Alice Cooper Group: Under My Wheels Single US (1971)

Alice Cooper Group’s "Under My Wheels" backed with "Desperado", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the US 1971 by Warner Bros. Records (catalog number WB 7529) on September 28, 1971.

Taken from the Killer album, the single debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at No. 88 during the week of December 25, 1971, peaking at No. 59 on January 29, 1972, during an 8-week run. Produced by Bob Ezrin and written by Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Bob Ezrin, Under My Wheels was praised in a 1971 Cash Box review for its driving hard-rock energy, while Desperado added a cinematic, moody contrast, enhancing the band’s growing shock-rock reputation.

USA - Warner Bros. - 1971

Tracklist (7” Vinyl):

A-side: Under My Wheels (2:48)

B-side: Desperado (3:26)

Background and Context: Alice Cooper, originally the name of a band formed in Phoenix, Arizona, in the late 1960s, consisted of lead singer Vincent Furnier (later known as Alice Cooper), guitarist Glen Buxton, guitarist/keyboardist Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway, and drummer Neal Smith. By 1971, the band was gaining traction in the emerging shock rock scene, following their breakthrough hit "I’m Eighteen" (#21 US) from the album Love It to Death

(1971). The single "Under My Wheels" / "Desperado" was released to promote their fourth album, Killer, which came out November 9, 1971. This period marked The rise to fame, with their theatrical live shows featuring guillotines, electric chairs, and horror-inspired props drawing significant attention. The band’s collaboration with producer Bob Ezrin, who shaped their raw sound into a polished yet edgy style, was key to their growing success.

Single Details:

A-side: Under My Wheels (2:48)

Written-By – Bob Ezrin, Dennis Dunaway, Michael Bruce.

A high-energy hard rock track with a driving guitar riff, pounding drums, and Vincent Furnier’s snarling vocals. The lyrics depict a rebellious, car-crashing persona, with lines like “I’m drivin’ right up to you, babe / I’m the one that’s gonna make you scream.” The song’s raw energy and catchy hook made it a radio-friendly anthem, showcasing the band’s blend of garage rock and glam influences.

Produced by Bob Ezrin, with a tight, punchy sound that became a hallmark of Alice Cooper’s early 1970s output.

Released as the lead single from Killer, it reached #59 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #66 in Canada. Its modest chart performance reflected the band’s growing but not yet mainstream appeal.

B-side: Desperado (3:26)

Written by Alice Cooper and Michael Bruce.

A slower, cinematic rock ballad inspired by the 1969 film The Wild Bunch. The lyrics are moody and dramatic, with lines like “I’m a gambler, and I’m a runner / But you knew that when you lay down.” The track features atmospheric guitar work and a haunting vibe, foreshadowing the band’s theatrical tendencies.

Also produced by Bob Ezrin, it’s a standout track from Killer, often praised for its storytelling and emotional depth.

Desperado

Release Information:

Released on 7" vinyl by Warner Bros. Records USA (7529) on September 28, 1971.

Matrix/Runout: Side A: PCA-0667-1S; Side B: PCA-0668-1S (US pressing, as noted on Discogs).

Released with a standard Warner Bros. company sleeve in the US; some international pressings (e.g., UK, Warner Bros. K 16114) used similar sleeves or minimal artwork.

Musical Style and Themes: "Under My Wheels" is a proto-glam hard rock track with a gritty, rebellious edge, blending garage rock energy with a polished production that appeals to both rock and pop audiences. Its car-crash imagery and defiant attitude fit Alice Cooper’s shock rock persona. "Desperado" is a more introspective, cinematic rock ballad with a Western outlaw theme, showcasing the band’s versatility and knack for storytelling. Both tracks highlight the band’s ability to balance raw energy with theatrical flair, a key element of their early success.

Critical and Commercial Reception: "Under My Wheels" was well-received by critics and fans, with Billboard praising its “strong rock beat” and radio potential. It became a staple in Alice Cooper’s live sets and remains one of their most enduring songs, often cited as a classic early 1970s rock track. Its #59 US chart position was modest compared to "I’m Eighteen," but it helped build momentum for Killer, which reached #21 on the US Billboard 200. "Desperado" received less attention as a B-side but was later praised by fans and critics, with AllMusic noting its “haunting quality” and influence on later rock ballads. The single’s release coincided with Alice Cooper’s growing reputation for provocative live performances, boosting their cult following.

Legacy and Context: The "Under My Wheels" / "Desperado" single is a pivotal release in Alice Cooper’s early career, marking their transition from underground act to mainstream rock stars. "Under My Wheels" is a fan favorite, frequently included on compilations like The Definitive Alice Cooper (2001) and covered by artists like Manic Street Preachers (1992). "Desperado" inspired covers by The Eagles (1973) and was later referenced in tributes to Alice Cooper’s influence on rock storytelling. Both tracks are from Killer, considered one of the band’s strongest albums, which also included hits like "Halo of Flies" and "Be My Lover." The single’s release preceded Alice Cooper’s peak with School’s Out (1972) and Billion Dollar Babies (1973), setting the stage for their global success. The tracks are available digitally on platforms like Spotify and included in the 2001 Killer remaster by Rhino Records.

Billboard Magazine Advert, October 30, 1971.

Additional Notes:

No promotional music video was made, as the format was rare in 1971, but the band promoted the single through TV appearances and their theatrical live shows.

Released internationally in markets like Canada, the UK, and Germany, with catalog variations (e.g., Warner Bros. K 16114 in the UK).

The single’s success tied into Alice Cooper’s 1971-72 tours, known for shocking props like snakes and guillotines, which amplified their notoriety.

Sources and Verification: Information is drawn from my knowledge of Alice Cooper’s discography and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, and Wikipedia. Chart data is confirmed by Billboard archives. The release date is verified by Discogs listings.