They’re both recognized as two of the best non original line-up KISS albums. One is credited as being their sonic comeback. The other their second commercial breakthrough that saved the band. One is with make-up and one isn’t. Both feature the aggressive riffs and smokin’ leads of Vincent Cusano. A.K.A. Vinnie Vincent. And for as many differences as the two albums have they’re also twins in the KISS catalog. Both produced by the famed Micheal James Jackson.
I’m talking of course about 1982’s ‘Creatures of the Night’, in the right corner. And 1983’s ‘Lick it Up’ in the left. Both albums are credited as being a combination of a major comeback for the band. The former didn’t sell too well in the states initially. But it is now one of the highest selling and most loved KISS albums. Even making second on a recent list of KISS’ albums ranked. The latter ushered in a new era for the band that would last for 12 years: The non make-up era. The first album of course being ‘Lick it Up’. Which is simply one of their strongest albums period. The song writing and musicianship is flawless. And saying that the musicianship is flawless on a KISS record really means something.
In the right corner are some great songs. And arguably KISS’ heaviest production on any of their records. The band new they had to come out swinging with the combination of the failed ‘Unmasked’ and ‘The Elder’ albums. Coupled with fact that they had lost two original members in two years. So the pressure was on. Enter Vincent Cusano, the man who saved the band. Co-writing such terriffic songs as ‘Rock And Roll Hell’ and ‘Killer’ with Gene. And ‘I Still Love You’, ‘Danger’ and the title track with Paul Stanley. Not to mention the leads he does on the album. Breathing new life into the band. Even though Gene and Paul made people believe that it was Ace playing on the album. It’s Vinnie Vincent who does most of the solos.
‘Creatures’ is also just really heavy. The title track, ‘Rock and Roll Hell’, ‘Danger’, ‘Killer’ and of course the famed ‘War Machine’ are probably the heaviest songs you’ll find in the KISS catalog. There’s a song or two on ‘Revenge’ that rivals but that’s about it. And the songs on ‘Creatures’ are super consistent and simply excellent. The riff on ‘Keep Me Comin” is proto-hair metal at its finest. And ‘I Still Love You’ is a proto type for the monster ballad that would take over the decade in just a few years. ‘Saint and Sinner’ is one of Gene’s catchiest moments in this entire career. And ‘I Love It Loud’ brought back the anthem oriented KISS song. And is still a concert staple. All in all a tremendous album.
But there’s a challenger. The follow up record in which the band revealed their true selves. And what they could do musically with a new, more disciplined line-up. 1983’s ‘Lick it Up’ would usher in a new era for the band. And prove to all the nay sayers that they could in fact be a good band without the costumes and make-up. The album explodes in similar fashion of ‘Creatures’ with the opening track ‘Exciter’. It’s an aggressive yet simple hard rock track with a killer bridge and amazing solo from Vinnie Vincent. The album then moves into ‘Not for the Innocent’ which I still view as a signature Gene Simmons track. While the make-up had come off, there’s no doubt that the song is quintessential Demon. Then the title track which exploded on the new MTV. With a very odd, time-capsuled music video. Featuring the band trying to look tough but instead coming off as four guys with long hair who tan too much. But hey, it was the 80’s.
Then the album really picks up and never lets down from ‘Young and Wasted’ through ‘And on the 8th Day’. ‘Young and Wasted’, ‘Gimme More’, ‘All Hell’s Breakin’ Loose’. It just keeps going. Climaxing with the insanely energetic ‘Fits Like a Glove’. Which is probably one of KISS’ best musical moments ever. Vinnie Vincent’s solo is simply jaw dropping. Ace will always be my favorite member of the band period. But I also acknowledge that there’s no way in Hell he could play the solo on ‘Fits Like a Glove’. He just doesn’t have the technical ability. ‘Dance All Over Your Face’ is a great groove laden track. A real panty remover. The closing track ‘And on the 8th Day’ provides a timeless, never ending catchy riff. It’s simply, but it’s infectious. Even if the lyrics resemble a high schooler from the 80’s writing poetry.
So which one is it? The thunder of ‘Creatures of the Night’? Or the simply excellent, consistent song writing of ‘Lick it Up’? For me personally, by an eye lash, it’s ‘Lick it Up’. There are some songs on ‘Creatures’ that I like more. Such as ‘War Machine’ and ‘Keep Me Comin”. But the consistency and passion of ‘Lick it Up’ is almost unmatched on any KISS album. And when the band let Vinnie Vincent in officially it created a magic that is only found in the original line-up. And the only album that’s entirely that line-up is ‘Lick it Up’.
So what do you guys think? Is it ‘Creatures’ or ‘Lick it Up’?
Excellent heavy rock.
While that sound dominated the ‘Creatures’, ‘Lick it Up’ provides a tightness and musicianship that isn’t really found on other KISS albums. Songs such as ‘Young and Wasted’, ‘All Hell’s Breakin’ Loose’ and ‘Fits Like a Glove’ are unmatched in tightness.
The energy in the solo. Truly epic.
But don’t count out ‘Creatures’ with it’s super heavy production. Heard best on the track ‘Danger’. Those are some huge ass drums.
