Album: Special Forces

Introduction
"Special Forces" is the thirteenth studio album by American rock artist Alice Cooper, released in 1981. The album was a departure from the acid rock and glam noise of his previous work, incorporating components of punk and new age music. At the time, Cooper was fighting alcohol addiction and drug addiction, which greatly affected the album's dark and disorderly noise. Regardless of these concerns, the album reached number 39 on the UK Album charts and yielded 2 songs, "You Want It, You Got It" and "Seven and Seven Is".

Background and Production
Following the release of his album "Flush the Fashion" in 1980, Alice Cooper's personal struggles with substance abuse escalated. This duration marked a transitional phase for him, as he began gravitating towards the punk and new wave music scene. In the same vein, Cooper parted methods with long time manufacturer Bob Ezrin and employed the aid of Steve Hunter, Dick Wagner, and Duane Hitchings, who had actually previously dealt with the likes of Rod Stewart and Kim Carnes.

"Special Forces" was tape-recorded at the Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles and was produced by Alice Cooper and Richard Podolor, who had previously produced for Three Dog Night and Steppenwolf. The recording sessions were chaotic and sustained by alcohol and drug usage, which had an influence on the album's overall noise and quality.

Album Concept and Composition
"Special Forces" contains a darker and more sinister undertone compared to Cooper's previous albums. It showcases a heavier reliance on synthesizers, drum machines, and angular guitar sounds discovered in new wave music. The album's concept focuses on an imaginary military elite force, as can be gleaned from the album's cover, which includes Cooper in military equipment.

The opening track, "Who Do You Think We Are", criticizes the society around him, while highlighting his own individual chaos. "Seven and Seven Is", a cover of Love's 1966 hit, accelerate the pace and displays a punkish energy. "Prettiest Cop on the Block" offers a satirical take a look at police corruption, while "You Want It, You Got It" showcases Cooper's fascination with the punk movement with its raw and uncompromising sound.

The album explores dark subject, with tracks like "Skeletons in the Closet" and "You're a Movie", exploring themes of fear and detachment from truth. "Vicious Rumours" concludes the album on a bleak note, attending to the spread of false information and public examination.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Special Forces" received mixed reviews from critics; some appreciated the experimentation and change of direction, while others discovered the album to be too far eliminated from Cooper's timeless sound. The album peaked at number 90 on the US Billboard 200 and number 39 in the UK Album charts.

Despite its initial lukewarm reception, "Special Forces" has gotten a cult following among Alice Cooper fans for many years, particularly for its raw and chaotic nature. In 2003, Cooper himself reflected on the album, mentioning that there merited songs, however they were obscured by his lifestyle and the turmoil surrounding him at the time.

Conclusion
"Special Forces" offers an appealing and experimental chapter in Alice Cooper's career, showcasing his desire to welcome brand-new musical genres and styles. While it stands as a testament to the darker periods in Cooper's personal life, the album holds an unique place in the hearts of his fans as an unconventional and daring body of work.