Alice Cooper: Love's A Loaded Gun Single (1991)
- Alice Cooper(solo)
- Sep 22, 1991
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
Alice Cooper’s Love’s a Loaded Gun, released through Epic Records on September 23, 1991, in the UK as a 7” vinyl single (catalog number 657438 7), featured “Fire” as the B-side. Reviewed in a 1991 Kerrang! brief, the single was praised for its catchy glam-metal hooks, complementing the Hey Stoopid album’s commercial rock sound.
Tracklist:
A1. Love’s a Loaded Gun – 4:11
B1. Fire – 3:00
Note: The tracklist reflects the standard 7” vinyl release.
Released as the second single from Hey Stoopid, it reached #38 on the UK Singles Chart and #31 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, a modest success compared to "Poison" or "Hey Stoopid" (#21 UK). No official music video was produced, which may have limited its visibility compared to other singles from the era.
Background and Context: Alice Cooper (born Vincent Furnier, February 4, 1948) was riding a wave of renewed popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, following his 1989 comeback album Trash, which included the hit "Poison" (#2 UK, #7 US). By 1991, Cooper was a leading figure in the glam metal and hard rock scene, known for his theatrical shock rock performances. The album Hey Stoopid, released in July 1991, continued the polished, radio-friendly sound of Trash, produced again by Desmond Child alongside Peter Collins. It featured contributions from songwriters like Jack Ponti and Vic Pepe, and guest musicians including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe. "Love's A Loaded Gun" was the second single from Hey Stoopid, following the title track, and aimed to maintain Cooper’s chart momentum in a music landscape increasingly dominated by grunge and alternative rock.
Single Details:
UK 7" Vinyl Single (657438 7, Epic Records, 1991)
Tracks: "Love's A Loaded Gun" (A-side) / "Fire" (B-side).
Standard black vinyl, housed in a picture sleeve with Cooper’s image and Hey Stoopid branding.
Catalog: 657438 7. Barcode: 5099765743876.
A-side: Love's A Loaded Gun (4:11, album version)
Written by Alice Cooper, Vic Pepe, and Jack Ponti.
A melodic hard rock ballad with glam metal elements, featuring Cooper’s emotive vocals, a catchy chorus, and polished guitar work. The lyrics use the metaphor of a loaded gun to describe a dangerous, passionate relationship, with lines like “Somebody saw you at the station / You had your suitcase in your hand / You didn’t give no information / You walked away with another man.” The song’s accessible sound and emotional tone made it radio-friendly, though less aggressive than Cooper’s heavier tracks.
Produced by Peter Collins, with a slick, MTV-era production.
B-side: Fire (3:00)
A cover of The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s 1967 song, written by Jimi Hendrix.
A high-energy hard rock rendition with Cooper’s distinctive vocals and a modernized production, staying true to the original’s fiery, psychedelic vibe but with a heavier guitar sound suited to the early 1990s. The track was not included on Hey Stoopid but was a non-album B-side, likely recorded during the album sessions.
Also produced by Peter Collins, it showcases Cooper’s band, including guitarist Al Pitrelli and drummer Vinnie Appice.
Musical Style and Themes: "Love's A Loaded Gun" is a melodic hard rock ballad with glam metal influences, featuring layered guitars, a strong rhythm section, and Cooper’s emotive delivery. Its romantic yet dangerous theme aligns with the polished, accessible sound of Hey Stoopid, tailored for the late 1980s/early 1990s rock audience. "Fire" is a faithful yet heavier cover of Hendrix’s classic, showcasing Cooper’s ability to reinterpret rock standards with his shock rock flair. Both tracks reflect Cooper’s balance of theatricality and radio-friendly hooks, though the lack of a video for "Love's A Loaded Gun" limited its mainstream impact.
Critical and Commercial Reception: "Love's A Loaded Gun" received positive reviews for its catchy melody and emotional depth, with fans on Discogs praising its “classic Cooper vibe.” However, critics noted it lacked the edge of "Poison" or the title track "Hey Stoopid," with some calling it a safe, formulaic ballad. Its #38 UK and #31 US Mainstream Rock chart positions reflect modest success, overshadowed by grunge’s rise (e.g., Nirvana’s Nevermind, released the same month). "Fire" was well-received as a B-side, with fans appreciating Cooper’s take on Hendrix, though it wasn’t a focal point.
Legacy and Context: The "Love's A Loaded Gun" single is a notable part of Alice Cooper’s early 1990s resurgence, following Trash’s success. It remains a fan favorite, often included in live sets during the Hey Stoopid tour, which featured elaborate stage theatrics like guillotines and snakes. The single’s various formats, particularly the colored vinyl and picture disc, are prized by collectors, with the live version of "Eighteen" adding value for fans of Cooper’s classic era. The tracks are available digitally on platforms like Spotify and included in the 2018 Hey Stoopid vinyl reissue. The single reflects Cooper’s ability to adapt to the glam metal era while retaining his shock rock identity, though it marks the tail end of his mainstream chart success before grunge reshaped the rock landscape.
Additional Notes:
The lack of a music video for "Love's A Loaded Gun" was a missed opportunity, as MTV was crucial for promotion in 1991, unlike "Poison" or "Hey Stoopid."
Released internationally in markets like Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands, with slight variations in tracklists and packaging.
The Hey Stoopid album reached #4 in the UK and #47 in the US, certified gold, but its singles, including this one, struggled to match Trash’s impact.
Tracks: "Love's A Loaded Gun" / "Fire" / "Eighteen" (live).
Housed in a clear PVC sleeve.
Sources and Verification: Information is drawn from my knowledge of Alice Cooper’s discography and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, and Musik-Sammler.de. Release details and collector data are confirmed by RareVinyl.com and Vinyl Exchange. The release date is verified by Discogs listings. If you need further details (e.g., specific pressing variations, tour context, or fan reactions on X), I can search or elaborate. Let me know if you want more on Alice Cooper, Hey Stoopid, or other singles like "Bed of Nails"!
US CD Single Promotional (Epic ESK 739831991) One Track: "Love's A Loaded Gun" 4:11
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