Alice Cooper – School’s Out (1972): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
School’s Out, released in June 1972, is Alice Cooper’s fifth studio album and one of the most iconic records of early 1970s rock. Building on the theatrical hard rock of Love It to Death and Killer, the album cemented Alice Cooper’s reputation as the godfather of shock rock and brought him mainstream success with the legendary title track.
Album Overview
Produced by Bob Ezrin, School’s Out showcases a perfect blend of hard rock riffs, catchy melodies, and theatrical storytelling. The album captures teenage rebellion, societal critique, and dark humor—hallmarks of Alice Cooper’s style. The title track, School’s Out, became an anthem for youth worldwide, instantly recognizable for its triumphant chorus and rebellious energy.
The album also experiments with progressive rock structures, especially on tracks like Alma Mater and Gutter Cat vs. The Jets, demonstrating the band’s musical ambition. With polished production and tighter songwriting, School’s Out elevated Alice Cooper from cult favorite to mainstream rock icon.
Tracklist – Alice Cooper: School’s Out (1972)
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School’s Out – 3:27
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Gutter Cat vs. The Jets – 4:28
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Alma Mater – 3:23
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Elected – 3:42
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Blue Turk – 3:34
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My Stars – 4:02
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Public Animal #9 – 4:19
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Grand Illusion – 5:15
Album Review
School’s Out is one of Alice Cooper’s most cohesive and memorable albums. The opening track, School’s Out, captures the exhilaration of teenage freedom and became a global hit, topping charts in the U.S. and U.K. Elected, inspired by political satire, combines biting lyrics with hard rock energy, showcasing Cooper’s dark humor and social commentary.
Tracks like Gutter Cat vs. The Jets and Alma Mater highlight the band’s willingness to experiment with complex arrangements and layered vocals. Glen Buxton’s guitar riffs are sharp and inventive, while Dennis Dunaway’s basslines and Neal Smith’s drumming provide a dynamic and solid backbone. Alice Cooper’s vocals range from sardonic to theatrical, perfectly complementing the darkly humorous and rebellious tone of the album.
The production by Bob Ezrin emphasizes clarity while preserving the raw energy of the band. Overall, School’s Out captures the excitement and danger of adolescence, making it both a commercial triumph and a lasting influence on rock music.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: The song School’s Out was inspired by Alice Cooper’s disdain for traditional schooling and became a permanent anthem for student rebellion.
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• Trivia: The album’s cover art, featuring a smashed school desk, was controversial at the time and banned in some stores.
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• Did You Know? Elected was re-recorded in 1992 by Alice Cooper to support Ross Perot’s presidential campaign.
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• Fun Fact: The band performed the title track on The Midnight Special with theatrical props, foreshadowing their legendary stage shows.
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• Did You Know? School’s Out reached #2 on the Billboard 200, marking Alice Cooper’s first major mainstream success.
School’s Out remains a defining album in Alice Cooper’s career, capturing the rebellious spirit of youth while pushing the boundaries of hard rock and theatrical performance. It’s a landmark record that influenced countless artists in the 1970s and beyond.
