Alice Cooper’s “Elected”: From Failed Single to Hit Anthem

Alice Cooper’s song “Elected,” which began as a misfire from a previous album, transformed into a world-renowned anthem and a sharp political satire. Released in 1972, the track reached the US top 30 and climbed to the UK top five, earning praise from none other than John Lennon, who dubbed it “a great record.” This marked a significant turnaround for a song that Cooper himself once dismissed as “mostly crap.”

The origins of “Elected” trace back to 1969, during the recording of the debut album “Pretties For You.” Cooper described the album as “experimental rock’n’roll,” highlighting a particular track, “Reflected,” which featured a catchy riff. Despite its psychedelic flair, the single failed to make an impact, and Cooper candidly admitted, “We never really expected anything to happen with it.”

Three years later, the landscape had dramatically changed. By 1972, Alice Cooper had skyrocketed to fame with hits like “School’s Out,” which reached No. 1 in the UK. The song sparked controversy, with British politician Leo Abse and moral campaigner Mary Whitehouse calling for bans on Cooper’s performances. Reflecting on the uproar, Cooper remarked, “Leo Abse and Mary Whitehouse did so much for our career. We couldn’t have bought that PR.”

Motivated by the political fallout surrounding “School’s Out,” Cooper decided to craft a song that mocked politicians. With Richard Nixon as his primary target during the 1972 presidential election cycle, he humorously positioned himself as an unlikely presidential candidate. Producer Bob Ezrin, who had already collaborated on earlier albums, suggested revitalizing “Reflected” as the foundation for this new political satire.

Ezrin, perceived by Cooper as the band’s unofficial sixth member, was instrumental in reshaping the song. He believed “Reflected” deserved a fresh take and envisioned it becoming “100 times bigger.” The original riff and melody were reworked for “Elected,” and the theatrical elements of the song were amplified during recording sessions at Morgan Studios in London, where notable musicians such as Ringo Starr and Marc Bolan were also present.

Cooper emphasized Ezrin’s contribution, stating, “Bob knew how to get your records played on radio.” The orchestration added to “Elected” gave it the feel of a lively campaign rally, enhancing its grandiosity—a hallmark of Cooper’s theatrical style. The song’s lyrics cleverly parody the bravado of political candidates, with lines like, “I’m your Yankee doodle dandy in a gold Rolls Royce, I wanna be elected.”

The timing of the song’s release was particularly poignant. In early 1973, as “Elected” gained traction, Nixon became embroiled in the Watergate scandal, ultimately leading to his resignation—the first by a sitting US president. Cooper noted the public’s desensitization to Nixon’s controversies, saying, “When Watergate happened, I don’t think anybody was even shocked.”

While Cooper has never publicly aligned with any political party, he criticized fellow musicians who engage openly in politics. In 2004, he remarked that supporting a political candidate goes against the spirit of rock music, which he believes should stand apart from political affiliations. Nevertheless, he argues that “Elected” remains relevant, highlighting the ongoing struggles within the political landscape.

Reflecting on the song’s legacy, Cooper shared a personal triumph: “Right after we cut ‘Elected,’ I was at our record company office in New York, and John Lennon walked past me. He said, ‘Great record, Alice.’” The interaction left an indelible mark on Cooper, who recalled, “I was so thrilled. I mean, come on—John Lennon loved my song. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

What began as a perceived failure transformed into a major success story. “Elected” not only became a defining anthem of its time but also showcased Alice Cooper’s ability to reinvent and rise above initial setbacks. The song’s journey from a disregarded single to a global hit underscores the unpredictable nature of the music industry and the enduring power of creative evolution.