120,000+ Classic Rock Album Covers Database (1948-2026): Twisted Sisters - Come Out and Play (1985)

Saturday, April 18, 2020

Twisted Sisters - Come Out and Play (1985) | Analysis, Fun Facts & Trivia

Twisted Sisters - Come Out and Play (1985)

Tracklist front / back album cover art images

Twisted Sister – Come Out and Play (1985): The Sophomore Challenge

Released on October 14, 1985, Twisted Sister’s Come Out and Play was the band’s follow-up to their breakthrough album Stay Hungry. While retaining the band’s signature glam metal style, the album reflects attempts to balance commercial appeal with heavy metal credibility, resulting in a mix of anthemic choruses and harder-edged tracks.

Although not as commercially dominant as Stay Hungry, Come Out and Play showcased Twisted Sister’s musical growth, tighter production, and willingness to experiment.

Album Overview

Artist: Twisted Sister
Album: Come Out and Play
Release Date: October 14, 1985
Label: Atlantic Records
Genre: Glam Metal, Heavy Metal, Hard Rock
Length: 39:28
Producer: Dieter Dierks
Recorded: Dierks Studios, Cologne, Germany

Background and Recording

Following the massive success of Stay Hungry, Twisted Sister wanted to avoid repeating themselves while maintaining the hits-driven style that brought them fame.

Produced by Dieter Dierks, known for his work with Scorpions, bringing a European hard rock polish.
The band experimented with layered guitar harmonies, synthesizer textures, and tighter arrangements.
Dee Snider’s lyrics continued to focus on rebellion, youth empowerment, and the rock lifestyle, but with slightly more introspective themes.

The recording took place in Germany, giving the album a distinct European production style, more polished than the raw, in-your-face sound of Stay Hungry.

Album Credits

Twisted Sister Members

Dee Snider – Lead Vocals
Jay Jay French – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Eddie “Fingers” Ojeda – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Mark “The Animal” Mendoza – Bass, Backing Vocals
A.J. Pero – Drums

Production Team

Produced by Dieter Dierks
Engineered by Tom Hoffman
Mixed by Dieter Dierks
Art Direction & Design: Mark Weiss

Cover Art Design

✔ Photographer/Art Direction: Mark Weiss

📌 Reported in multiple archival interviews & BraveWords feature

About the cover:
The artwork features an illustrated street scene with a giant TS manhole cover motif. Unlike previous albums, this cover was designed with a pop‑up/novelty version on some early vinyl pressings. The photographer credited for the band portrait elements was Mark Weiss.

Commercial Performance & Sales

Peaked at #15 on the UK Albums Chart
Moderate US success compared to Stay Hungry, peaking at #15 on Billboard 200
Certified Gold (RIAA) in the United States
The album helped sustain international attention, particularly in Europe, but did not match the massive MTV-driven impact of the previous album

Popular Tracks

Be Chrool to Your Scuel – Anthemic, satirical track with memorable hooks.
Come Out and Play – Energetic title track with rebellious lyrics.
Tonight – Mid-tempo, melodic number showcasing Dee Snider’s vocal range.
The Price – Heavy metal highlight with sharp riffs and powerful vocals.
You Want What We Got – Fun, upbeat track, emphasizing the band’s playful side.

Critical Reception & Ratings

Received mixed reviews; praised for musicianship but criticized for commercially polished sound.
Retrospective ratings: 7–7.5/10
Considered a solid follow-up, though some fans preferred the raw energy of Stay Hungry

Fun Facts About Come Out and Play

🎸 Produced by Dieter Dierks, giving the album a European hard rock flavor, contrasting the American glam metal sound.
🌍 Several songs became European fan favorites, especially during tours in Germany and the UK.
🎤 Dee Snider’s vocals remain powerful, blending theatrical delivery with melodic sensibility.
⚡ The album includes more layered guitar work and studio experimentation than the debut.

Trivia

Twisted Sister’s MTV videos for tracks like Be Chrool to Your Scuel continued to push their theatrical image.
The album reflects a transitional period, balancing commercial success with metal credibility.
Many tracks were performed live during the 1985–1986 world tour, becoming crowd favorites despite limited US radio success.
The playful artwork and lyrical themes show the band’s sense of humor and theatrical personality.

Did You Know?

📀 The album was recorded in Cologne, Germany, rather than the US, giving it a different sonic character.
🌟 Dee Snider described the album as an attempt to broaden their audience while staying true to metal roots.
🎶 Some fans consider Be Chrool to Your Scuel a hidden gem in Twisted Sister’s catalog due to its satirical humor and catchy melody.
🔊 Though not as commercially dominant as Stay Hungry, it solidified the band’s European fanbase.

Why Come Out and Play Still Matters

Come Out and Play captures Twisted Sister at a critical transitional moment, blending theatrical glam metal with a more polished, international sound.

It remains a key chapter in their discography, showcasing the band’s ambition, musical experimentation, and commitment to theatrical, rebellious rock.