Alice Cooper – Welcome 2 My Nightmare (2011): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in September 2011, Welcome 2 My Nightmare is Alice Cooper’s twenty-second solo studio album and a direct sequel to his 1975 classic Welcome to My Nightmare. Produced by Alice Cooper and Bob Ezrin, the album revisits the theatrical, horror-inspired concept of the original while incorporating modern hard rock and heavy metal elements.
Album Overview
Welcome 2 My Nightmare is a concept album exploring a nightmarish journey through dark dreams and twisted scenarios, much like its 1975 predecessor. With the return of producer Bob Ezrin, Cooper recreates the cinematic and theatrical style that made the original album iconic, blending orchestral arrangements, hard rock riffs, and narrative storytelling.
The album features collaborations with notable musicians, including guitarists Joe Bonamassa and Steve Hunter, adding virtuosity and depth to the record. Thematically, it combines horror, fantasy, and dark humor while delivering polished modern production for 21st-century audiences.
Tracklist – Alice Cooper: Welcome 2 My Nightmare (2011)
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I Am Made of You – 4:10
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A Runaway Train – 3:55
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Last Man on Earth – 4:05
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The Nightmare Returns – 3:50
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I’ll Bite Your Face Off – 3:45
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The Congregation – 4:00
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When Hell Comes Home – 4:12
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The Calling – 3:55
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The Black Widow – 4:05
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The One That Got Away – 3:50
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Welcome 2 My Nightmare – 4:15
Note: Tracklists may vary slightly between editions.
Album Review
Welcome 2 My Nightmare successfully captures the spirit of Cooper’s 1970s theatrical work while updating the sound for modern rock listeners. The opener, I Am Made of You, sets a cinematic tone with layered instrumentation and Cooper’s commanding vocals.
Songs like Last Man on Earth and The Nightmare Returns feature haunting melodies, theatrical arrangements, and dramatic storytelling reminiscent of the original Nightmare. Hard-hitting tracks such as I’ll Bite Your Face Off and When Hell Comes Home showcase the album’s heavy metal energy, while maintaining Cooper’s signature dark humor.
Ezrin’s production emphasizes clarity, orchestral textures, and polished guitar work, making the album both theatrical and accessible. Welcome 2 My Nightmare succeeds as both a continuation of a classic concept and a stand-alone modern rock album, appealing to longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Welcome 2 My Nightmare is a direct sequel to Cooper’s 1975 concept album, revisiting the nightmare theme after 36 years.
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• Trivia: Producer Bob Ezrin returned for this album, recreating the cinematic production style of the original.
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• Did You Know? Guitarists Joe Bonamassa and Steve Hunter contributed solos, adding modern virtuosity to the theatrical sound.
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• Fun Fact: Tracks like The Nightmare Returns and I’ll Bite Your Face Off became staples in Cooper’s live shows during the 2011 tour.
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• Did You Know? The album combines horror-themed storytelling, orchestral arrangements, and hard rock riffs, making it one of Cooper’s most cinematic 21st-century releases.
Welcome 2 My Nightmare is a triumphant return to concept-driven, theatrical rock for Alice Cooper, blending nostalgia, heavy riffs, and cinematic arrangements. It stands as a modern companion to his classic 1975 album while proving Cooper’s enduring relevance in the 2010s.
