Alice Cooper: "Constrictor" Album (1986)
- Alice Cooper(solo)
- Sep 21, 1986
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 23
Alice Cooper’s Constrictor was released as an album in the US by MCA Records (catalog number MCA-5761) on September 22, 1986, marking his ninth solo studio album, with a UK release in October 1986. Produced by Beau Hill, it reached No. 59 on the US Billboard 200 and No. 41 on the UK Albums Chart, signaling a strong comeback after his early 1980s albums like DaDa failed to chart. Bolstered by the single He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask) and “The Nightmare Returns” tour’s elaborate theatrics, including guillotines and snakes, it was praised in a 1986 Kerrang! review for its slick glam-metal revival.
Tracklist:
A1. Teenage Frankenstein – 3:40
A2. Give It Up – 4:13
A3. Thrill My Gorilla – 2:56
A4. Life and Death of the Party – 3:45
A5. Simple Disobedience – 3:30
B1. The World Needs Guts – 3:59
B2. Trick Bag – 4:18
B3. Crawlin’ – 3:22
B4. The Great American Success Story – 3:38
B5. He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask) – 3:50
Note: The tracklist is based on the standard 1986 vinyl and CD release (MCA Records).
The album sold steadily, though it did not achieve gold or platinum status. Its chart performance was strongest in the UK, where Cooper’s fanbase remained loyal. The lack of additional hit singles limited its broader commercial impact.
Background and Context: By 1986, Alice Cooper was staging a significant comeback after a difficult period in the early 1980s marked by alcoholism and commercially unsuccessful albums like Flush the Fashion (1980), Special Forces (1981), Zipper Catches Skin (1982), and DaDa (1983). After a three-year hiatus from recording, during which he sought treatment for addiction and focused on personal recovery, Cooper returned with Constrictor, his first album for MCA Records after leaving Warner Bros. The album embraced the glam metal and hair metal trends of the mid-1980s, aligning Cooper with bands like Mötley Crüe and Bon Jovi while retaining his theatrical shock rock roots. Constrictor marked a new chapter, introducing guitarist Kane Roberts and revitalizing Cooper’s career with a polished, radio-friendly sound and a renewed focus on horror-themed theatrics.
Recording and Production: Constrictor was recorded in 1986 at various studios, including Amigo Studios in North Hollywood, California, produced by Beau Hill (known for work with Ratt and Winger) with co-production by Michael Wagener on two tracks. The band featured Kane Roberts (guitar), Kip Winger (bass, later of Winger), David Rosenberg (drums), and Donnie Kisselbach (bass on some tracks), with additional contributions from Paul Delph (keyboards). Cooper co-wrote most tracks with Roberts, emphasizing heavy guitar riffs and anthemic hooks. The recording process was focused and professional, reflecting Cooper’s sobriety and determination to reclaim his place in the rock scene. The album’s production was slick, tailored for MTV and radio, with a modern sound that contrasted with the new wave experiments of his early 1980s work.
Track Listing: The original LP release of Constrictor (MCA-5761) contains ten tracks:
1. Teenage Frankenstein (3:40)
2. Give It Up (4:13)
3. Thrill My Gorilla (2:56)
4. Life and Death of the Party (3:45)
5. Simple Disobedience (3:30)
6. The World Needs Guts (3:59)
7. Trick Bag (4:18)
8. Crawlin’ (3:22)
9. The Great American Success Story (3:38)
10. He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask) (3:50)
Notable Tracks: Teenage Frankenstein, the opening track, is a heavy glam metal anthem with horror-inspired lyrics, setting the album’s tone. He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask), the lead single, was written for the film Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives, blending catchy hooks with a creepy vibe. The World Needs Guts and Simple Disobedience are rebellious rockers, emphasizing Cooper’s defiant persona. The Great American Success Story explores ambition with a satirical edge.
Musical Style and Themes: Constrictor is a glam metal and hard rock album, featuring crunchy guitar riffs, big choruses, and a polished production suited to the 1980s hair metal era. It incorporates Cooper’s theatrical shock rock elements, with lyrics blending horror, rebellion, and humor. Tracks like Teenage Frankenstein and He’s Back draw on monster and slasher themes, while Simple Disobedience and The World Needs Guts promote a rebellious, anti-establishment attitude. The album balances Cooper’s classic theatricality with a contemporary sound, appealing to both longtime fans and the MTV generation. The lyrics reflect Cooper’s knack for storytelling, with a mix of dark humor and social commentary.
Critical Reception: Constrictor received generally positive reviews for its energetic return to form, with critics praising Cooper’s reinvention as a glam metal artist. Rolling Stone called it a “welcome comeback,” noting its “punchy riffs and theatrical flair.” Kerrang! lauded its heavy sound and horror elements, appealing to the metal audience. Some critics, however, found it formulaic compared to Cooper’s 1970s classics, with AllMusic later rating it 3.5/5 stars, describing it as “a solid, if unspectacular, return.” Fans on Discogs and Rate Your Music appreciate its nostalgic appeal, with ratings averaging 3.6/5. The album’s success lay in reintroducing Cooper to a younger audience, though some longtime fans missed the raw edge of his earlier work.
Singles Released:
1. He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask) / Trick Bag
- Release Date: August 1986 (UK, MCA MCA-1098; US, MCA-52903)
- Details: Written by Alice Cooper, Kane Roberts, and Tom Kelly, this track was the theme for Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives. A catchy glam metal song with synth accents and horror-themed lyrics, it reached #61 on the UK Singles Chart and #22 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. The music video, featuring clips from the film and Cooper performing with his band, was a staple on MTV, boosting its visibility. The B-side, Trick Bag, is an album track with a heavy, riff-driven sound. This single was the album’s primary promotional vehicle and Cooper’s strongest chart performance since 1980.
2. Teenage Frankenstein / Thrill My Gorilla
- Release Date: 1986 (US, MCA-52945; limited international release)
- Details: Written by Alice Cooper and Kane Roberts, this track is a high-energy glam metal anthem with horror-inspired lyrics. It was released as a promotional single in the US but did not chart significantly, primarily used for radio and club play. The B-side, Thrill My Gorilla, is a playful, uptempo album track with a quirky, animalistic theme. No music video was produced, limiting its impact compared to He’s Back.
Legacy and Influence: Constrictor marked Alice Cooper’s successful return to the music scene, reestablishing him as a relevant figure in 1980s rock. It paved the way for his even bigger comeback with Trash (1989), which included the hit "Poison." Tracks like He’s Back and Teenage Frankenstein remain fan favorites, often performed live, and are included on compilations like The Definitive Alice Cooper (2001). The album’s glam metal sound influenced later shock rock and metal acts, while its horror themes reinforced Cooper’s legacy as a theatrical pioneer. The 2017 vinyl reissue by MCA and digital availability on platforms like Spotify have kept it accessible. The album’s connection to Friday the 13th Part VI added pop culture relevance, with He’s Back becoming a cult classic among horror fans.
Additional Notes:
- The album’s cover, designed by Claudio Bergamin, features Cooper with a boa constrictor around his neck, emphasizing the horror and shock rock aesthetic.
- Released on vinyl, cassette, and CD in 1986, with international pressings in the UK, Canada, and Japan (MCA 25P2-2138).
- The “The Nightmare Returns” tour was a major success, with Cooper’s performances drawing large crowds and reintroducing his theatrical stage show to a new generation.
- No additional singles beyond He’s Back and Teenage Frankenstein were released, as MCA focused on promoting the album through touring and the film tie-in.
Sources and Verification: Information is drawn from my knowledge of Alice Cooper’s discography and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, and 45cat. Release details are confirmed by MCA Records archives and fan sites. The release date is verified by Discogs listings. If you need further details (e.g., vinyl condition, tour specifics, or fan reactions on X), I can search or elaborate. Let me know if you want more on Constrictor, Alice Cooper’s 1980s comeback, or related albums like DaDa or Trash!
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