Pretties for You was Alice Cooper’s debut studio album, introducing their blend of psychedelic rock and experimental music. The album reflects the band’s early artistic experiments and set the stage for their later, more theatrical direction. It was largely unnoticed in the Billboard charts at its release, showcasing a raw and unrefined sound that hinted at the band’s potential.
The album featured Alice Cooper on vocals, Glen Buxton on lead guitar, Michael Bruce on rhythm guitar and keyboards, Dennis Dunaway on bass guitar, and Neal Smith on drums. Pretties for You was produced by Alice Cooper and recorded at Whitney Studios in Burbank, California, in 1968.
Easy Action is the second studio album by Alice Cooper, marking a slight shift towards a more accessible rock sound compared to their debut. Like its predecessor, it did not achieve significant commercial success upon release but has since been appreciated for its early signs of the band’s evolving style.
Recorded at RCA’s Music Center of the World in Hollywood, California, in late 1969, the album was produced by David Briggs. The lineup remained the same as their debut.
Love It to Death is the third studio album by Alice Cooper and represents a critical breakthrough for the band, featuring their first hit single “I’m Eighteen.” The album’s commercial success helped cement the band’s reputation as a major act in rock music, peaking at number 35 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Produced by Bob Ezrin, who played a crucial role in developing their classic sound, Love It to Death was recorded at RCA Mid-American Recording Center, Chicago, Illinois, in late 1970. This album features more cohesive and potent rock songs, establishing a foundation for their future theatrical shock rock style.
Killer is the fourth studio album by Alice Cooper, released in the same year as Love It to Death. This album continues the band’s successful collaboration with producer Bob Ezrin, featuring a mix of hard rock and horror-themed theatricality that became their trademark. The album includes hits such as “Under My Wheels” and “Be My Lover,” contributing to its peak at number 21 on the Billboard 200.
Recorded at RCA Studios in Chicago, Illinois, Killer solidifies Alice Cooper’s image as rock’s premier shock performer.
School’s Out is one of Alice Cooper’s most iconic albums, driven by the anthemic title track that remains a staple in rock music and a celebration of teenage rebellion. The album captured the spirit of its era and significantly boosted Alice Cooper’s popularity, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. This success marked a turning point, establishing the band as major rock stars.
Produced by Bob Ezrin, the album was recorded at The Record Plant in New York City in early 1972. Its blend of hard rock and theatrical shock rock elements helped define Alice Cooper’s style.
Billion Dollar Babies is Alice Cooper’s best-selling album, reaching number 1 on the Billboard 200 and solidifying their position at the forefront of rock music. Featuring a slew of guest musicians, including Donovan and Steve Hunter, the album is known for its hit singles “Billion Dollar Babies,” “Elected,” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” The album’s lyrical themes revolve around the dark side of wealth and fame, critiquing the excesses of rock stardom with Cooper’s characteristic blend of irony and humor.
Recorded at several locations including Morgan Studios in London and The Record Plant in New York, the album was produced by Bob Ezrin during the latter part of 1972. It is celebrated for its innovative production and theatrical flair.
Muscle of Love, the last album recorded by the classic Alice Cooper band lineup, represents a departure from their previous collaboration with producer Bob Ezrin. This album returns to a more basic rock sound, eschewing the elaborate theatrical concepts of their earlier works but maintaining strong storytelling and characteristic dark humor. Songs like “Muscle of Love” and “Teenage Lament ’74” reflect on adolescence and identity.
Produced by Jack Richardson and Jack Douglas, Muscle of Love was recorded at Sunset Sound and Western Recorders in Hollywood, California. The album reached number 10 on the Billboard 200, showing a solid performance but not matching the chart-topping success of its predecessors.
Welcome to My Nightmare marks Alice Cooper’s first solo album after the disbandment of his original band. This album is a conceptual and theatrical release, telling the story of a child named Steven and his surreal and frightening dreams. It is considered one of Cooper’s most celebrated albums, featuring the hit “Only Women Bleed” and reaching number 5 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Produced by Bob Ezrin, the album was recorded at Soundstage in Toronto, Canada, with additional sessions at Electric Lady Studios in New York City and the Record Plant in Los Angeles. The album was noted for its cinematic scope and ambitious production.
Alice Cooper Goes to Hell is the second solo album by Alice Cooper, following the thematic style of its predecessor with another concept album that explores themes of damnation and redemption. It includes hits such as “I Never Cry” and “Go to Hell,” reaching number 27 on the Billboard 200.
Produced again by Bob Ezrin, the album was recorded at various locations, including the Soundstage in Toronto and the Record Plant in Los Angeles. It continued the theatrical rock style that Cooper had become famous for.
Lace and Whiskey depicts Alice Cooper as a heavy-drinking private eye and includes more of a cabaret and cinematic approach compared to his earlier albums. The album features the hit “You and Me,” and achieved moderate success, reaching number 42 on the Billboard 200.
Produced by Bob Ezrin, the album was recorded at the Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles, California. The album moves away from Cooper’s traditional shock rock genre into a more eclectic and theatrical style.
From the Inside is a semi-autobiographical concept album focusing on Alice Cooper’s stay in a New York sanitarium to recover from his alcoholism. With contributions from Bernie Taupin, the album includes singles like “How You Gonna See Me Now,” reaching number 60 on the Billboard 200.
The album was produced by David Foster and recorded at the Davlen Sound Studios and Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles, California. It features a softer rock sound and deeply personal lyrics.
Flush the Fashion marked a shift towards a new wave style, featuring a shorter, more polished sound. Singles like “Clones (We’re All)” brought Alice Cooper into the era of 80s synth-pop. The album reached number 44 on the Billboard 200, showcasing a different side of Cooper’s musical personality.
Produced by Roy Thomas Baker, the album was recorded at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles, California. This album highlights Cooper’s adaptability to new musical trends and his willingness to experiment with different sounds.
Special Forces continues Alice Cooper’s exploration of new wave and rock, featuring a militaristic theme and more synthesized sounds. The album did not achieve significant chart success, reflecting a period of lesser commercial visibility for Cooper.
Produced by Richard Podolor, the album was recorded at the Amigo Studios in North Hollywood, California. It includes tracks that emphasize a tougher, more synthesized rock sound, aiming to blend traditional rock elements with emerging 1980s musical styles.