Tracklist, Album Covers, Info, Fun Facts and Trivia
Overview
Released on March 9, 1971, "Love It to Death" is the 3rd studio album by the Alice Cooper band and their first major commercial breakthrough. Produced by legendary guitarist and producer Bob Ezrin, the album shifted the group’s sound from psychedelic experimentation to a more focused and theatrical brand of hard rock and proto-glam.
This album introduced the world to Alice Cooper's signature blend of shock rock, horror aesthetics, and rebellious anthems, laying the foundation for a new era in rock music.
Tracklist
Caught in a Dream
I'm Eighteen
Long Way to Go
Black Juju
Is It My Body
Hallowed Be My Name
Second Coming
Ballad of Dwight Fry
Sun Arise (Rolf Harris cover)
Album Information
Artist: Alice Cooper (band)
Album: Love It to Death
Release Date: March 9, 1971
Label: Warner Bros. Records (reissue of original Straight Records release)
Genre: Hard rock, shock rock, proto-glam
Length: 37:47
Producer: Bob Ezrin
Notable Songs & Highlights
“I’m Eighteen” became the band's first Top 40 hit, an anthem for teenage identity crisis, and a turning point in their career.
“Ballad of Dwight Fry” is a theatrical and eerie track, inspired by horror film actor Dwight Frye, showcasing Alice’s flair for drama and psychological storytelling.
“Is It My Body” and “Caught in a Dream” reflect the group’s emerging confidence in their hard rock identity.
Fun Facts & Trivia
Breakthrough Single: “I’m Eighteen” reached #21 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and helped secure the band a deal with Warner Bros. Records.
Bob Ezrin’s Impact: This was the first collaboration with Bob Ezrin, who helped refine the band’s sound. Ezrin would go on to produce many of their most successful albums.
Controversial Cover: The original album cover featured Alice Cooper (Vincent Furnier) with his thumb poking out of his pants, mimicking a phallic image. It was quickly censored in later pressings.
Band Lineup:
Alice Cooper – vocals
Michael Bruce – guitar, keyboards
Glen Buxton – lead guitar
Dennis Dunaway – bass
Neal Smith – drums
Theatrical Origins: The album began the transformation of Alice Cooper from a cult psychedelic act into a fully realized theatrical rock spectacle.
Legacy
Love It to Death is widely considered one of the most important albums in shock rock history, cementing Alice Cooper’s place in the rock pantheon. With raw energy, twisted theatricality, and radio-ready hits, the album influenced countless bands from KISS to Marilyn Manson.
It’s the album where Alice Cooper became “Alice Cooper”—not just a band name, but a dark, enigmatic rock persona.
Keywords (Tags)
Alice Cooper Love It to Death review, I'm Eighteen meaning, Ballad of Dwight Fry lyrics, 1971 hard rock albums, Bob Ezrin producer, early Alice Cooper albums, shock rock history, glam rock pioneers
