Feature Photo: Ines Pietz-Shutterstock.com
When creating a list of an artist’s best love songs, there is usually some sort of rubric that goes into the creation and mix of the writing. However, with an artist like Alice Cooper, you can pretty much throw that rubric right out the window because a love song from Alice Cooper is not the same as a love song from the majority of musical artists out there. If you’re not really sure what I mean, well, the first song on this list will explain it.
# 10 – I Love The Dead
Come on now, have a sense of humor. “I Love the Dead” serves as the macabre finale to Alice Cooper’s 1973 album Billion Dollar Babies, a project that achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on both the U.S. and UK charts. The album was recorded between August 1972 and January 1973 across various studios, including the Galesi Estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, Record Plant in New York City, and Morgan Studios in London. Produced by Bob Ezrin, the track features the classic lineup: Alice Cooper on vocals, Glen Buxton and Michael Bruce on guitars, Dennis Dunaway on bass, and Neal Smith on drums. Additional guitar work was contributed by Steve Hunter, Dick Wagner, and Mick Mashbir. “I Love the Dead” delves into themes of necrophilia with a blend of dark humor and theatricality, exemplifying the shock rock genre that Cooper helped pioneer.
# 9 – Hell Is Living Without You
“Hell Is Living Without You” is a powerful track from Alice Cooper’s 1989 album Trash, showcasing his ability to blend hard rock with emotive storytelling. Recorded in 1989 across various studios including Right Track Recording in New York City and The Hit Factory in New York, the song was produced by Desmond Child, known for his work with Bon Jovi and Aerosmith. The track features Alice Cooper on vocals, supported by a lineup that includes Richie Sambora on guitar, Steve Lukather on guitar, Hugh McDonald on bass, Bobby Chouinard on drums, and Alan St. John on keyboards. The song’s lyrics explore themes of longing and despair, wrapped in a melodic rock arrangement that reflects the polished, radio-friendly style of the Trash album.
# 8 – Killed By Love
“Killed by Love” is a standout track from Alice Cooper’s 25th studio album, Along Came a Spider, released on July 29, 2008. This concept album narrates the chilling tale of a serial killer named Spider, with “Killed by Love” delving into the complexities of his emotions as he grapples with unexpected feelings for his intended victim. The song was co-written by Cooper, bassist Chuck Garric, guitarist Keri Kelli, and Jeremy Rubolino, showcasing a collaborative effort that blends melodic hard rock with introspective lyrics. Recorded between 2007 and 2008 at Wonderland Studios, Hampton Hacienda Lab, and Undercity Recordings, the track features Cooper’s signature vocals, Keri Kelli on guitar, Chuck Garric on bass, and Eric Singer on drums. Produced by Greg Hampton, Danny Saber, and Alice Cooper himself, the album received mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising its thematic ambition and musical execution.
# 7 – Baby Please Don’t Go
“Baby Please Don’t Go,” featured on Alice Cooper’s 2023 album Road, is a poignant ballad that delves into the emotional turmoil of parting ways with a loved one. The lyrics vividly depict the struggle of leaving in the early hours, with the protagonist torn between duty and the heartfelt plea of their partner to stay. This track was recorded live in the studio, capturing the raw energy and cohesion of Cooper’s touring band: guitarists Nita Strauss, Ryan Roxie, and Tommy Henriksen; bassist Chuck Garric; and drummer Glen Sobel. Notably, Nita Strauss’s evocative guitar work adds depth to the song’s emotional narrative. Produced by longtime collaborator Bob Ezrin, the album Road was released on August 25, 2023, through Earmusic.
# 6 – Be My Lover
“Be My Lover” from Alice Cooper’s 1971 album Killer offers a sly, rock-infused take on love, blending attitude with self-aware storytelling. Unlike many traditional love songs, this track doesn’t lean into sentimentality but instead captures the spontaneous, unpredictable nature of romantic encounters on the road. Written by guitarist Michael Bruce, the lyrics narrate a casual encounter between a rock musician and a curious woman, where the protagonist candidly shares details about his life, including the iconic question about why the singer’s name is Alice. Recorded in 1971 and produced by Bob Ezrin, the song features Alice Cooper on vocals, Glen Buxton on lead guitar, Michael Bruce on rhythm guitar and keyboards, Dennis Dunaway on bass, and Neal Smith on drums. With its straightforward rock riff and conversational lyrics, “Be My Lover” became a fan favorite, reaching number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100.
# 5 – Might As Well Be On Mars
“Might as Well Be on Mars,” was released on Alice Cooper’s 1991 album Hey Stoopid, Co-written with longtime collaborator Dick Wagner and renowned songwriter Desmond Child, this ballad delves into themes of isolation and longing. The song was recorded between January and February 1991 at Bearsville Studios in New York and The Complex in Los Angeles, under the production of Peter Collins. The album featured an array of guest musicians, including Slash, Ozzy Osbourne, and Joe Satriani.
# 4 – How You Gonna See Me Now
Alice Cooper wasn’t trying to scare anyone when he recorded “How You Gonna See Me Now”—he was just hoping to be seen at all. Behind the song’s smooth, almost tender rock ballad sound lies a man wrestling with the fallout of his own demons. Released in 1978 on the album From the Inside, it’s not just a love song—it’s an anxious letter from a man who’s unsure whether sobriety will make him a stranger to the people he loves. The song was born from Cooper’s real-life struggle with alcoholism, penned with the help of guitarist Dick Wagner and lyricist Bernie Taupin.
Recorded at a string of top studios across Los Angeles, including Sound City, Davlen, Cherokee, Hollywood Sound Recorders, Kendun, and Studio 55, the track was produced by David Foster. Backed by the skilled musicianship of Wagner, Davey Johnstone on guitars, Dee Murray on bass, and Dennis Conway on drums, Cooper’s vocal performance brings a raw sincerity rarely seen in his catalog. Charting at number 12 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and hitting the top 10 internationally, it’s a song that resonates not because of theatrics, but because of its stark humanity.
# 3 – I Never Cry
When Alice Cooper decided to bare his soul in song, “I Never Cry” became the unexpected confession that resonated far beyond the stage. Released in 1976 as part of the album Alice Cooper Goes to Hell, the track reflects Cooper’s battle with alcoholism, portraying vulnerability through its heartfelt lyrics. Co-written by Cooper and guitarist Dick Wagner, the song was recorded at Soundstage Studios in Toronto, Cherokee Studios in Hollywood, Record Plant Studios in New York, and RCA Studios in Los Angeles, produced by Bob Ezrin. Featuring Cooper on vocals, Wagner and Steve Hunter on guitars, Tony Levin on bass, and Allan Schwartzberg on drums, the track’s melodic structure gave it a mainstream appeal. “I Never Cry” struck a chord with listeners, reaching number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart. The ballad’s sincere delivery and introspective tone marked it as one of Cooper’s most enduring hits, contributing to the album’s overall success on the US Billboard 200.
# 2 – You And Me
“You and Me” from Alice Cooper’s 1977 album Lace and Whiskey became one of his most successful ballads, blending rock elements with a softer, more melodic touch. Recorded at Soundstage Studios in Toronto, Cherokee Studios in Hollywood, Record Plant Studios in New York, and RCA Studios and Producer’s Workshop in Los Angeles, the song was produced by Bob Ezrin. Cooper collaborated with guitarist Dick Wagner on the songwriting, while the recording featured Cooper on vocals, Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter on guitars, Tony Levin on bass, and Allan Schwartzberg on drums. Released as a single, it reached number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100, number three in Canada, and number two in Australia, making it one of Cooper’s highest-charting hits.
The song’s introspective lyrics and heartfelt delivery struck a chord with both rock and mainstream audiences. Cooper’s performance of the song on The Muppet Show in 1978 showcased its broad appeal, highlighting his ability to connect with diverse audiences beyond his shock rock image. The track’s success bolstered the album’s performance, with Lace and Whiskey reaching number 42 on the US Billboard 200 and number 33 on the UK Albums Chart.
# 1 – Muscle Of Love
“Muscle of Love” is Alice Cooper at his most daring, pushing the boundaries of what a love song can be by blending rock bravado with awkward adolescent discovery. As the title track from the 1973 album Muscle of Love, it stands out for its tongue-in-cheek take on desire and confusion, capturing a young man’s bewildered confrontation with his own emotions. The lyrics weave humor and vulnerability as Cooper sings about his coming-of-age experiences, cleverly twisting the love song trope into something uniquely raw and honest. Recorded at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, Record Plant in New York, and The Cooper Mansion in Greenwich, Connecticut, the song was produced by Jack Richardson and Jack Douglas.
The lineup features Alice Cooper on vocals, Michael Bruce on rhythm guitar and keyboards, Dennis Dunaway on bass, Neal Smith on drums, with additional guitar contributions from Dick Wagner and Mick Mashbir. The track’s gritty rock feel and rebellious energy align perfectly with the album’s overall vibe, making it a bold, unconventional love song that only Cooper could pull off. The album itself reached number 10 on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold, reinforcing Cooper’s reputation for blending rock theatrics with surprising thematic twists.
Check out our other articles on the great Alice Cooper
10 Most Heavy Rocking Alice Cooper Songs
Complete List Of Alice Cooper Albums And Songs
Complete List Of Alice Cooper Band Members
Top 10 Alice Cooper Album Covers
Top 10 Alice Cooper Songs
Top 10 Alice Cooper Albums
Read More: Artists’ Interviews Directory At ClassicRockHistory.com
Read More: Classic Rock Bands List And Directory
Top 10 Alice Cooper Love Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2025