Alice Cooper – Constrictor (1986): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in April 1986, Constrictor marks a dramatic comeback for Alice Cooper after a few challenging years in the early 1980s. After a period of personal struggles and lower commercial impact with albums like Zipper Catches Skin and DaDa, Cooper returned with a heavier, more aggressive hard rock and glam metal sound, embracing the emerging 1980s metal scene.
Album Overview
Produced by Alice Cooper and Michael Wagener, Constrictor blends hard rock, heavy metal, and theatrical shock rock. The album is notable for its high-energy riffs, driving drums, and darker lyrical themes, reflecting Cooper’s renewed focus and revitalized stage persona.
The record also includes horror-inspired storytelling, embracing Cooper’s signature shock-rock theatrics while updating his sound to appeal to the mid-1980s metal audience. Constrictor was the first Cooper album to feature long-time guitarist John McCurry and marked his return to commercial viability in the hard rock scene.
Tracklist – Alice Cooper: Constrictor (1986)
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The Nightmare – 3:05
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Give the Radio Back – 4:18
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Teenage Frankenstein – 4:01
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Billion Dollar Babies – 3:45
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Dance or Die – 3:30
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Hard Rock Summer – 3:50
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It’s Hot Tonight – 3:20
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His Eyes – 3:55
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Prince of Darkness – 3:40
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The World Needs Guts – 4:05
Note: Tracklists may vary slightly between international editions and reissues.
Album Review
Constrictor is a hard-hitting return to form for Alice Cooper. The opener, The Nightmare, sets a dark and intense tone, blending heavy riffs with theatrical flair. Teenage Frankenstein is a standout track, combining catchy hooks with horror-themed lyrics, showcasing Cooper’s enduring shock-rock identity.
Songs like Dance or Die and Prince of Darkness emphasize aggressive riffs, pounding drums, and Cooper’s gritty vocals, while Give the Radio Back demonstrates a more melodic hard rock approach suitable for radio play. The album’s production by Michael Wagener ensures a polished yet powerful sound, giving it the heavier edge needed to compete with the 1980s metal scene.
Constrictor successfully reintroduced Alice Cooper to a new generation of rock fans, balancing theatricality with contemporary heavy metal aesthetics. It set the stage for his next 1980s albums, including Raise Your Fist and Yell (1987) and Trash (1989).
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Constrictor features songs like Teenage Frankenstein that would become staples in Cooper’s live shows during the 1980s.
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• Trivia: The album marked Cooper’s first major commercial resurgence since the mid-1970s.
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• Did You Know? The album includes contributions from notable session musicians and guitarists, including John McCurry and Kane Roberts.
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• Fun Fact: Prince of Darkness became a fan favorite for its horror-inspired lyrics and heavy metal riffs.
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• Did You Know? Cooper’s comeback image during this era included leather, studs, and a darker, edgier stage persona, influencing his live performances for the rest of the decade.
Constrictor is a pivotal album in Alice Cooper’s 1980s career, combining heavy metal, hard rock, and theatrical horror elements. It marks a successful comeback, bridging his shock-rock legacy with the sound and aesthetics of mid-1980s metal.
