Album: Alice Cooper Goes to Hell

Introduction
"Alice Cooper Goes to Hell" is the 2nd solo album by American rock musician Alice Cooper, launched on June 25, 1976. This album is an extension of the story began in the artist's very first solo album, "Welcome to My Nightmare", which centered around the character Steven, who is depicted by Cooper. In "Alice Cooper Goes to Hell", Steven is sent out to hell for his actions and should deal with the repercussions. This principle album is noteworthy for its mix of genres, over-the-top theatricality, and dark humor, which helped develop Alice Cooper's signature design.

Background and Production
After the success of "Welcome to My Nightmare", Alice Cooper chose to continue the story of Steven with manufacturer Bob Ezrin. They got a group of musicians, including guitarist Dick Wagner, bassist Tony Levin, and keyboardist Jozef Chirowski, to record the album at numerous studios, including Soundstage in Toronto, The Record Plant in New York City, and Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles.

The album cover, designed by Pacific Eye & Ear, features a painting by Drew Struzan portraying Alice Cooper being tormented by demons in hell. The image of the flaming skull in the background became a symbol for the album and was used extensively on the tour that followed its release.

Music and Lyrics
"Alice Cooper Goes to Hell" showcases a diverse variety of musical styles, consisting of rock, vaudeville, disco, and ballads. The album opens with "Go to Hell", a theatrical acid rock anthem where Cooper states that everyone deserves to go to hell for their sins, followed by the disco-infused "You Got ta Dance". Tunes like "I'm The Coolest" and "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" display vaudevillian impacts and injected humor into the principle of Steven's journey in hell.

The album's single, "I Never Cry", is a heartfelt ballad about Cooper's alcohol addiction and worry of vulnerability. This song went on to end up being a leading 20 hit in both the United States and Australia, contributing to the album's industrial success.

Another standout track from the album is "Didn't We Meet", a cabaret-style song describing the encounters Steven has with numerous characters in hell. It features a fascinating piano riff and Alice Cooper's signature stagecraft.

Reception and Legacy
Following its release, "Alice Cooper Goes to Hell" got blended evaluations from critics, who applauded its ambitious concept and varied musical designs, however likewise criticized some of its more unconventional elements. Nevertheless, the album was a commercial success, peaking at No. 27 on the Billboard 200 chart and making a gold accreditation in both the United States and Canada.

The Alice Cooper Goes to Hell Tour that followed the album's release was one of Cooper's most theatrical and fancy live shows, including an outstanding phase set developed to replicate a multi-level dungeon filled with various grotesque and demonic animals.

"Alice Cooper Goes to Hell" stays a notable album in the artist's discography for its special principle and range of musical styles. It has actually since gained a cult following and is considered a timeless in the world of idea albums. The album's mix of scary imagery, dark humor, and varied genres helped strengthen Alice Cooper's status as a pioneer of theatrical rock, leading the way for other artists to explore similar themes and designs in their own work.