Poison (Alice Cooper song)

Last updated

"Poison"
Poison (Alice Cooper).jpg
Single by Alice Cooper
from the album Trash
B-side "Trash"
ReleasedJuly 17, 1989 (1989-07-17) [1]
Genre
Length4:28
Label Epic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Desmond Child
Alice Cooper singles chronology
"Freedom"
(1987)		"Poison"
(1989)		"Bed of Nails"
(1989)
Music video
"Poison" on YouTube

"Poison" is a song by American musician Alice Cooper. Written by Cooper, producer Desmond Child and guitarist John McCurry, the song was released as a single in July 1989 from Cooper's eighteenth album, Trash . It became one of Cooper's biggest hit singles in the United States, peaking at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. The power ballad [6] [7] performed even better in the UK by peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart.

Contents

"Poison" marked a major comeback for Alice Cooper, becoming his first Top 10 hit in the US and UK for 12 and 16 years respectively, and remains one of his best known songs. It is ranked by Billboard as the "91st top song of 1989", while Ultimate Classic Rock ranked it as the "7th best Alice Cooper song", commenting "Poison sounds like a typical '80s pop-metal number at times, but Cooper’s intensity brings it to a whole other level." [8] The song's main riff was written by guitarist John McCurry, who two years earlier had used it for the John Waite track "Encircled".

Music video

There are two versions of the video to the song, one of which shows Alice Cooper being chained to a bizarre mechanism and singing while a ghostly woman looms over him. The original video had to be censored for showings during the day, due to shots of a topless model. Rana Kennedy plays the roles of both women in the video but the topless scene were shot with a body double. [9] This is notably visible in the video. The studios in which the video was filmed in spring of 1989 have since been torn down and are now a parking lot in Los Angeles. The video is still often played on MTV Classic's Metal Mayhem .

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [34] Platinum70,000^
Canada (Music Canada) [35] Gold50,000^
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [36] Gold45,000‡
Germany (BVMI) [37] Gold250,000‡
Sweden (GLF) [38] Gold25,000^
United Kingdom (BPI) [39] Platinum600,000‡
United States (RIAA) [40] Gold500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Cover versions

Film and media usage

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smooth Criminal</span> 1988 single by Michael Jackson

"Smooth Criminal" is a song by the American singer Michael Jackson, released on November 14, 1988, from his seventh album, Bad (1987). It was written by Jackson and produced by Jackson and Quincy Jones. The lyrics address a woman who has been attacked in her apartment by a "smooth criminal".

<i>Trash</i> (Alice Cooper album) 1989 studio album by Alice Cooper

Trash is the eleventh solo studio album by American rock musician Alice Cooper. It was released on July 25, 1989, by Epic Records. The album features the single "Poison", Cooper's first top ten hit since his single "You and Me" in 1977 and marked a great success in Cooper's musical career, reaching the Top 20 of various album charts and selling more than two million copies. Trash features John McCurry on guitar, Hugh McDonald of Bon Jovi on bass as well as Bobby Chouinard and Alan St. Jon, both from Billy Squier's solo band on drums and keyboards, respectively. The album was the "biggest hit among his hair metal albums", peaking at number two in the UK and number 20 in the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Another Day in Paradise</span> 1989 single by Phil Collins

"Another Day in Paradise" is a song written and recorded by English drummer and singer Phil Collins. Produced by Collins along with Hugh Padgham, it was released as the first single from his number-one album ...But Seriously (1989). As with his song for Genesis, "Man on the Corner", the track has as its subject the problem of homelessness and paradise; as such, the song was a substantial departure from the dance-pop music of his previous album, No Jacket Required (1985).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Every Rose Has Its Thorn</span> 1988 single by Poison

"Every Rose Has Its Thorn" is a power ballad by American glam metal band Poison. It was released in October 1988 as the third single from Poison's second album Open Up and Say... Ahh!. The band's signature song, it is also their only number-one hit in the US, reaching Billboard's Hot 100 top spot on December 24, 1988, for three weeks. It also charted at number 11 on the Mainstream Rock chart. It was a number 13 hit in the UK. "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" was named number 34 on VH1's "100 Greatest Songs of the 80s", number 100 on their "100 Greatest Love Songs" and number seven on MTV and VH1 "Top 25 Power Ballads". Billboard ranked the song number five on their list of "The 10 Best Poison Songs".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patience (Guns N' Roses song)</span> 1989 single by Guns N Roses

"Patience" is a song by American rock band Guns N' Roses from their second studio album, G N' R Lies (1988), released as a single in April 1989. The song peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song is a ballad, played using three acoustic guitars and was recorded in a single session by producer Mike Clink. A music video of the song was shot and appears on the band's music video DVD, Welcome to the Videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's My Life (Talk Talk song)</span> 1984 single by Talk Talk

"It's My Life" is a song by the English new wave band Talk Talk. Written by Mark Hollis and Tim Friese-Greene, it was the title track on the band's second album and released as its first single in January 1984. It reached number 46 on the UK Singles Chart, but did better in several other countries, reaching number 33 in Germany, number 32 in New Zealand, number 25 in France and number 9 in Italy. In North America, it entered the Top 40 in both the United States and Canada. It peaked at number 1 on the US Dance Club Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dreams (Fleetwood Mac song)</span> 1977 single by Fleetwood Mac

"Dreams" is a song by British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, written by singer Stevie Nicks for the band's eleventh studio album, Rumours (1977). In the United States, "Dreams" was released as the second single from Rumours in March 1977, while in the United Kingdom, the song was released as the third single in June 1977. A stage performance of "Dreams" was used as the promotional music video.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gorillaz discography</span>

The discography of British virtual band Gorillaz consists of eight studio albums, three compilation albums, 11 extended plays, one remix album, and 46 singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ozzy Osbourne discography</span>

The discography of Ozzy Osbourne, an English heavy metal vocalist, consists of 13 studio albums, five live albums, seven compilation albums, five extended plays (EPs), 65 singles, nine video albums and 41 music videos. After being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne started his solo career with a band consisting of guitarist Randy Rhoads, bassist Bob Daisley and drummer Lee Kerslake. The group released their debut album Blizzard of Ozz in 1980, which reached number 7 on the UK Albums Chart, number 8 on the Canadian Albums Chart, and number 21 on the US Billboard 200. Singles "Crazy Train" and "Mr Crowley" reached the top 50 of the UK Singles Chart, and the album has been certified four times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). 1981's Diary of a Madman reached the top 20 in the UK, Canada and the US, and was certified triple platinum by the RIAA. The album was the last to feature Daisley and Kerslake, both of whom were fired before its release and replaced by Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge, respectively, as well as the last to feature Rhoads, who died in a plane crash on 19 March 1982.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All I Wanna Do (Sheryl Crow song)</span> Single performed by Sheryl Crow

"All I Wanna Do" is a song performed by American singer and songwriter Sheryl Crow. It was written by Crow, David Baerwald, Bill Bottrell, and Kevin Gilbert, with lyrics adapted from Wyn Cooper's 1987 poem "Fun". Released in July 1994 by A&M, it was Crow's breakthrough hit from her 1993 debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club. The song is Crow's biggest US hit, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks from October 8 to November 12, 1994, and it also topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. It was the winner of the 1995 Grammy for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and was nominated for Song of the Year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Hot Chili Peppers discography</span>

Since 1983, the American funk rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers has released 13 studio albums, two live albums, 12 compilation albums, 11 video albums, five extended plays, 66 singles, and 53 music videos. To date, the band has sold over 120 million records worldwide. According to the RIAA the Chili Peppers have 6x Multi-Platinum, 2x Platinum and 3x Gold albums in the US, totalling 27.5m. They also have 9x Multi-Platinum, 3x Platinum and 4x Gold singles too, totalling 40m. They have been nominated for 19 Grammy Awards, of which they have won 6. They have the most no.1 singles (15), the most cumulative weeks at no.1 (91) and most top-10 songs (28) on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Unskinny Bop</span> 1990 single by Poison

"Unskinny Bop" is a song by American glam metal band Poison, released as the first single from their third studio album, Flesh & Blood (1990), on June 18, 1990. The song peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100, number five on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, and number three on the Canadian and New Zealand charts. It also entered the top 20 in Australia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evanescence discography</span>

American rock band Evanescence has released five studio albums, two live albums, one compilation album, two demo albums, three extended plays, eighteen singles, nine promotional singles, two video albums, and eighteen music videos. Evanescence was founded in 1995 by Amy Lee and Ben Moody in Little Rock, Arkansas. The band's lineup comprises Lee, guitarist Troy McLawhorn, guitarist Tim McCord, drummer Will Hunt, and bassist Emma Anzai. As of 2022, the band has sold over 31.9 million albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Need You Tonight</span> 1987 single by INXS

"Need You Tonight" is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released as the first single from their 1987 album, Kick, as well as the fourth song on the album. It is the only INXS single to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also achieved their highest charting position in the United Kingdom, where the song reached number two on the UK Singles Chart; however, this peak was only reached after a re-release of the single in November 1988. On its first run on the UK charts in October 1987, it stalled at No. 58. It was one of the last songs recorded for the album, yet it would arguably become the band's signature song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guns N' Roses discography</span>

The discography of Guns N' Roses, an American hard rock band, consists of six studio albums, one live album, two compilation albums, four extended plays (EPs), 20 singles, nine video albums and 23 music videos. Guns N' Roses was formed in Los Angeles, California with an original recording lineup of lead vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Steven Adler. After self-releasing the EP Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide in December 1986, the band signed with Geffen Records and released its debut studio album Appetite for Destruction the following July. It topped the US Billboard 200 and went on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time, with reported sales over 30 million units worldwide, 18 million of which are in the US. Three singles – "Welcome to the Jungle", "Sweet Child o' Mine" and "Paradise City" – reached the US Billboard Hot 100 top ten, with "Sweet Child o' Mine" topping the chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alice Cooper discography</span>

This is a discography of American rock artist Alice Cooper. It includes 29 studio albums, 50 singles, 11 live albums, 21 compilation albums, 12 video releases, and an audiobook. Six of his studio albums have achieved platinum in the United States and three more have achieved gold. The labels Cooper has recorded on are Straight, Warner Bros., Atlantic, MCA, Epic, Spitfire, Eagle, New West, and Bigger Picture. Over his career, Cooper has sold well over 50 million records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foo Fighters discography</span>

The discography of Foo Fighters, an American rock band formed in 1995 by Dave Grohl, consists of eleven studio albums, ten extended plays (EPs), six video albums, and 57 singles. The current Foo Fighters line-up consists of Grohl, Rami Jaffee (keyboard), Nate Mendel (bass), Chris Shiflett (guitar), Pat Smear (guitar) and Josh Freese.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alice in Chains discography</span>

The discography of Alice in Chains, a Seattle-based rock band, consists of six studio albums, three extended plays (EP), three live albums, five compilations, two DVDs, 44 music videos, and 32 singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Use Somebody</span> 2008 single by Kings of Leon

"Use Somebody" is a song recorded by the American rock group Kings of Leon. It was the second single from the band's fourth studio album Only by the Night, and it entered American and British charts in early October 2008, three weeks after the album release. The single was augmented with a music video released a month later.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skinny Love</span> 2008 single by Bon Iver

"Skinny Love" is a song written by American musician and songwriter Justin Vernon. It was originally released by indie folk band Bon Iver, of which Vernon is a member, in 2007. A cover version by the British vocalist Birdy was released in 2011. Both versions charted internationally and have been featured in multiple television and film soundtracks. The song has since become a popular tune for various singing competition shows around the English-speaking world.

References

  1. ↑ "New Singles" (PDF). Music Week . July 15, 1989. p. 41. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  2. ↑ "Rock and horror: Alice Cooper on 40 years of beheadings, fake blood -". The Independent. October 30, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  3. ↑ Freedom for Frankenstein: Hits & Pieces 1984-1991 - Alice Cooper | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic , retrieved April 7, 2021
  4. ↑ "36 Essential '80s Pop Metal Tracks". Stereogum. April 5, 2017. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  5. ↑ Pasbani, Robert (February 21, 2021). "KING CRIMSON's Robert Fripp & His Wife, Toyah Wilcox Back With ALICE COOPER "Poison" Cover". Metal Injection. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
  6. ↑ "Top 10 Power Ballads That Don't Suck". Loudwire.
  7. ↑ "Alice Cooper: 10 best songs from the shock-rock king". The Independent. March 14, 2019. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  8. ↑ "Top 10 Alice Cooper Songs". Ultimate Classic Rock. February 4, 2016. Retrieved September 6, 2016.
  9. ↑ "Rana Kennedy". www.facebook.com.
  10. ↑ "Alice Cooper – Poison". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  11. ↑ "Alice Cooper – Poison" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  12. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 6623." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  13. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 6, no. 25. September 2, 1989. p. IV. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  14. ↑ Nyman, Jake (2005). Suomi soi 4: Suuri suomalainen listakirja (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. ISBN   951-31-2503-3.
  15. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Alice Cooper". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  16. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 42, 1989" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  17. ↑ "Alice Cooper – Poison" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  18. ↑ "Alice Cooper – Poison". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  19. ↑ "Alice Cooper – Poison". VG-lista. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  20. ↑ "Alice Cooper – Poison". Singles Top 100. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  21. ↑ "Alice Cooper – Poison". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  22. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  23. ↑ "Alice Cooper Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  24. ↑ "Alice Cooper Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  25. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Alice Cooper – Poison" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  26. ↑ "ARIA Top 100 Singles for 1989". ARIA . Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  27. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 1989" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 6, no. 51. December 23, 1989. p. 6. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  28. ↑ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1989". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
  29. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1989" (in Dutch). MegaCharts . Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  30. ↑ "End of Year Charts 1989". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  31. ↑ "Year-End Charts '89 – Top 100 Singles". Music Week . London, England: Spotlight Publications. March 3, 1990. p. 16.
  32. ↑ "1989 The Year in Music: Top Pop Singles". Billboard. Vol. 101, no. 51. December 23, 1989. p. Y-22.
  33. ↑ "Longbored Surfer – 1989". longboredsurfer.com.
  34. ↑ The ARIA Report. Vol. 10. ARIA. March 18, 1990. p. 4.
  35. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Alice Cooper – Poison". Music Canada.
  36. ↑ "Danish single certifications – Alice Cooper – Poison". IFPI Danmark . Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  37. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Alice Cooper; 'Poison')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie . Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  38. ↑ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 1987−1998" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 17, 2011.
  39. ↑ "British single certifications – Alice Cooper – Poison". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  40. ↑ "American single certifications – Alice Cooper – Poison". Recording Industry Association of America.
  41. 1 2 3 4 5 "Covers of Poison by Alice Cooper on WhoSampled". WhoSampled. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
  42. ↑ "POWERWOLF Honor ALICE COOPER's 75th Birthday with Rendition of 'Poison'". Sonic Perspectives. Retrieved February 8, 2023.
  43. ↑ "Songs from Tango & Cash". www.sweetsoundtrack.com. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
  44. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Poison movie soundtracks". www.lyrics.com. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
  45. ↑ "Volkswagen Passat: It gets into you". Adsoftheworld.com. Mediabistro.com. February 2011. Archived from the original on October 1, 2011. Retrieved March 8, 2011.
  46. ↑ "Passat". Volkswagen Israel. February 2011. Retrieved March 8, 2011.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.