Alice Cooper: "Raise Your Fist and Yell" Album (1987)
- Alice Cooper(solo)
- Sep 27, 1987
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 23
Alice Cooper’s Raise Your Fist and Yell was released as an album in the US by MCA Records (catalog number MCA-42091) on September 28, 1987, marking his seventeenth solo studio album, with a UK release in October 1987.
Following his 1986 comeback with Constrictor, which featured hits like “He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask),” the album continued Cooper’s embrace of polished glam metal, capitalizing on the 1980s hair metal trend. Produced by Michael Wagener, it leaned into his theatrical shock rock roots with horror-inspired themes and aggressive riffs, building on the momentum of “The Nightmare Returns” tour. Reviewed in a 1987 Kerrang! feature, it was praised for its defiant energy and anthemic intensity.
Tracklist:
A1. Freedom – 4:09
A2. Lock Me Up – 3:24
A3. Give the Radio Back – 3:34
A4. Step on You – 3:39
A5. Not That Kind of Love – 3:15
B1. Prince of Darkness – 5:10
B2. Time to Kill – 3:38
B3. Chop, Chop, Chop – 3:06
B4. Gail – 2:30
B5. Roses on White Lace – 4:27
Note: The tracklist is based on the vinyl and CD release (MCA Records).
Background and Context: Following his successful 1986 comeback with Constrictor, which reintroduced Alice Cooper to the glam metal scene with hits like "He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask)," Cooper was revitalized after overcoming personal struggles with alcoholism. Raise Your Fist and Yell continued the polished, heavy metal sound of Constrictor, capitalizing on the 1980s hair metal trend dominated by bands like Mötley Crüe and Poison.
The album leaned heavily into Cooper’s theatrical shock rock roots, emphasizing horror-inspired themes and aggressive guitar riffs. It was his second album for MCA Records and built on the momentum of his “The Nightmare Returns” tour, which showcased elaborate stage theatrics like guillotines and snakes. The album’s title reflects its defiant, anthemic energy, aligning with Cooper’s reinvigorated persona as a metal icon.
Recording and Production: Raise Your Fist and Yell was recorded in early 1987 at studios including Power Station in New York and Amigo Studios in North Hollywood, California. It was produced by Michael Wagener, known for his work with Metallica, Skid Row, and Ozzy Osbourne, who gave the album a heavier, more aggressive sound than Constrictor. The band featured Kane Roberts (guitar, co-writer), Kip Winger (bass, later of Winger), Paul Horowitz (keyboards), and Ken Mary (drums), with additional backing vocals by Kip Winger and others. Cooper co-wrote most tracks with Roberts, focusing on tight, riff-heavy compositions. The recording process was efficient, reflecting Cooper’s sobriety and focus, with Wagener’s production emphasizing a raw, powerful metal edge suited for the late 1980s rock audience.
Track Listing: The original LP release of Raise Your Fist and Yell (MCA-42091) contains ten tracks:
1. Freedom (4:09)
2. Lock Me Up (3:24)
3. Give the Radio Back (3:34)
4. Step on You (3:39)
5. Not That Kind of Love (3:15)
6. Prince of Darkness (5:10)
7. Time to Kill (3:43)
8. Chop, Chop, Chop (3:06)
9. Gail (2:30)
10. Roses on White Lace (4:27)
Notable Tracks: Freedom, the lead single, is a rousing glam metal anthem with a rebellious message, showcasing Cooper’s snarling vocals and Kane Roberts’ shredding guitar. Prince of Darkness, tied to the 1987 horror film of the same name, is a dark, theatrical track with horror imagery. Chop, Chop, Chop and Roses on White Lace lean into Cooper’s slasher-inspired aesthetic, with gruesome lyrics and heavy riffs. Gail, a haunting instrumental with minimal vocals, serves as a tribute to a mysterious figure, possibly a nod to Cooper’s past.
Musical Style and Themes: Raise Your Fist and Yell is a glam metal and hard rock album with a heavier, more aggressive sound than Constrictor, featuring blistering guitar solos, pounding drums, and Cooper’s theatrical vocals. The production is polished yet raw, balancing radio-friendly hooks with a darker edge. Lyrically, the album explores themes of rebellion (Freedom, Give the Radio Back), horror and violence (Chop, Chop, Chop, Roses on White Lace), and dark romance (Not That Kind of Love). The horror elements, inspired by slasher films, align with Cooper’s shock rock legacy, while the anthemic tone appeals to the 1980s metal audience. The album’s intensity reflects Cooper’s renewed energy and commitment to his theatrical persona.
Singles Released:
Freedom / Time to Kill
- Release Date: October 1987 (UK, MCA MCA-1190; US, MCA-53179)
- Details: Written by Alice Cooper and Kane Roberts, Freedom is a high-energy glam metal anthem with lyrics promoting defiance: “Freedom, we’re gonna scream it loud.” It reached #50 on the UK Singles Chart and #17 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, a modest success. The music video, featuring Cooper in his signature makeup with a horror-themed stage setup, was played on MTV. The B-side, Time to Kill, is an album track with a fast-paced, aggressive sound. This was the primary single, driving the album’s promotion.
Critical Reception: Raise Your Fist and Yell received mixed reviews upon release. Critics praised its heavy, energetic sound and Cooper’s return to horror-themed theatrics, with Kerrang! lauding its “brutal riffs and shock rock edge.” However, some felt it was formulaic compared to Constrictor or Cooper’s 1970s classics, with Rolling Stone noting it as “competent but not groundbreaking.” Retrospectively, the album is seen as a strong entry in Cooper’s 1980s catalog, with AllMusic rating it 3.5/5 stars, calling it “a fierce, underrated gem.” Fans on Discogs and Rate Your Music appreciate its intensity, with ratings averaging 3.7/5. Tracks like Freedom and Roses on White Lace are often cited as highlights for their metal energy and theatricality.
Commercial Performance: Raise Your Fist and Yell reached #73 on the US Billboard 200 and #48 on the UK Albums Chart, an improvement over Constrictor (#59 US) but not a major commercial hit. The album’s modest chart performance was supported by the Freedom single and Cooper’s high-profile “The Nightmare Returns” tour, which featured elaborate stage props like a guillotine and a gallows, drawing large crowds. The album sold steadily to Cooper’s loyal fanbase but did not achieve gold or platinum status. Its tie-in with the Prince of Darkness film added niche appeal among horror fans, though limited promotion and the lack of a blockbuster single hindered broader success.
Legacy and Influence: Raise Your Fist and Yell solidified Alice Cooper’s 1980s comeback, bridging his early shock rock legacy with the glam metal era. It influenced later horror-metal acts and reinforced Cooper’s status as a theatrical pioneer. Tracks like Freedom remain in his live setlists, and the album is included on compilations like The Beast of Alice Cooper (1989). The 2018 vinyl reissue by MCA and digital availability on platforms like Spotify have kept it accessible. The album’s horror themes and connection to the Prince of Darkness film (where Cooper made a cameo) add to its cult status. Its aggressive sound paved the way for Cooper’s even bigger success with Trash (1989). The album’s cover, featuring a clenched fist and Cooper’s menacing image, remains iconic among fans.
Additional Notes:
- The album’s artwork, designed by Air Studio, features a raised fist against a dark background, reflecting the album’s defiant tone.
- Released on vinyl, cassette, and CD in 1987, with international pressings in the UK, Canada, and Japan (MCA 32XD-791).
- The tour supporting the album was a major success, with Cooper’s theatrical performances earning critical acclaim and boosting his fanbase.
- No additional singles beyond Freedom and the promotional Prince of Darkness were released, as MCA focused on touring and film tie-ins for promotion.
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, film tie-in details, or fan reactions on X), I can search or elaborate. Let me know if you want more on Raise Your Fist and Yell, Alice Cooper’s 1980s era, or related albums like Constrictor or DaDa!
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