Album: Brutal Planet

Introduction
"Brutal Planet" is the fourteenth solo studio album by the legendary American rock musician Alice Cooper, released on June 6, 2000. Cooper takes his characteristic shock rock design and blends it with commercial metal aspects for this principle album. "Brutal Planet" is a vivid representation of a dystopian world, filled with violence, turmoil, and suffering, envisioned by the artist as a result of humanity's obsession with self-created destruction.

Background and Production
After the commercial frustration of "The Last Temptation" in 1994 and the release of a live album in 1997, Alice Cooper took some time far from recording. Throughout this duration, he focused on his live shows, broadening his theatrical productions, and connecting to a brand-new generation of fans. In the late 90s, he chose that it was time to produce a new album that would provide voice to his ideas on the state of the world at the turn of the century.

Cooper collaborated with manufacturer Bob Marlette, who likewise contributed as a songwriter and played guitar, bass, and keyboards on the album. The other artists included on "Brutal Planet" consist of Phil X (guitar), Ryan Roxie (guitar), Eric Singer (drums), and China (backing vocals). The album was recorded at Blue Room and A&M Studios in Hollywood.

Principle and Themes
The concept behind "Brutal Planet" is a futuristic dystopian world where violence, greed, and inhumanity prevail. The album's lyrics discuss different elements of this dark vision, including ecological destruction ("Brutal Planet"), random acts of violence ("Wicked Young Man"), exploitation of vulnerable people ("Pick Up the Bones"), and the dangers of hereditary control ("Cold Machines").

Throughout the album, Alice Cooper calls out the hypocrisy of those in power, in addition to society's shallow worths that cause an erosion of morals and human dignity. There is also a tongue-in-cheek review of the significantly materialistic culture during the 90s ("It's the Little Things"). In general, the album is a scathing commentary on the possible effects of mankind's devastating propensities if left uncontrolled.

Musical Style
Musically, "Brutal Planet" incorporates components of commercial metal, a departure from Cooper's more conventional hard rock sound. It features aggressive guitar riffs, heavy percussion, and distorted electronic impacts that match the album's bleak styles. The noise can be seen as a reflection of the darkness and malaise underlying the album's principle.

Nevertheless, the album does include some melodic and appealing minutes, showcasing Cooper's capability to mix different styles effectively. Tracks such as "Gim me" and "Take It Like a Woman" retain a traditional rock feel while still fitting flawlessly into the total noise of "Brutal Planet".

Reception and Legacy
"Brutal Planet" got mainly positive evaluations from critics, with many praising its aggressive and heavy noise, as well as the strong lyrics and concept. The album peaked at number 192 on the Billboard 200 chart, a significant enhancement in industrial performance compared to Cooper's previous release.

Twenty years considering that its release, "Brutal Planet" stands as a strong entry in Alice Cooper's extensive discography. The album feels eerily topical now, with its styles and messages appearing more relevant than ever. Cooper continued checking out dark styles and try out commercial rock and heavy metal components on his follow-up album, "Dragontown", making "Brutal Planet" a pivotal moment in his ever-evolving profession.