Alice Cooper – Lace and Whiskey (1977): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in April 1977, Lace and Whiskey is Alice Cooper’s third solo album, following the darkly theatrical Alice Cooper Goes to Hell. Marking a stylistic shift, this record blends hard rock with pop, cabaret, and lounge influences, reflecting Cooper’s fascination with storytelling and alter-egos. While less macabre than his earlier solo works, Lace and Whiskey highlights Alice’s flair for character-driven rock and theatrical experimentation.
Album Overview
Produced by Bob Ezrin, Lace and Whiskey presents a concept album loosely following Alice Cooper’s alter ego “Steven,” the character introduced in Welcome to My Nightmare. The album combines elements of rock, pop, and vaudeville-style theatrics, creating a playful, cabaret-infused atmosphere.
The record reflects Cooper’s willingness to explore lighter, tongue-in-cheek narratives alongside darker, introspective songs. While it did not achieve the same commercial impact as Welcome to My Nightmare or Billion Dollar Babies, it is appreciated for its creativity, storytelling, and experimental approach to rock music.
Tracklist – Alice Cooper: Lace and Whiskey (1977)
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It’s Hot Tonight – 3:48
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I Never Wrote Those Songs – 3:28
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Road Rats – 3:03
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Damned If You Do – 3:37
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You and Me – 3:44
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King of the Silver Screen – 3:59
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Lace and Whiskey – 4:25
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My God – 3:53
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Razzle Dazzle – 2:49
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You’re a Movie – 3:35
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Why Are You Hungry? – 3:28
Album Review
Lace and Whiskey shows Alice Cooper experimenting with a more playful, cinematic side of rock. Tracks like It’s Hot Tonight and Road Rats feature classic rock riffs and rebellious energy, while I Never Wrote Those Songs is a reflective, almost confessional ballad showcasing Cooper’s vocal range.
The title track, Lace and Whiskey, embodies the cabaret-infused rock style of the album, mixing theatrical storytelling with bluesy instrumentation. King of the Silver Screen continues the theme of celebrity satire, a recurring motif in Cooper’s solo work.
Although the album’s tone is lighter and more experimental than previous solo efforts, Bob Ezrin’s production ensures a polished, cohesive sound. The mix of humor, storytelling, and rock riffs demonstrates Cooper’s versatility as both a songwriter and performer.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Lace and Whiskey introduces Alice Cooper’s alter ego “Steven” in a cabaret-style narrative, continuing the story from Welcome to My Nightmare.
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• Trivia: The album blends rock, pop, and lounge influences, showcasing Alice Cooper’s willingness to experiment beyond traditional hard rock.
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• Did You Know? Songs like King of the Silver Screen satirize Hollywood fame and celebrity culture, a theme Cooper revisited in later albums.
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• Fun Fact: While not as commercially successful as previous solo albums, Lace and Whiskey reached #42 on the Billboard 200.
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• Did You Know? The album’s theatrical style foreshadowed Cooper’s later embrace of concept-driven tours and elaborate stage shows.
Lace and Whiskey remains a unique entry in Alice Cooper’s solo catalog, highlighting his theatrical creativity and willingness to explore playful, experimental styles. It may be less dark than earlier albums, but its storytelling, cabaret-rock influences, and musical ambition make it a fascinating listen for fans of Alice Cooper’s artistry.
