Cooper, Alice Dirty Diamonds

Apparently, the return to 1970s-era form on 2003's THE EYES OF ALICE COOPER wasn't a one-shot deal. On 2005's DIRTY DIAMONDS, Cooper continues the earlier release's straight-up hard-rock vibe. (Even the covers of both albums--focusing on the shock rocker's makeup-caked eyes--are strikingly similar.) Cooper's patented mix of sleaze and horror is as reliable as ever, with the revved-up "Woman of Mass Distraction" and the giddy "You Make Me Wanna" playing off the lurching "Run Down the Devil" and the bluesy, morbid "Zombie Dance."
The softer side of the man formerly known as Vincent Furnier is revealed on "The Saga of Jesse Jane," a humorous, slightly twangy tune where Cooper trades his signature raspy voice for a fuller croon, and a surprisingly tender take on the Left Banke's "Pretty Ballerina." Of course, the bulk of DIRTY DIAMONDS consists of energetic, guitar-heavy rock songs. One of the most shocking aspects of Cooper is how--more than three decades into his recording career--he sounds as invigorated as ever.

• Internal ID: JITRE
• Format: Vinyl