Reviewed by Darren Hirst

Alice Cooper received an honorary doctorate from a US Baptist college earlier this year for his work helping the young urban community in the name of Christ. He continues to tour his cartoon shock / horror show around the world. Occasionally, he makes an album. 'Dirty Diamonds' is his latest. In the mid to late 1990s, he recorded three albums that were influenced by the morality that underpinned his then new found Christian commitment. Raised as the son of a pastor, he had returned to the Church, been baptised and attended a weekly Bible study. Hey, the new, nice Alice even made adverts with Ronnie Corbett. But Mr Cooper isn't ready yet for carpet slippers and pipe. This is a good driving rock album. The lyrics are offbeat and humorous. It has lots of energy. The songs are unusual but there is little outstanding here. "The Saga Of Jesse Jane" is about a cross-dressing male convict. "Six Hours" is about trying to catch time with a loved one in a busy world. "Run Down The Devil" might be about avoiding temptation. The bonus track "Stand" is about living out what you believe in and includes a rap from Xzibit which there can't be too many Alice Cooper songs that you can say that about. Nothing too inspiring here but some solid guitar riffs.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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