Alice Cooper – Along Came a Spider (2008): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in July 2008, Along Came a Spider is Alice Cooper’s twenty-first solo studio album and a continuation of his theatrical, concept-driven work. Produced by Alice Cooper and Bob Marlette, the album is a hard rock and heavy metal record with a dark, cinematic storyline, blending Cooper’s shock-rock theatrics with modern metal production.
Album Overview
Along Came a Spider is a concept album revolving around the fictional character “Spider,” a serial killer whose story unfolds over the course of the album. Each track represents a chapter in the narrative, showcasing Cooper’s talent for combining storytelling, horror, and rock theatrics.
Musically, the album fuses hard rock, heavy metal, and elements of industrial metal, featuring aggressive guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and Cooper’s signature theatrical vocals. The album’s dark themes, combined with melodic hooks, make it one of Cooper’s most cinematic works of the 2000s.
Tracklist – Alice Cooper: Along Came a Spider (2008)
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Along Came a Spider – 3:40
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Vengeance is Mine – 4:05
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Killed by Love – 3:50
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Wake the Dead – 3:55
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The One That Got Away – 3:45
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The Spider’s Lullabye – 4:10
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It’s the Little Things – 3:50
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Nothing’s Free – 3:55
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Killed by Love (Reprise) – 3:45
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Lost in America – 4:05
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Disgraceland – 3:50
Note: Tracklists may vary slightly depending on edition or region.
Album Review
Along Came a Spider showcases Alice Cooper’s mastery of concept-driven rock. The title track sets a dark, suspenseful tone, blending heavy guitar riffs with narrative lyrics that introduce the album’s central character.
Vengeance is Mine and Killed by Love combine aggressive riffs and melodic hooks, highlighting Cooper’s ability to merge storytelling with hard rock energy. Tracks like The Spider’s Lullabye add a theatrical, eerie atmosphere reminiscent of Cooper’s 1970s concept albums.
The production by Bob Marlette emphasizes a modern metal sound with punchy guitars, crisp drums, and layered vocals, making the album both heavy and accessible. Along Came a Spider balances narrative cohesion, horror-themed lyrics, and melodic sensibilities, proving that Cooper’s theatrical approach remains relevant in the 21st century.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Along Came a Spider is a concept album telling the story of a serial killer named “Spider,” with each track representing a chapter in the narrative.
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• Trivia: The album was produced in collaboration with Bob Marlette, who also worked on Cooper’s earlier industrial-influenced albums like Brutal Planet.
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• Did You Know? Alice Cooper described the album as a “dark rock opera,” blending heavy riffs with theatrical storytelling.
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• Fun Fact: Tracks like Vengeance is Mine and Killed by Love became staples in Cooper’s live performances during his 2008–2009 tour.
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• Did You Know? Along Came a Spider received praise for combining narrative-driven lyrics with modern heavy metal production, keeping Cooper relevant in the contemporary rock scene.
Along Came a Spider is a standout in Alice Cooper’s 2000s discography, combining hard rock, theatrical storytelling, and heavy metal energy. Its dark concept, cinematic arrangements, and modern production demonstrate Cooper’s continued evolution while staying true to the shock-rock legacy that defines his career.
