Alice Cooper – Zipper Catches Skin (1982): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in September 1982, Zipper Catches Skin is Alice Cooper’s ninth solo studio album and one of his most experimental works of the 1980s. Recorded during a turbulent period marked by personal struggles and a changing music scene, the album blends hard rock, new wave, post-punk, and pop-rock influences, making it a unique and eclectic entry in Cooper’s discography.
Album Overview
Produced by Gary Klein, Zipper Catches Skin is a fast-paced, energetic record that contrasts sharply with Cooper’s theatrical 1970s work. The album emphasizes stripped-down arrangements, aggressive guitars, and edgy, sometimes sarcastic lyrics. While it did not achieve commercial success, it reflects Cooper’s willingness to experiment with contemporary sounds, integrating the early-1980s new wave and post-punk vibe into his music.
The album’s themes revolve around rebellion, decadence, and dark humor, maintaining Cooper’s signature macabre storytelling while adopting a more modern and minimalistic production style.
Tracklist – Alice Cooper: Zipper Catches Skin (1982)
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Zorro’s Ascent – 2:40
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I’m Alive (Flash) – 3:05
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You’re a Movie – 3:50
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No Baloney – 3:22
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I Like Girls – 3:38
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Let Me Put My Love Into You – 3:15
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Makin’ Love – 3:20
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The Garden of Allah – 3:00
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Thrill My Gorilla – 3:40
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Lover – 3:05
Note: Tracklists may vary slightly depending on editions and reissues.
Album Review
Zipper Catches Skin presents Alice Cooper at a point of reinvention. The opening track, Zorro’s Ascent, immediately sets a brisk, punchy tone, showcasing the album’s aggressive new wave-influenced guitar riffs and driving rhythm.
Tracks like You’re a Movie and No Baloney demonstrate Cooper’s sarcastic, witty lyricism, while songs like I Like Girls lean into playful, irreverent rock humor. The production is leaner than Cooper’s 1970s albums, emphasizing guitars, keyboards, and rhythm over the cinematic, theatrical flourishes of previous solo works.
While the album received mixed reviews at the time, it is appreciated by fans for its raw energy, experimentation, and glimpses of early 1980s post-punk influence. Cooper’s vocals remain expressive and dramatic, and the band’s tight performances provide a strong foundation for the edgy material.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Zipper Catches Skin was recorded quickly over a few weeks, contributing to its raw and immediate sound.
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• Trivia: The album marks one of Cooper’s first experiments with early 1980s new wave and post-punk elements.
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• Did You Know? Despite low commercial impact, the album is considered a cult favorite among Alice Cooper fans for its experimental style.
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• Fun Fact: The song I’m Alive (Flash) showcases Cooper’s knack for blending high-energy rock with dark humor.
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• Did You Know? Zipper Catches Skin reflects Cooper’s transitional phase between the theatrical 1970s albums and the heavier 1980s hard rock comeback with Constrictor.
Zipper Catches Skin is a daring, experimental chapter in Alice Cooper’s career, blending new wave, post-punk, and rock energy with his signature dark humor. It may be underrated commercially, but it remains an intriguing snapshot of Cooper’s evolution in the early 1980s.
