Album: The Eyes of Alice Cooper

Introduction
"The Eyes of Alice Cooper" is a studio album by the renowned American rock artist Alice Cooper, launched on September 23, 2003. This album marks a departure from the darker, more theatrical design present in a few of his previous albums, as Cooper go back to his garage rock roots, drawing motivation from the likes of The Rolling Stones and The Yardbirds. The album was produced by Mudrock, who has actually formerly worked with bands such as Godsmack and Powerman 5000. Throughout the album, Cooper showcases his trademark gallows humor, wit, and penchant for storytelling through his lyrics, along with diverse musical styles, ranging from punk and glam rock to blues and power ballads.

The Band and Recording Process
For the recording of "The Eyes of Alice Cooper", Cooper put together a brand-new band including longtime lead guitar player Ryan Roxie, guitar player Eric Dover, drummer Eric Singer, and bassist Chuck Garric. The band practiced and composed most of the album in just 3 weeks, in order to preserve a raw and spontaneous feel. This younger energy can be heard throughout the tracks, with a focus on memorable hooks and strong melodies, as opposed to heavily produced or overly sleek sounds. Cooper has actually pointed out in interviews that he looked for a return to the "harmful" and "unforeseeable" nature of the early days of rock-and-roll on this album.

Tracklisting and Themes
"The Eyes of Alice Cooper" consists of 13 tracks showcasing the band's varied musical capabilities and Cooper's lyrical skills. The album starts with the punk-infused "What Do You Want From Me?", including blazing guitars and an infectious chorus. The second track, "Between High School and Old School", encapsulates the classic beliefs of an aging rock star, with a nod to traditional garage rock sounds of the 1960s.

Some of the significant tracks consist of "Man of the Year", a tongue-in-cheek review of the narcissism and vanity widespread in modern society, and "Novocaine", a bluesy ode to the feeling numb frequently felt in the face of individual demons and psychological turmoil. Cooper's twisted sense of humor is on full screen in songs like "This House is Haunted", a macabre tale of ghostly encounters, and "The Song That Didn't Rhyme", a meta-commentary on the songwriting process itself.

Among the more emotionally resonant tracks, the power ballad "Be With You Awhile" showcases Cooper's softer side, as he sings of his requirement for companionship regardless of his iconoclastic credibility. The album concludes on a high note with "I'm So Angry", a seething indictment of the music market and the lethargy of modern society, in addition to the anthemic "Backyard Brawl", highlighting the band's expertise and ferocity.

Reception and Legacy
"The Eyes of Alice Cooper" got normally favorable reviews from critics, who praised the return to the garage rock sound of the early 'Coop', the band's tight-knit chemistry, and Cooper's creative and varied songwriting. Although the album did not achieve massive business success, it has actually gathered a dedicated fan following and is deemed a creative triumph for Cooper, who continued to evolve and transform himself throughout his decades-long career.

In conclusion, "The Eyes of Alice Cooper" is a distinct entry in the rock legend's substantial discography, highlighting a go back to the raw, spontaneous spirit of rock and roll that defined his early profession. It is an album that showcases Cooper's enduring skill, humor, and imagination while offering listeners a look into the bold and unpredictable world of Alice Cooper.