Vincent Furnier, better known as Alice Cooper, has long been hailed as the Godfather of Shock Rock. With his signature raspy voice, horror-inspired theatrics, and stage shows featuring guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood, and pyrotechnics, Cooper carved out one of the most unique legacies in rock history. But even a rock icon like Cooper had his own musical heroes.
In a retrospective feature, Cooper shared his 10 favorite albums of all time, revealing the classic records that shaped his artistry and inspired generations of rock fans. His list includes legendary names such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, and The Who — alongside lesser-known but musically groundbreaking records.
A Deep Respect for Musical Roots
One of Cooper’s more unexpected picks is East-West by the Butterfield Blues Band. Released in 1966, the record is often overlooked in mainstream rock history but remains a musician’s favorite. Cooper revealed he still treasures the album:
“It’s one of those albums that nobody knows about. Musicians know about it. I still have it in my 1968 Mustang.”
He admired the album’s raw, live-in-the-studio energy, emphasizing that most of the tracks were completed in just one or two takes without mistakes. Led by the great Paul Butterfield, the album also featured guitarists Elvin Bishop and Michael Bloomfield, who famously played with Bob Dylan.
Alice Cooper on The Beatles
Of course, no list of favorite records would be complete without The Beatles. Cooper selected Meet the Beatles! as his personal favorite, recalling the shock and excitement the band brought to American music:
“It was the first one that totally knocked me out. We were listening to the Beach Boys and the Four Seasons, and suddenly here’s this band with all this hair, Beatle boots, and these suits — and the songs were unforgettable.”
He even joked that the band’s ability to write catchy, simple melodies like “I Want to Hold Your Hand” seemed almost otherworldly, calling The Beatles “aliens.”
Other Iconic Choices
Alice Cooper’s list also shows his wide-ranging taste. From Chuck Berry’s greatest hits to The Doors’ self-titled debut, the albums he selected highlight the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll. He also paid tribute to Laura Nyro’s Eli and the Thirteenth Confession, acknowledging the brilliance of female songwriting in the late 1960s.
His admiration for The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds is another highlight, a record often credited with redefining pop music with its lush harmonies and innovative production.
Alice Cooper’s 10 Favorite Albums of All Time
- Pet Sounds – The Beach Boys
- Meet the Beatles! – The Beatles
- East-West – Butterfield Blues Band
- Eli and the Thirteenth Confession – Laura Nyro
- Having a Rave Up – The Yardbirds
- Da Capo – Love
- The Doors – The Doors
- England’s Newest Hit Makers – The Rolling Stones
- Chuck Berry’s Greatest Hits – Chuck Berry
- My Generation – The Who
Why This Matters
Alice Cooper’s list not only reflects his personal taste but also tells the story of how rock music evolved in the 1960s and 1970s. From the raw blues-driven sounds of Paul Butterfield to the polished harmonies of The Beach Boys, these albums inspired Cooper to push boundaries with his own theatrical shock rock style.
For fans, this list offers an inside look at the records that shaped one of the most influential figures in rock history.
👉 What do you think of Alice Cooper’s list? Which of these albums would make it into your personal top 10?
