By the fall of 1978, KISS were on top the world. Coming off of a massive tour supporting ‘Love Gun,’ some members were feeling burnt out and sick of each other. The band was teetering on the verge of break-up. Threatening to put them in the category of ‘Very successful 70’s band’ and nothing more. So manager Bill Aucoin proposed an idea. Each member do their own, unique solo album. And then reconvene for a new album and tour. At the time it seemed like a good idea. And for as many great tracks as there are (Ace’s solo album is practically the best KISS album), it was also the beginning of the end for the original line-up. Here’s a look back on each individual album.
Gene Simmons
Gene’s album is the second most surprising in the bunch. Not that there aren’t plenty of ‘Demon’ offerings such as ‘Burning Up With Fever,’ ‘Tunnel of Love’ and ‘Living In Sin.’ But there are many moments on the album that took Demon fans sideways. Instead of filling the entire album with tracks like the ones mentioned, Gene opted to put a considerable amount of sensitive, romantic and melodic material on the album. Making it a quite unique take on Gene’s songwriting. Those expecting ‘Dr. Love’ were met with tracks such as ‘See You Tonight,’ ‘Man of 1,000 Faces,’ ‘Mr. Make Believe’ and a real throw off with the cover of ‘When You Wish Upon A Star.’ Throwing the fans off and resulting in the third highest selling of the four albums. However, the songs, while different, are still strong. It’s an enjoyable album. Particularly the opening ‘Radioactive.’ With it’s demonic opening laugh and orchestral intro.
Peter Criss
If Gene’s album threw listers a curveball, no one could have predicted the departure from hard rock that Peter Criss’ album possessed. It’s not really a rock record at all. It’s much closer to 70’s ‘R&B’ than what KISS was churning out at the time. Of course, that was the point. For each member to make the record they wanted to. Unfortunately when word got around of Criss’ direction, the album simply didn’t sell. Which isn’t surprising. If you’re a rebellious teen or a kid enamoured with the band, you’re going to be confused and upset about the direction of the album. That doesn’t mean it’s bad. And now it’s common fan knowledge to know that R&B is the school in which Peter Criss came out of. But with tracks like ‘You Matter To Me,’ ‘Don’t You Let Me Down,’ ‘Easy Thing’ and ‘I Can’t Stop The Rain,’ fans just weren’t having it.
Paul Stanley
Paul Stanley’s album is the most true to the KISS sound. Which makes sense because he is KISS. It’s a solid album with a great mix of hard rockers a melodic ballads. Some of Stanley’s best rhythm guitar playing and riffs can be heard on this album. Plus, having Carmine Appice on drums is pretty kick ass. ‘Tonight You Belong To Me’ is a nearly perfect rock song. And pure, Paul Stanley epic drama at its finest. But the album doesn’t let up from there. ‘Move On’ is a fun, almost Meat Loaf sounding, track that would be played well live on the ‘Dynasty’ tour. Tracks like ‘Wouldn’t You Like To Know Me,’ ‘Love In Chains,’ ‘Goodbye’ and ‘It’s Alright’ pack a solid hard rock punch without sacrificing quality melodies. And the endlessly cool ‘Ain’t Quite Right’ is excellent R&B Paul Stanley. A really good album with plenty of memorable tunes.
Ace Frehley
From ‘Rip It Out’ to ‘Fractured Mirror,’ Ace Frehley’s solo album is bar none the strongest of the four. Loaded with riff after riff, solo after solo. It’s a straight down hard rock record. And one of the best rock albums of the entire decade. ‘Rip It Out’ starts the album off with intense quality and strength. ‘Ozone’ reeks with hard rock coolness. ‘Snowblind’ brings in a ferver of thick heaviness. ‘What’s On Your Mind’ is a perfect sounding rock track with strong pop hooks. The Russ Ballard cover of ‘New York Groove’ shot into the top 20. The album would reach the top 30 and ship double platinum by mid ’79. A feat no other solo album, exception Simmons, would come close to accomplishing. ‘I’m In Need Of Love’ is pure Frehley. The catchy, spacey riff earworms itself into your dome. And it features one of his best solos. Solidifying his standing has one of hard rocks best players. The closing number ‘Fracture Mirror’ would start a tradition in Ace’s solo career of finishing every album with an instrumental. It’s first part of a three parter. And it also stood out to Ace fans and is a favorite. All in all a phenomenal record that stayed true to what 70’s hard rock was all about. Oh, and it also introduced the world to Anton Fig; one of the great drummers alive.
Which one of the four is your favorite? Sound off in the comments!
