Alice Cooper, born Vincent Furnier, is more than just a musician; he’s a theatrical rock icon who redefined the genre. Emerging from Detroit with his band in the late 1960s, Alice Cooper injected a dose of dark theatrics into the peace and love era, shocking audiences and paving the way for glam and shock rock. With groundbreaking albums like Love It To Death, Killer, School’s Out, and Billion Dollar Babies in the early 70s, produced by the legendary Bob Ezrin, the Alice Cooper Band became synonymous with anthemic rock and outrageously theatrical stage shows featuring guillotines, electric chairs, and boa constrictors.
After legally changing his name to Alice Cooper, Vincent embarked on a successful solo career with 1975’s Welcome To My Nightmare. “The Coop,” as fans affectionately call him, has since released a staggering number of albums – 28 including his band work, and continues to tour relentlessly, performing around 200 shows annually. When not captivating audiences with his high-energy rock performances, Alice resides in Phoenix, Arizona, pursuing another passion: golf.
Celebrating the enduring legacy of the Godfather of Shock Rock, we delve into his extensive catalog to rank 25 of the greatest Alice Cooper Songs. This list isn’t just a countdown; it’s a journey through the macabre, the anthemic, and the surprisingly tender moments that define Alice Cooper’s musical genius.
25. “I Love The Dead” – ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ (1973)
Starting our list is the chillingly humorous “I Love The Dead” from Billion Dollar Babies. This track perfectly encapsulates Alice Cooper’s signature blend of macabre themes and rock music. The song opens with an eerie piano melody before erupting into a hard rock anthem punctuated by Glen Buxton’s searing guitar solos. Its darkly comedic lyrics explore a taboo subject with Cooper’s characteristic wink, making it a creepy yet captivating listen.
24. “Luney Tune” – ‘School’s Out’ (1972)
“Luney Tune,” from the iconic School’s Out album, showcases the Alice Cooper Group’s raw and gritty sound. This track stands out with its unexpected inclusion of a violin solo, adding a layer of unsettling melody to the band’s hard rock foundation. “Luney Tune” is a prime example of the band’s ability to experiment and create uniquely textured rock songs.
23. “Devil’s Food / The Black Widow” – ‘Welcome To My Nightmare’ (1975)
A theatrical pairing from Welcome To My Nightmare, “Devil’s Food / The Black Widow” masterfully blends horror and entertainment. The addition of horror legend Vincent Price elevates the scariness factor, setting the stage for Alice’s concept album debut. This medley effectively introduces the nightmare concept, merging spoken word theatrics with Cooper’s evolving solo sound.
22. “Might As Well Be On Mars” – ‘Hey Stoopid’ (1991)
While known for high-energy rock anthems, “Might As Well Be On Mars” from Hey Stoopid highlights Alice Cooper’s underrated songwriting and lyrical depth. This seven-minute ballad demonstrates his ability to craft emotionally resonant songs. The track offers a change of pace, showcasing a more vulnerable and introspective side of Alice Cooper, proving his versatility as an artist.
21. “Bed of Nails” – ‘Trash’ (1989)
“Bed of Nails,” from the Trash album, captures Alice Cooper’s successful adaptation to the late 80s hard rock scene. Teaming up with Desmond Child, known for his work with Bon Jovi and Aerosmith, Alice embraced the era’s sound. This track is a quintessential example of his seamless transition into the contemporary hard rock style, proving his ability to stay relevant across generations.
20. “Department of Youth” – ‘Welcome To My Nightmare’ (1975)
“Department of Youth” from Welcome To My Nightmare further solidifies Alice Cooper’s unexpected appeal to younger audiences. Despite his “parent’s worst nightmare” image, songs like this and “School’s Out” became anthems for youth rebellion. This track resonates with youthful energy and defiance, becoming a timeless anthem that transcends eras.
19. “Be My Lover” – ‘Killer’ (1971)
“Be My Lover,” a Michael Bruce composition from Killer, is an Alice Cooper classic with a catchy, boogie-esque riff. Glen Buxton’s distinctive guitar fills enhance this track, making it instantly recognizable. Before pop anthems about girl power, there was Alice Cooper with tracks like this, showcasing the band’s knack for creating memorable and infectious rock songs.
18. “Ballad of Dwight Fry” – ‘Love It To Death’ (1971)
“Ballad of Dwight Fry” from Love It To Death is undeniably one of Alice Cooper’s most haunting songs and a live show staple. Often performed in a straitjacket before a guillotine stage act, the song’s dark narrative and dramatic performance make it unforgettable. Its chilling story and theatrical presentation have cemented its place as a quintessential Alice Cooper experience.
17. “Guilty” – ‘Alice Cooper Goes To Hell’ (1976)
“Guilty” from Alice Cooper Goes To Hell transcends the Alice Cooper caricature, touching on broader themes of public perception and judgment. The lyrics address the criticism of Alice’s supposed negative influence on youth. This track offers a surprisingly introspective look at fame and public scrutiny, adding depth to his stage persona.
16. “Killed By Love” – “Along Came A Spider” (2008)
From the concept album Along Came A Spider, “Killed By Love” exemplifies Alice Cooper’s storytelling prowess. The album explores the mind of a spider-obsessed serial killer, a perfectly on-brand theme for The Coop. This track stands out as one of the strongest from a concept album that showcases his continued creativity.
15. “I Never Cry” – ‘Alice Cooper Goes To Hell’ (1976)
Another gem from Alice Cooper Goes To Hell, “I Never Cry” is a raw and confessional ballad showcasing Alice’s lyrical vulnerability. A departure from his shock rock anthems, this song provides an intimate glimpse into his personal emotions. It’s a testament to his range as a songwriter, proving he can deliver powerful ballads as effectively as hard-hitting rock songs.
14. “Caught In A Dream” – ‘Love It To Death’ (1971)
Opening Love It To Death, “Caught In A Dream” is an upbeat, energetic track that marked a turning point for the Alice Cooper Group. With Bob Ezrin’s production, the band found their signature sound on this album. This song is a perfect representation of their early, raw energy and the beginning of their rise to rock stardom.
13. “Hello Hooray” – ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ (1973)
“Hello Hooray” from Billion Dollar Babies is an epic album opener, designed to kick off a mind-blowing rock show. It served its purpose perfectly on the Billion Dollar Babies tour, setting the stage for a high-energy performance. This track embodies the grandeur and spectacle of 70s rock and Alice Cooper’s theatrical stage presence.
12. “Nurse Rozetta” – ‘From The Inside (1978)
Inspired by Alice’s stay in a mental asylum to treat alcoholism, From The Inside is a deeply personal concept album. “Nurse Rozetta” is a character from this album, reflecting the stories and characters Alice encountered during his recovery. This song and album provide a unique and intimate look into a challenging period in Alice’s life, translated into compelling music.
11. “He’s Back (The Man Behind The Mask)” – ‘Constrictor’ (1986)
Marking Alice Cooper’s return after a hiatus, “He’s Back (The Man Behind The Mask)” from Constrictor is a heavy metal anthem. Featured in Friday The 13th Part VI: Jason Lives, this track is undeniably cheesy yet memorably catchy. It represents Alice’s foray into 80s metal, showcasing his ability to adapt to evolving rock trends.
10. “Escape” – ‘Welcome To My Nightmare’ (1975)
Closing Welcome To My Nightmare, “Escape” is a Kim Fowley-penned track that received the full Alice Cooper treatment. With rewritten verses and bridge, the song fits seamlessly into the album’s narrative. It’s a strong album closer that maintains the nightmarish atmosphere and musical quality of the record.
9. “How You Gonna See Me Now” – ‘From The Inside’ (1978)
“How You Gonna See Me Now” from From The Inside is arguably Alice Cooper’s most poignant ballad. Based on a real letter to his wife Sheryl during his recovery, it’s a deeply personal and touching song. This track highlights his exceptional ballad writing skills and offers a rare glimpse into his personal life and emotions.
8. “Feed My Frankenstein” – ‘Hey Stoopid’ (1991)
“Feed My Frankenstein” from Hey Stoopid is a raunchy and high-energy track, famously featured in Wayne’s World. Its comedic and suggestive lyrics, combined with a driving rock rhythm, make it a fan favorite. The song’s pop culture appearance further solidified its place in Alice Cooper’s repertoire.
7. “Welcome To My Nightmare” – ‘Welcome To My Nightmare’ (1975)
The title track and opener of Welcome To My Nightmare is an instant Alice Cooper classic. It marked the first time audiences heard Cooper’s vocals without his original band, setting the stage for his solo career. Its atmospheric and funk-infused sound, with contributions from guitarists Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter, defined Alice’s musical direction for decades to come.
6. “Billion Dollar Babies” – ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ (1973)
“Billion Dollar Babies,” the title track from the 1973 album, features backing vocals from Donovan, adding an unexpected twist. This song encapsulates everything fans love about Alice Cooper: dark themes, hard rock energy, and macabre sarcasm. It’s a quintessential Alice Cooper anthem that embodies the band’s signature style.
5. “Under My Wheels” – Killer (1971)
“Under My Wheels” from Killer is a high-octane rocker that reflects the Alice Cooper Group’s Detroit roots. Its fast pace and raw energy capture the band’s youthful hunger and drive. Alongside “School’s Out” and “I’m Eighteen,” it remains one of Alice’s most frequently performed songs, showcasing its enduring appeal.
4. “Poison” – ‘Trash’ (1989)
“Poison” from Trash marked Alice Cooper’s successful return to the hard rock forefront in the late 80s. After a period of commercial struggles, this Desmond Child-produced hit reached #7 on the Billboard charts. “Poison” revitalized his career and introduced him to a new generation of rock fans during the hair metal era.
3. “School’s Out” – ‘School’s Out’ (1972)
“School’s Out,” the title track from School’s Out, is an undisputed anthem of youthful rebellion and freedom. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, this song became a household name for the Alice Cooper Group. It remains a timeless anthem that resonates with students worldwide, signaling the joyous arrival of summer vacation.
2. “I’m Eighteen” – ‘Love It To Death’ (1971)
“I’m Eighteen” from Love It To Death was the breakthrough hit that introduced Alice Cooper to mainstream America. This unforgettable track captured the angst and confusion of adolescence, striking a chord with a wide audience. It solidified Alice Cooper’s place in hard rock history and remains a cornerstone of his live performances.
1. “No More Mr. Nice Guy” – Billion Dollar Babies (1973)
Topping our list is “No More Mr. Nice Guy” from Billion Dollar Babies, the album that reached #1 on the Billboard charts. Alice Cooper described the song as autobiographical, reflecting his public image as the “Antichrist” at the time. With its doo-wop background vocals, sing-along chorus, and dark satire, it’s the quintessential Alice Cooper song, embodying everything that makes him a rock legend.
