Is Paranormal a good place to start with Alice Cooper?

Yes, Paranormal is recommended as a starting point for new Alice Cooper listeners. A vibrant blend of classic rock and glam infused with Alice Cooper's trademark theatricality and dark humor. Released on January 1, 2017, 'Paranormal' marked Alice Cooper's return to original material after a series of collaborative projects and covers. This album came during a period of renewed interest in his music, following the success of his previous album 'Welcome 2 My Nightmare' (2011) that reinvigorated his legacy in the rock scene.

Who is Paranormal for?

Paranormal works well if you're into theatrical storytelling with humor, dynamic energy throughout listening and wave-like pacing for engagement.

How many songs are on Paranormal?

Paranormal has 18 tracks, running approximately 67 minutes.

Paranormal

Alice Cooper · 2017

67 min · 18 tracks · hard rock

A vibrant blend of classic rock and glam infused with Alice Cooper's trademark theatricality and dark humor.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Paranormal Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Paranoiac Personality — This track encapsulates the album’s themes of paranoia and self-reflection, featuring catchy hooks and classic rock instrumentation that remind listeners of Cooper's heyday.
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Dead Flies — With its driving rhythm and sharp lyrics, 'Dead Flies' stands out as a commentary on modern society's decay, blending humor with a hard-hitting sound characteristic of Cooper’s style.
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Fireball — 'Fireball' showcases Cooper's ability to craft anthemic rock tunes; its energetic vibe and infectious chorus demonstrate his knack for engaging songwriting that remains relevant.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic rock with theatricality, showcasing solid songwriting and production but lacks full cohesion.

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 tracks incorporate theatrical elements, such as spoken word sections and dramatic shifts in dynamics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

theatrical storytelling with humor
dynamic energy throughout listening
wave-like pacing for engagement
for classic fans
late-night revelry with friends

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek minimalist soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance in a contemporary market.
Themes: dark humor storytelling· mortality reflections
Career context: Released on January 1, 2017, 'Paranormal' marked Alice Cooper's return to original material after a series of collaborative projects and covers. This album came during a period of renewed interest in his music, following the success of his previous album 'Welcome 2 My Nightmare' (2011) that reinvigorated his legacy in the rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors: David Bowie· Kiss· Queen