6. Kiss - Dynasty
CasablancaBy the end of 1977, Kiss were the biggest (and most prolific) band in the worldsix studio albums, two live ones (all within four years) and more merchandise than anyone but the most ardent fans could completely acquire. It was time for the band to take a break, so to keep the kiddies placated in the interim, Kiss belched out comics, toys, a gloriously-awful TV movie and four solo albums by each member. Lifelong fans will generally cite the bands ill-conceived concept album Music From The Elder as the low point in their long career, but the seeds of their initial downfall were planted long before that with 1979s Dynasty, heavily-hyped as The Return Of Kiss after a two-year absence (in the 70s, that was an eternity). But Dynastys disco leanings (most notably, I Was Made For Lovin You), along with continued overexposure and catering to the kiddie crowd turned off many longtime fans. With Paul Stanley hell-bent on channeling his inner Luther Vandross and Gene Simmons increasing penchant for crooning about himself, only guitarist Ace Frehley (with three songs, including a terrific cover of The Stones 2000 Man) seemed to remember Kiss was supposed to be a hard rock band. Dynasty sold well enough, but was also the first sign they were now more of a corporation than an actual band. Ultimately, the album had a negative impact on their career and the next, Unmasked, was largely ignored by those who made Kiss icons in the first place. As was Music From The Elder, a notoriously-misguided (and desperate) attempt to reinvent themselves with a concept album during a time no one else was making them. By the time Kiss was truly ready to rock again (1982s stunning and heavy-as-hell Creatures of the Night), everyone had stopped listening. Had this album been 1979s Return Of Kiss instead of Dynasty, chances are Kiss would never have had to resort to removing their make-up just to get peoples attention again.