Album: Flush the Fashion

Overview
Flush the Fashion is the twelfth studio album by American rock artist Alice Cooper, released on April 28, 1980. The album marked a significant change in the artist's musical style, moving far from his hallmark hard rock and heavy metal noise towards a more new age and punk-influenced direction. Produced by British artist Roy Thomas Baker, understood for his work with bands such as Queen and The Cars, Flush the Fashion boasts a fresh, contemporary noise that was well received by both fans and critics.

Singles and Reception
"Clones (We're All)" was the very first single released from the album and became Cooper's highest-charting song because "Only Women Bleed" in 1975. Reaching No. 40 on the United States Billboard Hot 100, "Clones (We're All)" is an edgy synth-driven song with futuristic lyrical styles, reflecting society's concerns over cloning and conformity. This song likewise features a prominent keyboard riff, additional differentiating it from Cooper's earlier work.

The 2nd single, "Talk Talk)", a cover of The Music Machine's 1966 garage rock hit, showcases Cooper's punk influences, while "Pain" is a powerful, catchy track with darker styles that refer to the physical and psychological pain brought on by heartbreak.

Flush the Fashion got typically positive evaluations, with critics applauding Cooper's desire to explore his noise and stylistic method. AllMusic's retrospective evaluation awards the album 3.5 out of 5 stars, noting that while it may be less cohesive than a few of his earlier works, it is an interesting record that captured the spirit of the early 80s new wave movement.

Track Listing and Musical Style
The album includes ten tracks, with a running time of just over 28 minutes, making it among Cooper's shortest albums. In addition to the formerly mentioned songs, other significant tunes include "Grim Facts", which showcases the album's punk influences, "Nuclear Infected", a wacky post-apocalyptic pop-rock number, and "Leather Boots", a track with a driving rhythm that informs the story of a stylish woman and her mission for power and control.

Flush the Fashion is defined by its use of electronic components like synths and keyboards, which were popular at the time, particularly in new age music. The album likewise features a more stripped-down and direct noise than Cooper's earlier works, with a stronger emphasis on tune and hooks. While it continues to showcase Cooper's hallmark sense of humor and theatricality, the album marks a departure from his hallmark gothic scary imagery.

Live Performances and Legacy
Flush the Fashion's unique sound equated well to live efficiencies, with Alice Cooper's 1980-1981 "The Strange Case of Alice Cooper" trip being among his most unforgettable getaways. The phase program included dramatic lighting and set design, while Cooper's band embraced a more edgy, punk-inspired look.

Although Flush the Fashion is viewed as a dangerous relocation for Alice Cooper, its influence can still be heard today. It remains a distinct offering in his comprehensive catalog, showcasing his ability to adapt and remain relevant as an artist. Fans of new wave, punk, and 80s music, as well as those interested in checking out the lesser-known works of Alice Cooper, will continue to find worth in this interesting album.