Alice Cooper – Dirty Diamonds (2005): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in August 2005, Dirty Diamonds is Alice Cooper’s twentieth solo studio album, continuing his exploration of hard rock with theatrical flair. Produced by Alice Cooper and Bob Marlette, the album blends classic hard rock riffs, heavy guitars, and darkly humorous lyrics, showcasing Cooper’s ability to remain relevant in the 21st century while staying true to his signature shock-rock style.
Album Overview
Dirty Diamonds leans into straightforward hard rock, combining aggressive guitar work with catchy choruses and dramatic storytelling. Lyrically, the album covers themes of vice, love, rebellion, and decadence, echoing the classic shock-rock approach Cooper is famous for.
Musically, the album emphasizes tight guitar riffs, solid rhythm sections, and Cooper’s theatrical vocals. While not as industrial or metal-driven as Brutal Planet (2000) or Dragontown (2001), it blends accessibility with a darker edge, making it appealing to both longtime fans and modern rock listeners.
Tracklist – Alice Cooper: Dirty Diamonds (2005)
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Dirty Diamonds – 3:55
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Sex, Death and Money – 3:50
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You Make Me Wanna – 4:05
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Dirty Diamonds (Reprise) – 3:40
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Ready to Rock – 3:48
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No Reason to Cry – 4:10
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Dirty Diamonds (Revisited) – 3:55
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I Just Wanna Be God – 4:00
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Keepin’ Halloween Alive – 3:42
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Hey Stoopid (Reprise) – 3:50
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Take It Like a Woman – 4:05
Note: Tracklists may vary slightly depending on international editions.
Album Review
Dirty Diamonds is a polished, hard-hitting rock album that blends Cooper’s classic theatricality with contemporary rock sensibilities. The title track, Dirty Diamonds, immediately sets a rebellious tone with crunchy riffs and Cooper’s commanding vocal delivery.
Songs like You Make Me Wanna and Ready to Rock showcase the album’s melodic hooks and hard rock energy, while tracks like I Just Wanna Be God and Keepin’ Halloween Alive highlight Cooper’s dark humor and shock-rock theatricality.
The production emphasizes clarity, punchy guitars, and layered vocals, giving the album a modern sound while preserving the classic Alice Cooper edge. Dirty Diamonds succeeds in delivering a consistent and accessible rock album without losing the dramatic storytelling Cooper is known for.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Dirty Diamonds was released during Cooper’s long-running period of consistent solo albums in the 2000s, showcasing his ability to remain active and relevant.
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• Trivia: The album’s darker, playful tracks like Keepin’ Halloween Alive nod to Cooper’s theatrical stage persona and long history of horror-inspired rock.
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• Did You Know? Cooper co-produced the album with Bob Marlette, who also worked on his heavier early-2000s releases like Brutal Planet and Dragontown.
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• Fun Fact: Several songs from the album became staples in Cooper’s live performances, demonstrating its strong connection to his theatrical concert style.
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• Did You Know? Dirty Diamonds blends classic 1970s-style hard rock with a modern 2000s production approach, appealing to both old fans and newer audiences.
Dirty Diamonds is a testament to Alice Cooper’s enduring artistry, combining hard rock energy, theatrical storytelling, and dark humor. It stands out as a strong entry in his 2000s catalog, bridging the gap between his classic sound and contemporary rock trends.
