Kiss is undeniably one of the most polarizing bands in rock
history. From their outrageous makeup and stage shows, to bassist Gene Simmons
massive ego and gratuitous fiscal gluttony, the music is often overlooked.
However, Kiss as a whole has inspired innumerable bands,
many of whom have gone on to stellar careers. Unlike Kiss, several have even
found their name in the Rock
and Roll Hall of Fame. Kiss remains, nearly 40 years into its career, a
dynamic band which has made a unique impact in the world of rock music, for
better or worse. This October, Kiss will release its twenty-fourth studio, "Monster".
In honor of that, the Examiner has
ranked all 23 of the band’s studio albums.
The masked crusaders have often been known more for
the spectacle of their live performances and make-up, so it is no surprise that
the band’s best album of all time remains, “Kiss
Alive!”. Still, when the paint and bombast are stripped away, the music
still stands on its own as many discovered when the band went unplugged back in
the 90s. This list below focuses solely on the studio albums, and the music that
Simmons, and co-founder Paul Stanley have created through four decades.
Destroyer (1976) -- This marked the first studio album after
the band's mammoth success with "Kiss Alive!". Produced by Bob Ezrin, this
became the album that catapulted the band to headline status. It also marked the
release of the band's first ballad, "Beth".
Love Gun (1977) -- This represents the last of the band's
classic 70s albums before disco and new wave twisted rock 'n roll into another
dimension."Love Gun" is also the first album to feature all four members singing
at least one song. Legend holds that guitarist Ace Frehley had to lie on the
studio floor to sing "Shock Me".
Kiss
(1974) -- Released in February 1974, the band's debut effort went largely
unnoticed but is home of some of the band's mainstay hits. Songs like
"Strutter", "Deuce", "Black Diamond", and "Cold Gin".
Rock and
Roll Over (1976) -- My personal favorite, "Rock and Roll Over" found the
band returning to more of a straight up rock vibe. Another album full of concert
staples, and the ballad "Hard Luck Woman", which frontman Paul Stanley wrote for
Rod Stewart.
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