Alice Cooper – Special Forces (1981): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in August 1981, Special Forces is Alice Cooper’s eighth solo studio album and continues his early-1980s experimentation with new wave, hard rock, and concept-driven material. Produced during a turbulent period in Cooper’s career, the album reflects his military-themed persona and explores themes of war, society, and personal rebellion.
Album Overview
Produced by Richard Podolor, Special Forces combines sharp hard rock riffs with new wave-inspired instrumentation, including prominent synthesizers and punchy rhythms. The album presents a quasi-concept narrative of a soldier or special operative navigating a chaotic world, reflecting Cooper’s fascination with military imagery and darker storytelling.
While Special Forces did not achieve the commercial success of Cooper’s 1970s releases, it is notable for its experimentation with contemporary sounds, blending rock, pop, and theatrical elements. This album also marked a period where Cooper redefined his image for the new decade, combining rebellion with a polished, modern rock style.
Tracklist – Alice Cooper: Special Forces (1981)
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Who Do You Think We Are – 4:00
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Seven and Seven Is – 3:12
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Seven and Seven Is (Reprise) – 1:22
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Look at You Over There, Ripping the Sawdust from My Teddybear – 3:30
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Go to Hell – 3:50
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You’re a Movie – 3:45
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Gambling with the Devil – 3:28
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King of the Silver Screen – 4:02
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Don’t Talk to Strangers – 3:35
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I Am the Future – 4:15
Note: Tracklists may vary slightly between original and reissued versions.
Album Review
Special Forces is a gritty, energetic album showcasing Alice Cooper experimenting with new wave influences while maintaining his hard rock roots. The opening track, Who Do You Think We Are, immediately establishes a rebellious, confrontational tone, blending aggressive guitar riffs with tight rhythm sections.
Tracks like Gambling with the Devil and I Am the Future highlight the album’s darker thematic focus, while King of the Silver Screen retains Cooper’s trademark satirical and theatrical storytelling. Musically, the album features punchy guitars, driving basslines, and Cooper’s signature dramatic vocals, while Richard Podolor’s production emphasizes clarity and precision over theatrical excess.
Although not as commercially successful as previous albums, Special Forces captures a transitional period in Cooper’s career, bridging his shock rock legacy with the emerging 1980s rock and new wave sound.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Special Forces was recorded during a period when Alice Cooper was struggling with personal and professional challenges, adding raw energy to the performances.
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• Trivia: The album’s military and combat themes were inspired by Cooper’s interest in storytelling and theatrical imagery.
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• Did You Know? Special Forces marked one of the first Cooper albums where synthesizers played a prominent role, reflecting early 1980s musical trends.
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• Fun Fact: While the album did not produce major hit singles, songs like Who Do You Think We Are became live staples in early-1980s tours.
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• Did You Know? The album’s edgy, stripped-down style foreshadowed Cooper’s heavier, more aggressive 1980s releases like Zipper Catches Skin.
Special Forces stands as an experimental entry in Alice Cooper’s solo discography, blending hard rock, new wave, and theatrical storytelling. It captures a period of transition and artistic reinvention, showing Cooper’s adaptability and willingness to explore new sounds while maintaining his signature dark humor and rebellious attitude.
