’s name references Dadaism, an early 20th-century European avant-garde art movement. However, areas of the LP also focus on the word Dada having paternal roots – featuring a child or infant calling for their father.

“ Dyslexia ,” the fifth track on the album, is a witty tune dedicated to the side effects one in love might experience – that upside-down, inside-out emotional response a person head over hills in love may encounter. It’s a charming song.

As mentioned above, the song details the thought process of someone who has fallen in love. It’s an emotional journey and often unpredictable. As feelings progress, there may also be hesitance, coupled with an uneasy feeling. Most of us don’t easily trust others with our heart or emotions.

At times, our faith may also experience similar unrest and uncertainty as we learn to trust and entirely rely on Him. We tend to believe that we are the only ones capable of making decisions and are the only ones with our best interests in mind.

For instance, in 2020, we have been presented with a staggering number of obstacles. Health concerns, financial strife, and contradicting reports don’t make it easy to understand the proper path forward. The futuristic “new normal” sometimes seems like a return to draconian methods and principles from the past.

We’ve mentioned the pros and cons of lockdowns, masks, and other precautionary steps in previous posts – this post isn’t about that. This song and its verses point us to something more.

What’s interesting about such ever-changing times is our perspective. It often shifts based on our surroundings and the actions of others. If we aren’t careful and mindful of what blessings God has given us and continues to bestow on us, we may overlook the bigger picture – what God is in the process of doing.

Even in an upside-down, disorder driven world, we find one constant – one Truth.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” – Isaiah 40:8

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” – Revelation 22:13

Notice the above-listed verses; there are hundreds of verses in scripture that reveal this reality. Humanity is mortal – in time, we wither away. However, God and His Word are eternal. We find lasting solutions to life’s hurdles and the path to fulfillment unlocked within His Word.

It seems the reason why this world suffers from so much abuse and “dyslexia” stems from humanity’s hellbent intent on reversing His Will. We tend to change the order of creation, consistently placing ourselves before Him.

There’s nothing that surprises Him. He’s fully aware of the outcome. Therefore, it would be best for us to focus on diligently changing our perspective instead of trying to force Him to see and do things our way.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9

Notice the thought process of humanity. We seek provision, answers, wisdom, and fulfillment as if they are easily attained and require no forethought. However, God’s Word directs us to seek Him first – standing faithfully, knowing that His promises are Truth.

Wrapping up this post, we’ve all struggled in 2020. As we work towards finding sanity in a world that has lost its mind, take a look around. Why are things so backward? Why does nothing make any sense? Who are we trusting to solve life’s problems? What is our first line of defense?

Is it God and His Holy Word? Or is it by and through our own devices?

When we place ourselves ahead of our Creator, we design a dyslexic world – one where we create our problems and try fixing them as well. If we apply a little reverse engineering, it’s simple to notice our mistake. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end .

Life is much simpler and more orderly, more straightforward once we’ve recognized the designer and his plans. Once we’ve realized that the world does not revolve around us; instead, we are part of a vast creation of life, the picture becomes more evident.

Once we trust Him and place Him first in our lives, our world becomes right side up, and we move forward out of the darkness and into the Light. Instead of seeing right to left, we learn to look up. His Love solves our problems rather than creating new ones.

In conclusion, as stated at the beginning of this post, Alice was subconsciously writing the songs on the DaDa LP. It’s widely known and accepted that this was most likely the darkest period of his life and career. However, it also became the brightest as well.

Divine intervention and our acceptance of it are a powerful combination. While it’s evident Alice was never an evil man, he admits that he was misguided on several occasions. Interestingly enough, misdirection often has a way of leading us back to the beginning – back to our roots and our core beliefs.

Alice’s journey to fortune and fame led him back to where he started – back to the Light. Where are you and where are you headed – the darkness or the Light?

As we celebrate Christ’s birth (Merry Christmas!) and the end of the year (Woo Hoo!), let us take some time to ask ourselves how well we know Him. Have we placed our full trust in Him and His Word?

Even through life’s darker moments (looking at you 2020), have we found rest and peace in Him? Are we spiritually dyslexic, or have we learned to see things in their proper order?

That’s it for this week. Be well and catch you next Friday.

In the meantime, Keep walkin’ in Faith and rockin’ with Alice!

Have you accepted Christ as your Savior?

If you would like to accept jesus as your personal lord and savior, please pray the following prayer:, "god, i believe in you and your son jesus christ. i believe that jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave to save me. today, i invite jesus into my heart to stay. i make you lord over my life. make me new. wash me, lord, and cleanse me. in jesus name, amen".

If you have just prayed that prayer, we want to celebrate your new victory with you. Please contact us at [email protected] so we can welcome you into the kingdom. We don't want you to have to walk alone and we have some resources we would like the opportunity to share with you.

NOTE: We’d also like to share the following resources used by “Fridays With Alice.” Without these books and sites, this would be a much more complicated endeavor. So be sure to check them out if interested.

Click the images to learn more about these resources:

Sun Arise (Love It To Death, 1971)

Apr 12, 2024 | Love It To Death

This week we travel back to 1971 and the release of the breakthrough album, Love It To Death. The post focuses on the song “Sun Arise”, and the album has become one of the greatest of all-time – a quintessential Classic Rock record. Songs such as “I’m Eighteen,” “The Ballad of Dwight Fry,” “Second Coming,” “Hallowed Be My Name,” and “Caught In A Dream” are masterpieces that would not only help them…

Steadfast & Straight Ahead! (Spring Break 2024)

Mar 15, 2024 | Interviews

It’s time for our annual sabbatical away from “Fridays With Alice.” During this time we will be reflecting on God’s Word, reconnecting with nature, and listening to some Alice Cooper albums. 😉

Spring Break! We look forward to beginning posts again at the beginning of April. Each one of you are special and dear to our hearts. We will also spend this time uplifting the page, group, and all its members in prayer. YOU ARE LOVED!

Brutal Planet (Brutal Planet, 2000)

Mar 8, 2024 | Brutal Planet

‘Brutal Planet‘ was released in 2000. It is one of Cooper’s darker albums – focusing on the demise and destruction of humanity. Very much like the red pill and blue pill in the Matrix. This album focuses on what life looks like when God and His plan are left out of the equation. The product of such an equation is a burning wasteland ruled…

Official Alice Cooper Sites:

Fridays With Alice is not associated with Alice Cooper, Alive Enterprises, Universal Records or any official entity.

This is an unofficial site.

However, Alice and Sheryl Cooper are aware of the page and its content. We have spoken with them both and have been given their blessing to continue posting material. Sheryl is also a member of the Facebook group and frequents the page and group at her leisure as well.

The Fridays With Alice Facebook Page and Site are copyrighted © 2018-2020; all rights reserved. Any duplication or reproduction of the items on this page without permission is prohibited unless you provide a link please. Credits and acknowledgements are noted where known. No copyright infringement is intended.

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Discographies

Dada Discography

Dada (1983).

Dada [4:46] / Enough's Enough [4:19] / Former Lee Warmer [4:07] / No Man's Land [3:48] / Dyselxia [4:25] / Scarlet And Sheba [5:19] / I Love The America [3:47] / Fresh Blood [6:53] / Pass The Gun Around [5:43]

I Love America (1983)

Identity Crisises (2012)

To Hell and Back (1985)

Only Women Bleed / Department of Youth / Muscle of Love / Teenage Lament '74 / You and Me / Desperado / I'm Eighteen / Is It My Body / School's Out / Billion Dollar Babies / Go To Hell / I Never Cry / Wish You Were Here / How You Gonna See Me Now / Under My Wheels / (No More) Love At Your Convenience

Alice Cooper Announces Summer Tour in 2024

V eteran shock-rocker Alice Cooper announced his co-headlining tour with Rob Zombie a while back, but that tour (with Ministry and Filter) was simply not enough for the tour-happy legend. The “Poison” singer just announced another solo tour slated to start before his run with Zombie! The Too Close For Comfort Tour will hit 12 dates across the United States in July and August. No opening acts have been announced.

The Alice Cooper 2024 Tour will kick off on July 30 in Niagara Falls, New York at Fallsview Casino Resort. Unless Cooper adds more dates, the tour should end on August 17 in Tucson, Arizona at Casino De Sol’s AVA Amphitheater.

Tickets are available for presale via Cooper’s website with the code “SICKTHINGS”. There are also a few different VIP and premium package presale events going down over at Ticketmaster .

General on-sale for the new tour dates will start on April 19 at 10:00 am local. If your tour date sells out, pop over to Stubhub to see what’s available. You might just get lucky.

Get your tickets ASAP to see Alice Cooper live in the US, before they sell out!

Alice Cooper 2024 Tour Dates

July 30 – Niagara Falls, NY – Fallsview Casino Resort (NEW!)

July 31 – Albany, NY – Palace Theatre (NEW!)

August 2 – Kalamazoo, MI – Wings Event Center (NEW!)

August 4 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center (NEW!)

August 6 – Huber Heights, OH – Rose Music Center at The Heights (NEW!)

August 7 – Rockford, IL – BMO Harris Bank Center (NEW!)

August 10 – Tulsa, OK – River Spirit Casino and Resort (NEW!)

August 11 – Park City, KS – Hartman Arena (NEW!)

August 13 – Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom (NEW!)

August 15 – Valley Center, CA – Harrah’s Rincon Pavilion (NEW!)

August 16 – Costa Mesa, CA – Pacific Amphitheater (NEW!)

August 17 – Tucson, AZ – Casino De Sol – AVA Amphitheater (NEW!)

August 20 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

August 22 – West Valley City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

August 24 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

August 25 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

August 27 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater – Summerfest Grounds (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

August 28 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

August 30 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

August 31 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

September 1 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

September 3 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

September 4 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

September 6 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

September 7 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

September 8 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

September 10 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

September 11 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

September 12 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

September 14 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

September 15 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

September 17 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

September 18 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena (with Rob Zombie, Ministry, Filter)

Photo by Bryan Steffy

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The post Alice Cooper Announces Summer Tour in 2024 appeared first on American Songwriter .

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HEAVY MUSIC HISTORY: DaDa – Alice Cooper

The start of the 1980s was not a good time for ALICE COOPER – both the man himself, born Vincent Furnier , and the music career he had embarked upon under the same name. As the new decade reared its head, Cooper found himself back in the throes of an alcohol addiction that he had seemingly kicked several years prior (as immortalised in 1978’s From The Inside ). Since then, Cooper had dabbled with a few new habits along the way, both chemical and musical. Kicking off the decade with a stylistic shift in new-wave influenced Flush The Fashion (1980), Cooper went on to release three more records he would later refer to as his ‘blackout albums’. At the tail end of this trilogy was DaDa , a haunting collection of tracks that still stands as Cooper ’s most unsettling.

Released in 1983, DaDa saw Cooper reunite with two of his most significant long-time collaborators. Producer Bob Ezrin had been part of the Cooper camp since the original band’s breakout and even guided the ship as Alice went solo, but had been absent from the musician’s records for the last six years. Guitarist and songwriter Dick Wagner had joined the fold when Cooper went solo and helped shape most of his 1970s solo output. Taking on similar roles as before, both Ezrin and Wagner would help write much of the material across DaDa . But they were also instrumental in getting it made in the first place.

Ahead of DaDa , Alice Cooper was contractually obliged to record one more album with Warner Brothers . However, Cooper was not in much shape to produce one nor particularly wanted to. Wagner – at the request of Ezrin – coaxed Cooper in to writing, staying at his home in Arizona and constantly riffing ideas in Alice ’s presence. Cooper eventually bit and the two started laying out the foundations of DaDa , before upping sticks to Toronto where Ezrin was located. Speaking to DecibelGeek in 2014, Wagner detailed that he and Cooper holed themselves up in the two-bedroom suite of a local hotel. They would write songs one day, demo it the next and fill the rest of the time drinking before eventually decanting to ESP Studios . There, they would refine and record with Bob Ezrin .

For the recording, the trio took a distinctive approach to instrumentation. While Wagner contributed guitar and bass, the vast majority of DaDa ’s music comes courtesy of the Fairlight CMI – a digital sampling synthesizer that, at the time, was state of the art. “This was one of the first sequenced and electronic based albums,” Ezrin noted to Carl Linnaeus in 2020. “But it’s dated, because those were the early days.”

Live instrumentation is light on DaDa , with only a few tracks sporting actual drums. The Fairlight took over more than just percussion though, providing multiple layers of odd sounds beyond standard synths – the approximation of horns on Fresh Blood and the pseudo-Native American atmospherics on I Love America for example. Ezrin spent hours painstakingly programming the various sounds, sequences and melodies that would bring the songs to life. As cutting edge as it was for 1983, time has made the Fairlight CMI sound somewhat thin production-wise. Yet, its inhuman sounds were oddly fitting for the strange material that the team worked up for DaDa , especially as Cooper continued to rejig and rewrite lyrics in the studio while the songs came together.

A concept album of sorts, the narrative thread on DaDa is loose at best with each track feeling like its own self-contained vignette. The central character, Sonny , seems to be someone dealing with multiple personalities that span the gamut from maligned son to shopping mall Santa. And while it’s played for laughs at points ( No Man’s Land features said Santa in an identity crisis, whereas I Love America is a sarcastic dressing down of the USA’s cultural idiosyncrasies), DaDa also provides some of the darkest material Cooper has ever committed to record. The disconcerting conversation of the opening track wouldn’t sound out of place introducing a KING DIAMOND record, whereas its follow-up Enough’s Enough bleakly details a child’s life being turned upside down. Even a dig at label Warner Brothers is transformed in to a piano-driven nightmare about an aging shut-in on Former Lee Warmer . But it’s closing track Pass The Gun Around that is the album’s emotional nadir, with protagonist Sonny seeing blood run from his eyes as he reaches for a morning drink. Speaking about the song to Linnaeus in 2014, Cooper mused, “When a writer writes, they’re always confessing a certain amount of what’s going on in their life.” Pass The Gun Around in particular paints a dismal picture of where Alice himself was at that point.

When Cooper , Ezrin and Wagner turned in DaDa to the label, Warner Bros . were surprised to say the least. The relationship between artist and label was already strained as a result of Cooper ’s last few albums tanking and Warner expected him to take the budget and part ways. As a result, DaDa instead released with little fanfare. With no promotion from the label and no tour from Alice , it made few waves commercially – in the UK, it squeaked on to the charts at #93 briefly, but didn’t even get a look in in the States. It wasn’t long after recording that Cooper himself would hit rock bottom and finally resolve to get clean for good.

As Cooper has no recollection of recording the album, it has been nixed from the musician’s modern narrative and none of its material has ever been played live. With no commercial aspirations for the record, DaDa is an honest and authentic representation of where Alice Cooper was artistically in 1983, reckoning with his problems through metaphor and dry humour.

Cooper has often spoken about ‘ Alice ’ being a character. When ‘ol’ black eyes’ returned three years later with Constrictor (1986), the ‘ Alice ’ introduced was almost a caricature of the original’s unhinged edginess. Surrealism was dropped for slasher flicks, art rock for hair metal and ‘ Alice ’ only existed on the stage. Off-stage, while sharing the same name, it seemed like the affable ‘ Vince ’ had regained control. The preceding decade had seen the distinction between ‘ Alice ’ and ‘ Vince ’ blurred as the man behind both fell deep in to addiction. DaDa in many ways marks a point where ‘ Alice ’ had won the power struggle entirely. Considering the record’s themes of split personalities and Sonny ’s difficulty dealing with their actions, DaDa feels like the last confessions of a now latent ‘ Alice ’ persona.

DaDa was originally released on September 28, 1983 via Warner Bros.

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3 thoughts on “ HEAVY MUSIC HISTORY: DaDa – Alice Cooper ”

This made for good reading. Thanks. Dada is a beatufil album

My favourite album of all time. When Dick Wagner hits that note at 3:32 in Pass the Gun Around it’s pure magic. Fresh Blood is a masterpiece. No Man’s Land would’ve made a brilliant video.

My favorite Alice Cooper album! Even did a podcast on it recently. Also, the interview with Dick Wagner referenced here, if you are a fan of DaDa, is WELL WORTH a listen. Great article Sam! Very well done.

ALICE COOPER's 'DaDa' album turns 40, released on September 28th 1983

'DaDa' was ALICE COOPER's 8th studio album, released on September 28th 1983.

The 'DaDa' cover was based on a painting by the Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dalí titled "Slave Market" (with appearance of the invisible bust of Voltaire).

'DadDa' marked the end of Alice's so-called 'blackout era'. After this release, Alice parted way with Warner Brothers and made a second, ultimately successful effort to kick his addictions, save his marriage and get his life together. He would vanish for three years and then eventually re-emerge with 'Constrictor' in 1986 as a heavy metal pastiche of the 1970s Alice - the old make-up back, the guitars and drums pumped up, the record sales steadily increasing and the live shows slicker than ever.

Here are 7 interesting facts about Alice Cooper's 'Dada' album:

1. Concept Album: "Dada" is a concept album that explores the themes of insanity and the human mind, inspired by the Dadaist art movement, which aimed to challenge societal norms and conventions.

2. Return to Horror Themes: After a period of experimenting with different musical styles, "Dada" marked a return to the horror-themed theatricality that Alice Cooper was known for in his earlier career.

3. Unique Album Cover: The album cover featured a torn, distorted image of Alice Cooper's face, which was meant to reflect the album's theme of mental instability. It's a departure from his previous album covers.

4. Experimental Sound: The album's sound was notably more experimental, featuring elements of new wave and post-punk, which was a departure from Cooper's earlier hard rock and glam rock style.

5. Obscure Tracks: Some of the tracks on "Dada" are quite obscure and unconventional, such as "No Man's Land," which features a distorted vocal style and eerie instrumentation.

6. Re-Evaluation Over Time: While it wasn't a commercial hit upon its release, "Dada" has gained a cult following over the years, with some fans and critics considering it an underrated gem in Alice Cooper's discography.

7. Live Performances: Although "Dada" didn't produce any major hits, some of its tracks have made appearances in Alice Cooper's live shows, demonstrating their enduring appeal to his fan base.

These facts shed some interesting light on the unique and somewhat overlooked aspects of Alice Cooper's 'Dada' album.

Album tracklisting:

A1 Dada A2 Enough's Enough A3 Former Lee Warmer A4 No Man's Land A5 Dyslexia

B1 Scarlet And Sheba B2 I Love America B3 Fresh Blood B4 Pass The Gun Around

Recording line-up:

Vocals - Alice Cooper Additional Vocals - Karen Hendricks, Lisa Dal Bello Guitar, Bass, Vocals - Dick Wagner Drums - John Anderson (B3), Richard Kolinka (A3, B1, B4) Bass - John Prakash Synthesizer (Fairlight Cmi), Keyboards, Drums, Percussion, Vocals - Bob Ezrin Synthesizer (Obx-8, Roland Jupiter), Vocals - Graham Shaw

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Albums in Order

Get here List of Albums in order.

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The List of Alice Cooper Albums in Order of Release

by Ram · September 24, 2023

Alice Cooper Albums in Order: From a raspy-voiced rock provocateur to a multifaceted icon, Alice Cooper has carved a legendary path through the annals of music history spanning over five electrifying decades.

Alice Cooper, born Vincent Damon Furnier on February 4, 1948, has etched an indelible mark on the annals of rock music over a career spanning more than five decades. Armed with a distinctive raspy voice and a penchant for outlandish stage theatrics, including pyrotechnics, guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood, and an assortment of peculiar props ranging from reptiles to baby dolls, Alice Cooper is heralded as “The Godfather of Shock Rock” by music critics and peers alike. His unique blend of horror-inspired imagery, vaudevillian flair, and garage rock sensibilities pioneered a macabre and theatrical strain of rock that continues to astonish audiences to this day.

Alice Cooper’s journey began in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1964, as a band originally called the Earwigs, featuring Furnier on lead vocals and harmonica, Glen Buxton on lead guitar, and Dennis Dunaway on bass guitar and backing vocals. They were later joined by Michael Bruce on rhythm guitar in 1966 and Neal Smith on drums in 1967. Together, they christened themselves “Alice Cooper,” with Furnier eventually adopting the name as his stage persona. Their debut studio album in 1969 achieved limited chart success, but it was the release of the 1970 single “I’m Eighteen” and the subsequent album “Love It to Death” that catapulted the band to commercial stardom. The pinnacle of their success arrived in 1973 with the sixth studio album, “Billion Dollar Babies.”

Following the band’s eventual breakup, Furnier legally assumed the name Alice Cooper and embarked on a successful solo career in 1975, marked by the concept album “Welcome to My Nightmare.” Throughout his illustrious career, Alice Cooper has sold well over 50 million records. Notably versatile, Cooper has dabbled in various musical styles, from hard rock and glam rock to heavy metal and glam metal. He even ventured into new wave during the 1980s, explored art rock on “DaDa” (1983), and delved into industrial rock on “Brutal Planet” (2000) and “Dragontown” (2001). His influence on the sound and aesthetics of heavy metal is monumental, with many hailing him as the artist who introduced horror imagery to the rock ‘n’ roll scene, forever altering the genre’s landscape.

Beyond the stage, Alice Cooper is renowned for his offstage wit, earning the affectionate title of the world’s “beloved heavy metal entertainer” by The Rolling Stone Album Guide. Away from the limelight of music, Alice Cooper wears many hats, from a film actor to a golfing celebrity and a restaurateur. Since 2004, he has also hosted his classic rock radio show, “Nights with Alice Cooper,” solidifying his status as an enduring and multifaceted icon in the world of entertainment. So, if you are a die heart fan of Alice Cooper Albums then check out here we have list of Alice Cooper albums in order of release so far.

All Alice Cooper Albums Available on: Apple Music

How many albums does Alice Cooper have?

The discography of American rock artist Alice Cooper has released 29 studio albums (plus two studio albums with Hollywood Vampires), 50 singles, 11 live albums, 21 compilation albums, 12 video releases, and an audiobook.

All Alice Cooper Albums in Order: Check Out The List of Alice Cooper Albums in Order of Release Here!

H ere is the list of Alice Cooper Album in Order of Release Date:

Alice Cooper Band Albums:

Pretties for You — June 1969
Easy Action — March 1970
Love It to Death — March 1971
Killer — November 1971
School’s Out — June 1972
Billion Dollar Babies — February 25, 1973
Muscle of Love — November 20, 1973

Alice Cooper Solo Albums:

Welcome to My Nightmare — March 11, 1975
Alice Cooper Goes to Hell — June 25, 1976
Lace and Whiskey — April 29, 1977
From the Inside — November 17, 1978
Flush the Fashion — April 28, 1980
Special Forces — September 1981
Zipper Catches Skin — August 25, 1982
DaDa — September 28, 1983
Constrictor — September 22, 1986
Raise Your Fist and Yell — September 28, 1987
Trash — July 25, 1989
Hey Stoopid — July 2, 1991
The Last Temptation — July 12, 1994
Brutal Planet — June 6, 2000
Dragontown — September 18, 2001
The Eyes of Alice Cooper — September 23, 2003
Dirty Diamonds — July 4, 2005
Along Came a Spider — July 29, 2008
Welcome 2 My Nightmare — September 13, 2011
Paranormal — July 28, 2017
Detroit Stories — February 26, 2021
Road — August 25, 2023

All Alice Cooper Albums List in Order [Band Albums]

1. pretties for you (1969).

Alice Cooper Band Albums Pretties for You image

Titanic Overture
10 Minutes Before the Worm
Sing Low, Sweet Cheerio
Today Mueller
Fields of Regret
No Longer Umpire
Levity Ball
B.B. on Mars
Earwigs to Eternity
Changing Arranging

“Pretties for You,” the debut studio album by American rock band Alice Cooper, emerged on June 25, 1969, under Straight Records. Notably, during this era, “Alice Cooper” referred to the entire band, not just its frontman Vincent Furnier. The album exudes a psychedelic aura, a far cry from the concise hard rock sound the band would later embrace. Characterized by unconventional time signatures, intricate arrangements, dissonant syncopation, dynamic shifts, and diverse musical influences, it even bears the mark of Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd, with whom the band associated during their U.S. tour.

The album’s artwork, originally from Frank Zappa’s home, has a mysterious history, while the album itself experienced limited success, rarely revisited by Cooper after the breakthrough of “Love It to Death.” The single “Reflected” found new life as “Elected” on their 1973 album “Billion Dollar Babies.”

2. Easy Action (1970)

Alice Cooper Band Albums Easy Action image

Mr. & Misdemeanor
Shoe Salesman
Still No Air
Below Your Means
Return of the Spiders
Laughing at Me
Refrigerator Heaven
Beautiful Flyaway
Lay Down and Die, Goodbye

Released in March 1970, “Easy Action” stands as the second studio album by American rock band Alice Cooper. The album’s title draws inspiration from the iconic musical “West Side Story,” reflecting the band’s eclectic influences. Much like its predecessor, “Pretties for You,” this album failed to make a significant commercial or critical impact. Notably, producer David Briggs held a dim view of their music, describing it as “Psychedelic Shit.” Consequently, the album’s sound was criticized for its dryness.

Surprisingly, none of the tracks from “Easy Action” have been performed live by Alice Cooper since their third album’s tour, “Love It to Death.” Despite its initial reception, some of its tracks found their place in later compilations, such as “Mr. & Misdemeanor” and “Refrigerator Heaven.” The album also features a notable closing track that incorporates a sample from Tom Smothers, offering a glimpse into the band’s experimental journey.

3. Love It to Death (1971)

Alice Cooper Band Albums Love It to Death image

Caught in a Dream
I’m Eighteen
Long Way to Go
Is It My Body
Hallowed Be My Name
Second Coming
Ballad of Dwight Fry

“Love It to Death,” Alice Cooper’s third studio album, unleashed its electrifying sound on March 9, 1971, marking a pivotal shift from the band’s psychedelic and experimental rock roots to a commercially successful hard-rocking sound. The album’s standout track, “I’m Eighteen,” served as a litmus test for the band’s commercial appeal, rocketing to No. 21 on the charts. Produced by Bob Ezrin, the album’s tight songwriting and relentless rehearsal regimen paid off, propelling it to No. 35 on the Billboard 200 and platinum certification. The Love It to Death tour featured shock rock theatrics, including straitjackets and mock electric chair executions, cementing Alice Cooper’s place in rock history as a pioneering influence on hard rock, punk, and heavy metal.

4. Killer (1971)

Under My Wheels
Be My Lover
Halo of Flies
You Drive Me Nervous
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
Dead Babies

“Killer,” the fourth studio album from the iconic American rock band Alice Cooper, dropped in November 1971 under Warner Bros. Records. This seminal album made a significant mark, climbing to No. 21 on the Billboard 200 album chart. It yielded two charting singles, “Under My Wheels” and “Be My Lover,” both of which secured spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. With its audacious sound and provocative themes, “Killer” solidified Alice Cooper’s status as a pioneering force in rock music, captivating audiences and leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of rock history.

5. School’s Out (1972)

Alice Cooper Band Albums School's Out image

School’s Out
Gutter Cat vs. the Jets
Street Fight
Public Animal #9
Grande Finale

“School’s Out,” the fifth studio album by American rock band Alice Cooper, made a thunderous impact in 1972. Riding the coattails of their previous success with “Killer,” this album skyrocketed to No. 2 on the US Billboard 200 chart and secured the top spot on the Canadian RPM 100 Top Albums chart, reigning supreme for four consecutive weeks. The eponymous single “School’s Out” became an anthem, climbing to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 3 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles Chart, and clinching the coveted No. 1 position in the UK Singles Chart. A seminal moment in the band’s career, it solidified Alice Cooper’s status as a rock powerhouse.

6. Billion Dollar Babies (1973)

Alice Cooper Band Albums Billion Dollar Babies image

Hello Hooray
Raped and Freezin
Billion Dollar Babies
Unfinished Sweet
No More Mr. Nice Guy
Generation Landslide
Sick Things
I Love the Dead

“Billion Dollar Babies,” the sixth studio album by American rock band Alice Cooper, unleashed its sonic mayhem in March 1973 through Warner Bros. Records. A commercial juggernaut, it swiftly became the best-selling Alice Cooper record of its time, reigning atop the album charts in the United States and the United Kingdom. The Recording Industry Association of America bestowed it with platinum certification. While lauded by critics like Robert Christgau, Greg Prato of AllMusic, and Jason Thompson of PopMatters, The Rolling Stone Album Guide (2004) was more reserved, granting it just two and a half stars. Recorded in Connecticut and London, its lyrics delve into taboo topics, resulting in a 40-minute and 51-second rock opus, the band’s lengthiest studio album to date, discounting Cooper’s solo endeavors.

7. Muscle of Love (1973)

Alice Cooper Band Albums Muscle of Love image

Big Apple Dreamin’ (Hippo)
Never Been Sold Before
Hard Hearted Alice
Crazy Little Child
Working Up a Sweat
Muscle of Love
Man with the Golden Gun
Teenage Lament ’74
Woman Machine

“Muscle of Love,” the seventh and ultimate studio album by the American rock band Alice Cooper, emerged in late 1973, marking the culmination of their musical journey. Just months after its release, the band took their final bow on stage, concluding an era. This album, while the swan song of their collective efforts, left an indelible mark in rock history, featuring songs like “Teenage Lament ’74” and “Muscle of Love.” With its distinctive sound and lyrical prowess, “Muscle of Love” remains a testament to Alice Cooper’s enduring influence on the rock music landscape, as they bid farewell to their iconic group dynamic.

All Alice Cooper ( Solo ) Albums List

1. welcome to my nightmare (1975).

Alice Cooper Solo Albums Welcome to My Nightmare image

Welcome to My Nightmare
Devil’s Food
The Black Widow
Only Women Bleed
Department of Youth
The Awakening

“Welcome to My Nightmare,” Alice Cooper’s debut solo studio album, made its haunting debut on February 28, 1975. This unique release found its home on Atlantic Records in North America and Anchor Records, an ABC subsidiary, elsewhere in the world. A conceptual masterpiece, the album takes listeners on a chilling journey through the nightmares of a character named Steven when played in sequence. It inspired a TV special, “Alice Cooper: The Nightmare,” a global concert tour in 1975, and a concert film in 1976, making it one of the era’s most extravagant tours.

Renowned horror star Vincent Price contributed a monologue to the song “The Black Widow,” while the album’s cover art, crafted by Drew Struzan, earned a place on Rolling Stone’s list of the “Top 100 Album Covers of All Time.” With a remastered CD edition offering three alternate versions, “Welcome to My Nightmare” remains an iconic chapter in Alice Cooper’s legacy, inspiring a sequel concept album, “Welcome 2 My Nightmare,” in 2011.

2. Alice Cooper Goes to Hell (1976)

Alice Cooper Solo Albums Alice Cooper Goes to Hell image

You Gotta Dance
I’m the Coolest
Didn’t We Meet
I Never Cry
Give the Kid a Break
Wake Me Gently
Wish You Were Here
I’m Always Chasing Rainbows

Released in 1976, “Alice Cooper Goes to Hell” marks the second solo studio album by iconic American rock musician Alice Cooper. A thematic sequel to “Welcome to My Nightmare,” this concept album continues the story of Steven and was crafted in collaboration with guitarist Dick Wagner and producer Bob Ezrin. Building on the success of his earlier hit, “Only Women Bleed,” Cooper delves into rock ballads on this record, including the introspective “I Never Cry,” a poignant reflection on his battle with alcoholism. Although the 1976 tour in support of the album was canceled due to Cooper’s anemia, several tracks from it became staples in his live performances, ensuring their enduring legacy in his repertoire.

3. Lace and Whiskey (1977)

Alice Cooper Solo Albums Lace and Whiskey image

It’s Hot Tonight
Lace and Whiskey
Damned If You Do
King of the Silver Screen
Ubangi Stomp
(No More) Love at Your Convenience
I Never Wrote Those Songs

“Lace and Whiskey,” the third solo and tenth studio album by American rock icon Alice Cooper, emerged on April 29, 1977, under Warner Bros. Records. This pivotal release showcased Cooper’s evolution, as he shifted from shock rock to a more refined and theatrical sound. The album featured tracks like “You and Me” and “It’s Hot Tonight,” offering a diverse musical landscape. While it received mixed critical reception, “Lace and Whiskey” achieved commercial success, marking a transitional phase in Cooper’s storied career as he explored new musical horizons. This album stands as a testament to Alice Cooper’s adaptability and enduring influence in the rock world.

4. From the Inside (1978)

Alice Cooper Solo Albums From the Inside image

From the Inside
Wish I Were Born in Beverly Hills
The Quiet Room
Nurse Rozetta
Millie and Billie
How You Gonna See Me Now
For Veronica’s Sake
Jackknife Johnny
Inmates (We’re All Crazy)

“From the Inside,” released on November 17, 1978, stands as the fourth solo studio album by American rock icon Alice Cooper. This concept album offers a raw and introspective glimpse into Cooper’s battle with alcoholism during his stay at a New York asylum. Intriguingly, the album’s characters are drawn from real individuals he encountered during his time there. Notable collaborators include lyricist Bernie Taupin, guitarist Davey Johnstone, and bassist Dee Murray, all long-time associates of Elton John.

The lead single, “How You Gonna See Me Now,” climbed to No. 12 on the US Hot 100 chart, accompanied by a music video. While some tracks became staples of live performances during the ‘Madhouse Rocks Tour’ in 1979, many have been rarely played live since, making “From the Inside” a unique and haunting chapter in Cooper’s discography. The album even received a comic book adaptation in Marvel Premiere #50.

5. Flush the Fashion (1980)

alice Cooper Solo Albums Flush the Fashion image

Clones (We’re All)
Leather Boots
Aspirin Damage
Nuclear Infected
Model Citizen
Dance Yourself to Death

“Flush the Fashion,” Alice Cooper’s fifth solo studio album, dropped on April 28, 1980, under Warner Bros. Records. Recorded at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles with acclaimed producer Roy Thomas Baker (renowned for collaborations with Queen and the Cars), this album marked a significant departure from Cooper’s previous style, embracing a new wave influence. The lead single, “Clones (We’re All),” charted at No. 40 on the U.S. Billboard Top 40. Notably, it stands as the shortest studio album in Alice’s extensive discography, showcasing a concise yet transformative musical chapter in the rock icon’s career.

6. Special Forces (1981)

Alice Cooper Solo Albums Special Forces image

Who Do You Think We Are
Seven and Seven Is
Prettiest Cop on the Block
Don’t Talk Old to Me
Generation Landslide ’81
Skeletons in the Closet
You Want It, You Got It
You Look Good in Rags
You’re a Movie
Vicious Rumours

“Special Forces,” the sixth solo studio album by American rock legend Alice Cooper, hit the music scene in September 1981 under the Warner Bros. Records banner. Produced by Richard Podolor, renowned for his work with Three Dog Night, this album marked a pivotal moment in Cooper’s career. To promote it, Cooper made a memorable appearance on The Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder, sporting military-inspired makeup and delivering electrifying performances of tracks like “Who Do You Think We Are” and a cover of Love’s “Seven and Seven Is.” While the album’s tour covered several countries, only a handful of its songs were performed live. This album also marked the beginning of Cooper’s “blackout” period, fueled by substance abuse, and led to a hiatus from touring until 1986.

7. Zipper Catches Skin (1982)

Alice Cooper Solo Albums Zipper Catches Skin image

Zorro’s Ascent
Make That Money (Scrooge’s Song)
I Am the Future
No Baloney Homosapiens (For Steve & E.T.)
Adaptable (Anything for You)
I Like Girls
Remarkably Insincere
Tag, You’re It
I Better Be Good
I’m Alive (That Was the Day My Dead Pet Returned to Save My Life)

“Zipper Catches Skin,” the seventh solo studio album by American rock legend Alice Cooper, emerged on August 25, 1982, under Warner Bros. Records. This unique addition to Cooper’s discography marked a departure from his previous works, delving into new wave and experimental sounds. Produced during a tumultuous period in Cooper’s life, the album features eclectic tracks like “Zorro’s Ascent” and “I Am the Future.” While not a commercial blockbuster like some of his earlier releases, “Zipper Catches Skin” stands as a testament to Cooper’s musical versatility and willingness to explore uncharted sonic territory, earning its place in the evolution of his storied career.

8. DaDa (1983)

Enough’s Enough
Former Lee Warmer
No Man’s Land
Scarlet and Sheba
I Love America
Fresh Blood
Pass the Gun Around

“DaDa,” Alice Cooper’s eighth solo studio album, marked a significant chapter in the rock legend’s career. Released on September 28, 1983, under Warner Bros. Records, it would become his last studio offering before his re-emergence in 1986 with “Constrictor,” following a period of sobriety. This album, characterized by its experimentation with art rock, showcased Cooper’s musical versatility and willingness to push boundaries. Though “DaDa” didn’t attain the commercial success of some of his earlier works, it remains a testament to his artistic evolution during a transformative period in his life and career.

9. Constrictor (1986)

Alice Cooper Solo Albums Constrictor image

Teenage Frankenstein
Thrill My Gorilla
Life and Death of the Party
Simple Disobedience
The World Needs Guts
The Great American Success Story
He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask)

“Constrictor,” Alice Cooper’s ninth solo studio album, emerged on September 22, 1986, via MCA Records, marking his return after a hiatus following “DaDa” in 1983. During his absence, Cooper appeared in the horror film “Monster Dog” (1986) and contributed to Twisted Sister’s “Be Chrool to Your Scuel.” This album introduced Kane Roberts on guitar, Kip Winger on bass (later of Winger fame), and David Rosenberg on drums. It revitalized Cooper’s chart presence, reaching #59, following the underperforming “Zipper Catches Skin” (1982) and “DaDa.” The album’s track “He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask)” became a #1 hit in Sweden and was featured in “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives” (1986).

Cooper’s subsequent successful tour, “The Nightmare Returns,” prominently showcased songs like “Teenage Frankenstein,” “Give It Up,” and “The World Needs Guts,” which, while performed occasionally in later tours, eventually receded from his regular setlist.

10. Raise Your Fist and Yell (1987)

Alice Cooper Solo Albums Raise Your Fist and Yell image

Give the Radio Back
Step on You
Not That Kind of Love
Prince of Darkness
Time to Kill
Chop, Chop, Chop
Roses on White Lace

“Raise Your Fist and Yell,” Alice Cooper’s tenth solo studio album, unleashed its sonic fury in October 1987 under MCA Records. The album’s standout track, “Prince of Darkness,” found its way into John Carpenter’s film of the same name, with Cooper making a cameo as a murderous vagrant. A memorable music video accompanied the album’s sole single, “Freedom.” This release notably features Ken K. Mary on drums and Kip Winger on bass, a combination unique in Cooper’s discography. Continuing the slasher film trend initiated by the previous album “Constrictor,” “Raise Your Fist and Yell” even enlisted Robert Englund, the iconic Freddy Krueger, for a guest appearance on the track “Lock Me Up.” The eerie album cover art was masterfully painted by the talented Jim Warren.

11. Trash (1989)

Spark in the Dark
House of Fire
Why Trust You
Only My Heart Talkin
Bed of Nails
This Maniac’s in Love with You
Hell Is Living Without You
I’m Your Gun

“Trash” is the eleventh solo studio album by American rock legend Alice Cooper, released on July 25, 1989, through Epic Records. This album marked a triumphant return for Cooper, driven by the hit single “Poison,” his first top ten hit since 1977’s “You and Me.” “Trash” achieved remarkable commercial success, reaching the Top 20 on various album charts and selling over two million copies. Featuring notable musicians such as John McCurry on guitar, Bon Jovi’s Hugh McDonald on bass, and Billy Squier’s Bobby Chouinard and Alan St. Jon on drums and keyboards, the album became Cooper’s biggest hair metal hit, peaking at number two in the UK and number 20 in the US.

12. Hey Stoopid (1991)

Alice Cooper Solo Albums Hey Stoopid image

Hey Stoopid
Love’s a Loaded Gun
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

“Hey Stoopid” is the twelfth solo studio album by iconic American rock singer Alice Cooper, unleashed on July 2, 1991, via Epic Records. Following the triumphant release of his 1989 album “Trash,” Cooper aimed to sustain his momentum with this follow-up, enlisting a star-studded cast of collaborators including Lance Bulen, Slash, Ozzy Osbourne, Vinnie Moore, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Nikki Sixx, and Mick Mars. The album marked a pivotal moment, being the final one to feature bassist Hugh McDonald before he joined Bon Jovi in 1994. An alternate cover featuring edgy imagery was initially contemplated, while standout tracks like “Feed My Frankenstein” showcased the formidable guitar talents of Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, accompanied by Nikki Sixx on bass.

13. The Last Temptation (1994)

Alice Cooper Solo Albums The Last Temptation image

Nothing’s Free
Lost in America
Bad Place Alone
You’re My Temptation
Stolen Prayer
It’s Me
Cleansed by Fire

“The Last Temptation,” Alice Cooper’s thirteenth solo studio album, made its grand entrance on July 12, 1994, courtesy of Epic Records. This captivating musical tale revolves around the character of Steven, a name harkening back to Cooper’s earlier masterpiece, “Welcome to My Nightmare.” At its core, the album narrates the encounter between Steven and a enigmatic showman endowed with supernatural prowess. This enigmatic figure employs twisted variations of morality plays to entice Steven into his mesmerizing spectacle, “The Theater of the Real – The Grand-est Guignol!” The allure? To remain forever young. The album also boasts collaborations with notable talents, including Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, Dan Wexler of Icon, and Derek Sherinian of Dream Theater.

14. Brutal Planet (2000)

Alice Cooper Solo Albums Brutal Planet image

Brutal Planet
Wicked Young Man
Blow Me a Kiss
Eat Some More
Pick Up the Bones
Pessi-Mystic
It’s the Little Things
Take It Like a Woman
Cold Machines

“Brutal Planet,” the fourteenth solo studio album by iconic American rock musician Alice Cooper, unleashed its sonic onslaught in 2000. In a departure from his earlier work, this album delved into a darker, heavier soundscape, leaning towards industrial and metal influences. Thematically, Cooper explored the shadows of “social fiction,” addressing issues such as domestic violence (“Take It Like a Woman”), prejudice (“Blow Me a Kiss”), psychopathy (“It’s the Little Things”), war (“Pick Up the Bones”), depression, suicide (“Sanctuary”), Neo-Nazism, and school shootings (“Wicked Young Man”).

Notably, Doug Van Pelt of HM Magazine praised the album’s powerful communication of biblical morals, particularly in the title track, which critiques societal judgment systems. “Brutal Planet” set the stage for its sequel, “Dragontown,” released in 2001.

15. Dragontown (2001)

Alice Cooper Solo Albums Dragontown image

Sex, Death and Money
Fantasy Man
Somewhere in the Jungle
Disgraceland
Sister Sara
Every Woman Has a Name
I Just Wanna Be God
It’s Much Too Late
The Sentinel

“Dragontown,” the fifteenth solo album by American rock icon Alice Cooper, emerged in 2001 under Spitfire Records. Continuing the heavier metal style introduced in “Brutal Planet,” the album achieved chart success, peaking at #12 on Billboard’s “Top Independent Albums” Chart and #197 on the Billboard 200. Notably, it marked Cooper’s first studio album without any singles. While the Descent into Dragontown tour (2001-2002) showcased some of its tracks, only four songs endured in the setlist. After this tour, “Dragontown” tracks have rarely graced Cooper’s live performances, except for a few renditions of “Disgraceland” during the 2003 Bare Bones Tour.

16. The Eyes of Alice Cooper (2003)

Alice Cooper Solo Albums The Eyes of Alice Cooper image

What Do You Want from Me?
Between High School & Old School
Man of the Year
Bye Bye, Baby
Be with You Awhile
Detroit City
Spirits Rebellious
This House Is Haunted
Love Should Never Feel Like This
The Song That Didn’t Rhyme
I’m So Angry
Backyard Brawl

“The Eyes of Alice Cooper,” unleashed upon the music world in 2003, marks the sixteenth solo endeavor from the enigmatic American rock virtuoso, Alice Cooper. A pivotal shift in sound, this album saw Cooper’s return to the hard rock roots reminiscent of “The Last Temptation,” abandoning the heavy industrial metal stylings of his preceding releases. Notably, the album’s cover donned four distinct variations, each altering the colors of Cooper’s eyes and the crescent surrounding the ‘A’ in the title – available in striking blue, vibrant green, regal purple, and fiery red. Additionally, “Between High School & Old School” garnered praise as a modern classic in Cooper’s repertoire, harkening back to the iconic theme of school, akin to “School’s Out.”

17. Dirty Diamonds (2005)

Alice Cooper Solo Albums Dirty Diamonds image

Woman of Mass Distraction
You Make Me Wanna
Dirty Diamonds
The Saga of Jesse Jane
Sunset Babies (All Got Rabies)
Pretty Ballerina
Run Down the Devil
Steal That Car
Your Own Worst Enemy
Zombie Dance
The Sharpest Pain

“Dirty Diamonds,” the seventeenth solo studio album by American rock icon Alice Cooper, made its international debut on July 4, 2005, followed by a U.S. release on August 2. This album achieved notable success, reaching #17 on Billboard’s “Top Independent Albums” chart and #169 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Notably, it marked Cooper’s highest charting album in 11 years since “The Last Temptation.” With its release, Cooper continued to demonstrate his enduring influence on the rock music landscape, captivating both long-standing fans and new listeners with his distinctive musical prowess.

18. Along Came a Spider (2008)

Alice Cooper Solo Albums Along Came a Spider image

Prologue / I Know Where You Live
Vengeance Is Mine
Wake the Dead
Catch Me If You Can
(In Touch With) Your Feminine Side
Wrapped in Silk
Killed by Love
I’m Hungry
The One That Got Away
I Am the Spider / Epilogue

Alice Cooper’s eighteenth solo studio album, ‘Along Came a Spider,’ debuted in July 2008 under the Steamhammer/SPV label. This hard rock and heavy metal concept album delves into the chilling narrative of a psychopathic serial killer known as ‘Spider’ and the gripping unraveling of his sinister plans. Notably, the album marked a commercial triumph, securing its place as Alice Cooper’s highest-charting studio release in the United States since ‘Hey Stoopid’ in 1991. ‘Along Came a Spider’ showcases Cooper’s enduring ability to captivate audiences with his dark storytelling and remains a testament to his lasting impact on the world of rock music.

19. Welcome 2 My Nightmare (2011)

Alice Cooper Solo Albums Welcome 2 My Nightmare image

I Am Made of You
The Nightmare Returns
A Runaway Train
Last Man on Earth
The Congregation
I’ll Bite Your Face Off
Disco Bloodbath Boogie Fever
Ghouls Gone Wild
Something to Remember Me By
When Hell Comes Home
What Baby Wants
I Gotta Get Outta Here
The Underture

“Welcome 2 My Nightmare,” also known as “Welcome to My Nightmare 2,” marks the nineteenth solo endeavor by American rock legend Alice Cooper, unleashed upon the world in September 2011. This album achieved remarkable success, peaking at No. 22 on the Billboard 200 charts, making it Cooper’s highest-charting release in the US since 1989’s “Trash.”

Serving as a sequel to his iconic 1975 album, “Welcome to My Nightmare,” the concept for this musical journey was conceived during a conversation with producer Bob Ezrin, shortly after the original album’s thirtieth anniversary. Cooper reunited with former Alice Cooper band members to bring this nightmarish sequel to life, describing it as an even darker descent into horror. Initially set for a late 2011 release, it eventually hit the shelves on September 13, 2011, captivating fans with its macabre charm.

20. Paranormal (2017)

Alice Cooper Solo Albums Paranormal image

Paranoiac Personality
Fallen in Love
Dynamite Road
Private Public Breakdown
The Sound of A

“Paranormal,” the twentieth solo and twenty-seventh overall studio album by rock legend Alice Cooper, made its eagerly awaited debut on July 28, 2017. This remarkable release not only showcases the “classic” Alice Cooper band lineup—comprising Neal Smith, Dennis Dunaway, Michael Bruce (sans Glen Buxton, who passed away in 1997)—but also features collaborations with music luminaries like Larry Mullen Jr. of U2, Roger Glover of Deep Purple, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Swedish songwriter and session guitarist Tommy Denander, Alice Cooper bandmate Tommy Henriksen, and Steve Hunter.

Additionally, the album includes a cover of the Villebillies’ track “Holy Water.” Originally slated for release in 2011, it was ultimately unleashed to eager fans on September 13, 2011, following a series of delays and anticipation.

21. Detroit Stories (2021)

Alice Cooper Solo Albums Detroit Stories image

Rock & Roll
Our Love Will Change the World
Social Debris
$1000 High Heel Shoes
Detroit City 2021
Drunk and in Love
Independence Dave
Wonderful World
Sister Anne
Hanging On by a Thread (Don’t Give Up)
Shut Up and Rock
East Side Story

“Detroit Stories” is the twenty-first solo and twenty-eighth overall studio album by American rock legend Alice Cooper, released on February 26, 2021. Produced by Bob Ezrin, it marked a historic moment in Cooper’s career, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart. This achievement was a first for Cooper in his nearly three-decade history on the chart. The album boasts a collaborative spirit, with various artists contributing on multiple instruments.

While it maintains Cooper’s signature shock-rock narratives, “Detroit Stories” also pays homage to its hard-rock roots, drawing inspiration from the Detroit music scene. In its first week, the album sold 13,000 copies and topped the Tastemaker Albums chart, showcasing its enduring appeal. Additionally, it achieved notable chart positions on Billboard 200, Hard Rock Albums, Top Rock Albums, Independent Albums, and Vinyl Albums charts.

22. Road (2023)

I’m Alice
Welcome to the Show
All Over the World
Dead Don’t Dance
White Line Frankenstein
Rules of the Road
The Big Goodbye
Road Rats Forever
Baby Please Don’t Go
100 More Miles

“Road” marks the twenty-second solo endeavor and the twenty-ninth studio album in the prolific career of American rock legend Alice Cooper, with its release via Earmusic on August 25, 2023. This electrifying album captures the raw essence of live studio recordings, featuring Cooper alongside his talented touring band, including Nita Strauss, Ryan Roxie, Tommy Henriksen on guitars, bassist Chuck Garric, and drummer Glen Sobel.

The album’s announcement on June 14, 2023, was accompanied by the release of the lead single, “I’m Alice,” paving the way for subsequent hits like “White Line Frankenstein” (featuring Tom Morello) on July 19, 2023, and “Welcome to the Show” on August 8, 2023. To support “Road,” Alice Cooper embarks on a thrilling tour, first joining forces with Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard for a series of stadium shows in August, followed by a co-headlining tour alongside Rob Zombie in September.

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Tags: Albums

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