By early 1975 KISS were starting to snowball. Their drive and work ethic resulted in two albums being released the previous year: The eponymous debut and follow up ‘Hotter Than Hell.’ It got things going. But the band was really gaining steam with their innovative live shows. And to bolster the set list, KISS released their third LP in 13 months with ‘Dressed To Kill.’
The album is KISS’ shortest record. Not even clocking in at 30 minutes. But that’s not the point. The point is that it’s one of the bands strongest albums. ‘Room Service’ opens things up in nearly perfect ‘Beatles’ fashion (mid career of course). But with a bigger, bolder sound. And not quite as eloquent with the lyrics. ‘Two Timer’ really is a forerunner for what hard rock and metal would become. It’s a bridge between the old style of what’s now ‘oldies’ and what would become classic hard rock. ‘Ladies In Waiting’ is somewhat of a filler. But a strong effort none the less.
The Ace Frehley penned ‘Getaway’ is once again, the best track on the album. Sung by drummer Peter Criss. It’s playful, yet hard sound would go on to be lay the groundwork for the future of rock music. ‘Rock Bottom’ is, in many ways, KISS’ first foray into an ‘artistic’ direction. It’s acoustic introduction being admired by everyone from Nikki Sixx to Eddie Vedder. Before heading into a killer three chord hard rock song. ‘C’mon and Love Me’ became an early concert staple. And a fan favorite deep cut. The 50’s vibed ‘Anything For My Baby’ displays how KISS aren’t just some hard rockers with crazy make up. They respect, know and can replicate some of the best timeless rock songs ever. And they do it with their own flair that’s unique and genuine.
The sly ‘She’ is actually a left over track from the Wicked Lester days. Before Ace and Peter showed up. But with the original KISS line up, the song was given new life. And would become Ace’s solo feature for the tour. ‘Love Her All I Can’ is a Paul Stanley classic. It displays KISS’ knack for excellent vocal harmonies. Each member of the band can sing. And they never get the credit for it. ‘Dressed To Kill’ closes out with what would become not only KISS’ biggest signature hit. But an anthem for all of rock ‘n roll. An anthem that would spread like the plague. It wouldn’t happen until the next album ‘Alive,’ but ‘Rock ‘N Roll All Night’ would become the bands statement. The chorus forever embedding itself in every ear around the world.
Upon its release, ‘Dressed to Kill’ saw a significant climb in KISS’ place on the charts. While it wasn’t a crazy smash hit, peaking at no. 32, it did establish KISS as a hot and upcoming band. One that should be taken seriously. Known by the band as ‘the smokey album.’ It captures the fire that the original members had. And will always be one of the best examples of early KISS being raw and real. Yes, its production wouldn’t capture what they truly do live. That would take an actual live album to achieve that feat. But ‘Dressed’ would set the precedent that would lead to the massive success that KISS would experience. Live it, love it and crank it. Celebrate KISS’ third album ‘Dressed to Kill.’
