Tracklist, Album Covers, Info, Fun Facts and Trivia
Overview
Released on November 27, 1971, "Killer" is the 4th studio album by the American rock band Alice Cooper and a cornerstone of their early 1970s success. Produced again by Bob Ezrin, Killer marks the band's full transition into theatrical shock rock, merging gritty hard rock anthems with dark, conceptual storytelling.
Widely regarded as one of the band’s greatest albums, Killer solidified Alice Cooper’s reputation as a master of rebellious rock and macabre performance art. It’s a brutal, raw, and theatrical ride—essential listening for fans of early hard rock and glam.
Tracklist
Under My Wheels
Be My Lover
Halo of Flies
Desperado
You Drive Me Nervous
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
Dead Babies
Killer
Album Information
Artist: Alice Cooper (band)
Album: Killer
Release Date: November 27, 1971
Label: Warner Bros. Records
Genre: Hard rock, shock rock, glam rock
Length: 37:38
Producer: Bob Ezrin
Notable Songs & Highlights
“Under My Wheels” is a driving hard rock anthem and one of Alice Cooper’s most enduring hits.
“Desperado” is a haunting ballad allegedly inspired by Jim Morrison of The Doors.
“Dead Babies” sparked controversy for its dark subject matter, but it's a bold commentary on child neglect—typical of Cooper's boundary-pushing style.
“Halo of Flies” showcases progressive rock ambition, clocking in at 8+ minutes with complex structures and a spy-thriller vibe.
Fun Facts & Trivia
Controversial Artwork: The original LP included a fold-out calendar of Alice Cooper hanging from a gallows, in keeping with the band’s provocative image.
Live Staple: “Killer” and “Dead Babies” became highlights of the band’s theatrical live shows, complete with guillotines, fake blood, and horror theatrics.
Glam & Gore: While often lumped with glam rock, Killer leaned heavily into proto-metal and horror-influenced storytelling.
Chart Success: The album reached #21 on the Billboard 200, marking a steady climb toward mainstream stardom.
“Be My Lover” includes the self-referential lyric: “She asked me why the singer’s name was Alice”—a playful nod to the ongoing confusion between the band and the frontman.
Influence: Killer heavily influenced later acts like W.A.S.P., Marilyn Manson, and Slipknot, who took cues from Alice Cooper’s theatrical darkness.
Legacy
Killer remains one of the defining albums of Alice Cooper's career and of the early '70s hard rock scene. It combines sharp songwriting, dark satire, and brilliant production with theatrical flair. The album cemented Alice Cooper’s role as the godfather of shock rock, and continues to inspire generations of rock and metal artists.
With Killer, Alice Cooper didn’t just entertain—he provoked, disturbed, and redefined what a rock show could be.
Keywords (Tags)
Alice Cooper Killer album review, Under My Wheels lyrics, Dead Babies controversy, Bob Ezrin producer, shock rock origins, glam rock 1971, Killer album trivia, Alice Cooper 1970s discography
