Alice Cooper's Greatest Hits

Though Alice Cooper began as a theatrically inspired post-psychedelic ensemble, once they reached radio and public attention they became the outrageous persona of lead singer Vincent Furnier. While the group was notorious for their outlandish stage show that included guillotines and boa constrictors, the band’s commercial success rested on its powerful hard rock sound that never lost sight of the song. As a result, this “Greatest Hits” collection of the band’s singles, released in 1974 as the original group was splintering apart, is one of the most rewarding snapshots of the early ‘70s. From the opening drawl of the identity-crisis anthem “I’m Eighteen” to the ultimate June tune “School’s Out,” Greatest Hits delivers quick and immediate pleasures. Producer Bob Ezrin maximized the guitars, added orchestration (“Desperado”) and helped define the overall dramatic sound field (“Under My Wheels”) for all future hard rock. None of which would matter if not for the band’s impressive writing. “Is It My Body,” “Elected,” “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “Billion Dollar Babies,” the list is long and impressive.