In 2003, Alice Cooper released his sixteenth studio album, “The Eyes Of Alice Cooper.” This album was a return to his earlier hard rock sound that could be found on his album, “The Last Temptation,” but with a blend of his heavy industrial metal sound found on the prior two studio albums.

The main songwriting credits on the album go to Alice Cooper, Eric Dover, and Ryan Roxie. Even featuring co-lead vocals from Ryan Roxie on the opening track, “What Do You Want From Me?”

Another interesting thing to note, not sure if it’s due to the rights or studio or what, this is the only Alice Cooper album not available for streaming. I had to find the album online for sale and listen to it that way. However, as you’ll hear me say during the review, this is a hidden gem of an album and if you get a chance to listen to it, please do.

Setlist:

“What Do You Want From Me?”

Classic and catchy song to open the album up with. Honestly, I wish Alice Cooper would implement the vocals of his members more often. Hearing Ryan Roxie on co-lead vocals is a great change of pace musically, yet it’s still got the Alice Cooper classic rock sound. Complete with an eargasm-inducing guitar solo, that’ll leave your eardrums full of pleasure. Plus, lyrically it’s a very clever tune about a guy who can’t seem to please the woman he wants.

Rating: 9/10

“Between High School and Old School”

Alice Cooper returns to the school theme that we saw in his 1972 album, “School’s Out.” However, this song is very different than anything heard on that classic album. You can really tell this song was written in the early 2000s. Has a very early 2000s style guitar riff, kind of like the early pop punk bands mixed with classic rock. That blended with Alice’s vocals just works.You get a nice blend of modern (for the time) and classic rock styles. It also has an interesting message about Alice’s dilemma of being an 18-year-old stuck in a middle-aged man’s body.

Rating: 8.5/10

“Man of the Year”

Alice is really channeling his punk rock side with this particular track. Very interesting change of style for him, perhaps he did just leave an industrial era and he used to be a classic rock performer. So, nothing is off the table at this point when it comes to Alice Cooper. Lyrically, the song is about a man with the perfect life yet he is perfectly miserable, his way out? Suicide.

Rating: 8/10

“Novocaine”

This song almost sounds like it could of been by the original Alice Cooper Group. It’s about the dilemma of being in a relationship, but you don’t feel anything when you are with them. Which can equate to being injected with Novocaine.

Rating: 8.5/10

“Bye Bye Baby”

A fast-paced banger that features brass instruments. Another great change of pace, and seems very upbeat. Which, depending on how you view it, could be a very positive song. My interpretation of the song is about a guy whose woman loved them because she hated everything he loved. Could be a song about heartbreak but he knows he’s isn’t that bad, so good riddence.

Rating: 8.5/10

“Be With You Awhile”

Very interesting song for this album. We’ve had classic rock, punk, and now a love ballet? Now, love ballets aren’t new for Alice Cooper. This particular song almost sounds like he would sing it alongside with his classic, “I’ll Never Cry.” Love when he does songs like this, because I do enjoy a good sensual love song.

Rating: 9/10

“Detroit City”

An ode to the Detroit music scene. Very catchy tune, complete with great guitar riffs.

Rating: 8/10

“Spirits Rebellious”

Very heavy tune for this album. Kind of going back to the industrial metal sound, yet sounds like something that could of been on The Last Temptation.

Rating: 9/10

“This House is Haunted”

Returning to his horror roots with this one. Kind of sounds like something he would of done on the, “Welcome To My Nightmare” album. Very dark song about losing the love of your life and them haunting you.

Rating: 9/10

“Love Should Never Feel Like This”

Another love song? I dig it! My interpretation of this song, is it’s about being in love with someone but being afraid to pursue it. After you’ve been looking for the right one, when you finally meet that person it’s hard to believe. Almost makes you sick, because you are afraid that it’s like the others. But, you slowly see that it isn’t. Yet, it still makes you sick cause love is weird like that. Almost making you question, “Should love really feel like this?” Perhaps, the song could also be about finding “love” and it being so bad it makes you sick. Honestly, it’s open for interpretation. Like most songs, but first time hearing it I thought the first one.

Rating: 9/10

“The Song That Didn’t Rhyme”

Very clever and funny song, in my opinion. Really do enjoy this track, wish Alice would perform it live. But, sadly, the song isn’t a fan favorite. Lyrical content of this song is very self-explanatory, it’s about a horrible song that they wrote that didn’t even rhyme.

Rating: 8.5/10

“I’m So Angry”

Back to the agressive and fast-paced side of Alice. Almost sounds like it belongs on, “Dragontown” or “Brutal Planet.” Very fun track and if you were a fan of those two albums, you’ll really enjoy this track.

Rating: 9/10

“Backyard Brawl”

Very catchy tune, but Alice’s best work.

Rating: 6.5/10

Overall Rating 8.5/10

Well, this album does have a little bit of everything for every era of Alice Cooper fan or just casual listener. As a whole, I really did enjoy this album. I’ve heard mixed reviews but personally, really enjoy this album and it has a special place in my heart.