Alice Cooper: "Special Forces" Album (1981)

Alice Cooper’s Special Forces was released as an LP album in the US by Warner Bros. Records (catalog number BSK 3581) on August 7, 1981, with a UK release in September 1981 marking his sixth solo studio album. Available on vinyl LP and cassette, with later CD reissues including a 1990 Japanese release and a 2014 limited-edition CD by Culture Factory, it continues the “new wave” phase begun with Flush the Fashion (1980).

Part of a trilogy of experimental “blackout” albums alongside Flush the Fashion and Zipper Catches Skin, it reflects Cooper’s struggle with alcoholism and commercial decline, embracing a lean, punk- and new wave-influenced sound. The album shifts from his theatrical glam-rock roots to a raw, stripped-down style while retaining his dark humor and provocative edge.

Track Listing:

"Who Do You Think We Are" (3:05)

"Seven & Seven Is" (2:41) – Cover of Love’s 1966 song

"Prettiest Cop on the Block" (3:13)

"Don’t Talk Old to Me" (2:54)

"Generation Landslide ’81 (Live)" (3:50) – Re-recorded live version of a 1973 track

"Skeletons in the Closet" (3:42)

"You Want It, You Got It" (3:15)

"You Look Good in Rags" (3:35)

"You’re a Movie" (3:37)

"Vicious Rumours" (3:43)

Personnel:

Alice Cooper: Vocals

Duane Hitchings: Keyboards, synthesizer

Danny Johnson: Guitar

Craig Krampf: Drums

Mike Pinera: Guitar

Erik Scott: Bass

Producer: Richard Podolor

Executive Producer: Shep Gordon

Additional Musicians: Joe Pizzulo and Flo & Eddie (backing vocals)

Arranger: Alice Cooper

Mixing: Bill Cooper, Richard Podolor

Engineer: Bill Cooper

Mastering: Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (for some reissues)

Production and Recording:

Recorded at American Recording Co., Studio City, California.

The album was produced by Richard Podolor, known for his work with Three Dog Night, with Bill Cooper engineering. It was recorded quickly, reflecting Cooper’s attempt to capture a raw, urgent sound.

The track "Generation Landslide ’81" was a live re-recording from the Special Forces tour, adding a gritty edge to the studio-heavy album.

Musical Style and Themes:

Special Forces blends new wave, punk, and hard rock, with synthesizers and angular guitar riffs replacing the orchestral grandeur of earlier Cooper albums. The sound is minimalist, with a focus on tight song structures.

Lyrically, it explores dark humor, social satire, and Cooper’s signature theatricality. Tracks like "Prettiest Cop on the Block" and "Skeletons in the Closet" tackle quirky character studies, while "You’re a Movie" uses military metaphors for biting commentary.

The cover of Love’s "Seven & Seven Is" is a high-energy highlight, showcasing Cooper’s ability to reinterpret proto-punk classics.

Singles and Promotion:

Singles:

"You Want It, You Got It" / "Generation Landslide ’81 (Live)" (US, July 1981).

"Seven & Seven Is" / "Generation Landslide ’81 (Live)" (UK, October 1981).

A promotional TV special, Alice Cooper à Paris, aired in France in 1982, featuring performances and skits tied to the album’s tour.

The Special Forces tour included theatrical elements like Cooper wielding a shotgun and wearing military-inspired outfits, though it was less elaborate than his 1970s shows.

Reception and Legacy:

Special Forces received mixed reviews and was a commercial disappointment, failing to chart significantly in the US or UK. It peaked at 125 on the US Billboard 200 and 60 in Canada.

Critics noted the album’s raw energy but found it uneven compared to Cooper’s classic 1970s output. Fans of his glam-rock era were divided on the new wave direction.

Over time, the album has gained a cult following among fans for its bold experimentation and Cooper’s resilience during a turbulent period. Songs like "You Look Good in Rags" and "Seven & Seven Is" are often cited as underrated gems.

The album’s influence is seen in Cooper’s later return to form with Constrictor (1986), and it remains a fascinating snapshot of his early ’80s reinvention.

Notable Facts:

The album was recorded during a low point in Cooper’s career, with his alcoholism impacting his health and creativity. He checked into rehab shortly after its release.

The track "Look at You Over There, Ripping the Sawdust from My Teddybear" was recorded but omitted from the final release due to time constraints. It later appeared on the 1999 box set The Life and Crimes of Alice Cooper.

A 1982 French TV performance included a re-recorded version of "Who Do You Think We Are" with alternate lyrics, used in Alice Cooper à Paris.

Vinyl copies are collectible, with a 1981 Australian pressing listed on Discogs for $10–$30 and a 2014 Culture Factory CD reissue noted for its high-fidelity mastering.

Availability:

Streaming: Available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube (e.g., official uploads of "Seven & Seven Is" and full album streams).

Physical: Original vinyl and cassette releases are available on secondary markets like Discogs and eBay. The 2014 Culture Factory CD is a limited-edition reissue with restored artwork.

Collectors’ Note: A rare misprint vinyl with an incorrect track listing occasionally surfaces at auction, valued at $50–$100 depending on condition.

info courtesy

Discogs for release details and collector data.

Wikipedia and AllMusic for track listing and personnel.

Fan sites and YouTube for tour and TV special information.

Atlas Records and MusicStack for vinyl availability.