Alice Cooper – Killer (1971): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Killer, released in November 1971, is Alice Cooper’s fourth studio album and a defining moment in the band’s early career. Following the breakthrough of Love It to Death, Killer pushed the boundaries of hard rock and shock theatrics, solidifying Alice Cooper’s reputation as the pioneers of theatrical and rebellious rock music.
Album Overview
Produced by Bob Ezrin, Killer combines gritty hard rock, garage riffs, and dark humor. The album emphasizes macabre storytelling, blending horror-inspired lyrics with driving guitars, melodic basslines, and aggressive drumming. Killer showcases Alice Cooper at the peak of his early creativity, balancing commercial accessibility with theatrical flair.
The record includes some of Alice Cooper’s most iconic early songs, exploring themes like urban chaos, teen rebellion, and horror storytelling. Its dark imagery and rock aggression laid the foundation for the band’s legendary stage persona, complete with guillotines, fake blood, and shocking performances.
Tracklist – Alice Cooper: Killer (1971)
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Under My Wheels – 2:56
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Be My Lover – 3:37
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Halo of Flies – 8:21 (Note: alternate longer version sometimes included on reissues)
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Yeah, Yeah, Yeah – 2:46
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Desperado – 4:40
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You Drive Me Nervous – 3:33
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Dead Babies – 4:42
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Public Animal #9 – 4:18
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Easy Action – 2:43
Album Review
Killer is widely regarded as one of Alice Cooper’s most consistent early albums. The opener, Under My Wheels, delivers an unforgettable hard rock riff and sets the tone for the album’s aggressive energy. Be My Lover combines punkish urgency with darkly playful lyrics, while Desperado and Dead Babies showcase the band’s ability to tackle controversial and macabre subject matter with humor and musical finesse.
Glen Buxton’s guitar work shines across the album, while Dennis Dunaway’s inventive basslines and Neal Smith’s dynamic drumming provide a powerful backbone. Alice Cooper’s vocals range from sardonic to theatrical, perfectly complementing the dark, rebellious tone of the record. Bob Ezrin’s production brings clarity to the chaotic energy, making it a tight and engaging listen.
Killer captures the band at a moment when their hard rock sound, lyrical darkness, and theatrical elements fully aligned, setting the stage for their subsequent stadium rock successes.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Under My Wheels became one of Alice Cooper’s live staples and remains a fan favorite in concerts.
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• Trivia: Dead Babies caused controversy due to its provocative lyrics about neglect and urban chaos, but it highlighted the band’s willingness to confront taboo subjects.
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• Did You Know? Bob Ezrin, who produced Killer, continued to shape the Alice Cooper sound on subsequent albums like School’s Out and Billion Dollar Babies.
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• Fun Fact: Alice Cooper often performed songs from Killer with theatrical props, including electric chairs and guillotines, cementing the band’s shock rock image.
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• Did You Know? Killer peaked at #21 on the Billboard 200, marking Alice Cooper’s steady rise in mainstream recognition.
Killer is a landmark in early 1970s rock, blending horror-themed theatrics with raw hard rock energy. It represents Alice Cooper at the height of his early creative powers, paving the way for the band’s legendary albums and larger-than-life stage persona.
