Born Innocent cover

Born Innocent

Alcatrazz · 2020

68 min · 15 tracks · hard rock

A blend of classic hard rock riffs and soaring vocals, reflecting the band's legacy while embracing modern production techniques.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Born Innocent — The title track opens the album with an anthemic chorus and powerful guitar work, encapsulating the themes of identity and resilience that permeate throughout.
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    London 1666 — This track combines historical storytelling with a driving rhythm and intricate guitar solos, showcasing the band's signature sound while drawing listeners into a vivid narrative.
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    We Still Remember — With its reflective lyrics and emotive melody, this song stands out as a tribute to enduring friendships and memories, resonating deeply with fans of all ages.
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    I Am the King — This track features a commanding vocal performance and aggressive instrumentation, representing the boldness and confidence central to Alcatrazz's musical identity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends classic hard rock elements with modern production but lacks a strong cohesive narrative.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving guitar riffs, while the second half introduces slower tempos and more introspective lyrics.
  • Several songs incorporate layered harmonies and call-and-response vocals, enhancing the dynamic between the lead singer and backing vocals.
  • The production employs modern techniques, such as polished guitar tones and atmospheric effects, which contrast with the classic hard rock sound.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • soaring vocals with emotional highs
  • reflective themes of nostalgia
  • pacing that invites full engagement
  • dynamic shifts between intensity
  • moments for sing-along participation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer minimalist soundscapes
  • want quick, catchy singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Born Innocent marks Alcatrazz's first studio album in over three decades, following their last release, Dangerous Games, in 1990. The band, known for its influential role in the heavy metal scene during the 1980s, returned with this album as a rejuvenated lineup featuring original vocalist Graham Bonnet, showcasing their continued relevance in the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Rainbow· Yngwie Malmsteen· Dokken

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Born Innocent 3:05
  • 2 Polar Bear 4:34
  • 3 Finn McCool 4:21
  • 4 We Still Remember 4:02
  • 5 London 1666 4:59
  • 6 Darkness Awaits 5:34
  • 7 Dirty Like the City 3:48
  • 8 I Am the King 5:29
  • 9 Reality 4:56
  • 10 Something That I Am Missing 4:35
  • 11 Paper Flags 4:07
  • 12 The Wound Is Open 3:47
  • 13 Body Beautiful 4:59
  • 14 Warth Lane 6:15
  • 15 For Tony 3:59

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata