American hard rock legends Kiss celebrate their fortieth anniversary this month and have marked the occasion by reminding us of this: Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss auditioned lead guitarist Ace Frehley in a New York City loft way back in 1973 and thus, Kiss was born. Love ‘em or hate ‘em you can’t deny the impact of Kiss and the legendary status that sees them continue to sell out large venues around the globe, even with half their original members replaced. For the purpose of this retrospective you need to know that I fall into the ‘love ‘em’ camp and I’m saying so up front just so we’re clear. What follows is gleaned from nearly 40 years of both loving and, at times, hating the band Kiss.
Like much of the world I didn’t become acquainted with the band until after the release of Kiss Alive in 1975 when the live version of Rock n Roll All Nite was blasting out of A.M. transistor radios everywhere. My American step-dad loved to smoke weed and get mellow to James Taylor and while I can and did appreciate the finer points of that he was not reciprocally open minded about my love for Kiss, an outrageously attired band in make-up who liked to blow stuff up, set things on fire and spit blood. In short he thought that Kiss was disgusting and for a rebellious, long-haired teen with a bad attitude, that was a recipe for unbridled joy.
This then is one writer’s opinion with respect to ten hidden gems that all but the most ardent of Kiss fans may have missed, an opinion formed through decades of being a Kiss fan and observer. I’ve organized these gems by release date in order to avoid a debate about how these songs would appear in a ‘top ten’ format. I have listed them this way as a purposeful construct, the idea being that each tune is worthy in and of itself to be included in the list without regard for how it stacks up against its brethren.
So, let’s proceed…
10. “Goin’ Blind” From Hotter Than Hell, 1974
This Gene Simmons penned tune ranks among my fav’s for several reasons. Musically the track is the darkest, densest and most complex of Kiss’ early work. It features beautifully melodic guitar play between Stanley and Frehley as well as some of the latter’s best lead guitar soloing anywhere.
A mid-tempo heavy chord progression that leans toward the slow side carries the song which, incidentally, features a lyric that exists as a reminder that there was a pre- “G” rated, over-marketed Kiss that enjoyed some fairly twisted ideas. “I’m ninety-three and you’re sixteen” kind of says it all… is that even legal?
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108 Comments
my first Concert ‘KISS” 1975, wide leg jeans, a long haired boyfriend and lots of smoking in the crowd :) Thanks for the trip down memory lane
Rev,
The reason the guitar solo in “Almost Human” sounds as if (you said) that Ace Frehley was is a bit lost is because it isn’t Ace playing the solo. Who then? Gene Simmons has gone on record saying that HE played the solo on “Almost Human.” There are quite a few solos on Love Gun, Destroyer, and Alive II where Ace is not doing the playing. Ace admits it. He said he was either off somewhere partying, gambling, or otherwise disinclined to be in the studio. The band couldn’t wait for him so they went and got another guitarist to sit in. Often times it was Bob Kulick, Bruce’s older brother, and the guy Ace beat out for the KISS lead guitar slot during the audition. Ace is pictured on the cover of the Creatures album but has gone on record that he doesn’t play a single note on the album, it is all Vinnie Vincent. So that’s Gene Simmon’s playing guitar on Almost Human. It does explain a lot looking back. Looking back, why wasn’t I able to hear Vinnie’s playing and not discern it wasn’t Ace? Makes me feel pretty dumb now, I mean, they sound NOTHING alike. I was duped. Naive. But we all were. I still love KISS though.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Rob, what you say makes perfect sense although I don’t recall reading about this specifically in all the Kisstory stuff I’ve collected over the years. Perhaps it’s just old age.
I have read in either “Behind the Mask” or “Kiss and Make Up” that Gene Simmons said he played the guitar solo on “Almost Human” …in which by the way i forgot how BAD ASS it is And the other songs too.
Great list. I’d add Stanley’s immortal “Mr. Speed” from R&R Over.
Yes! One of my favourite Kiss tracks.
Mr. Speed is my favorite KISS song ever!
Its really funny because as I looked at the listings from 2-10, I didn’t see number #1 yet – and I said to myself – “Save Your Love” sure be #1. Sure enough – you picked it and I agree 100%. Listen to the bass work too – that can’t be Gene and we know the drums are not Peter. However I “like” Dynasty and Unmasked for one reason. That is you can hear Paul & Ace singing background vocals on each others songs. Save Your Love is a great example of how their voices worked well together. This is Ace’s best song all time in my opinion with Talk to Me as a close 2nd. Musically it is a stand out as well and there is no co-write. Great work by Ace.
Mr. Speed should be on the list, ahead of any other song off Rock and Roll Over.
I have heard all of them…so what?
so, get the dirt out of your ears… and try again.
There are two other songs off Dressed To Kill which I really like. “Love Her All I Can” which has been amazingly covered by Anthrax and “Two Timer” which is probably one of my favorite Simmons songs.
Love the Anthrax version!
Yoiu forgot to mention Ace also played on The Elder after Unmasked.
As for hidden gems: how about the 5 studio tracks of Alive II? They are on the fourth side and never been played live by the band (Rocket Ride is however played by Ace in his solo bands).
Agreed. “Larger Than Life” is a great riff. Gene’s songs seem to be built around the more creative riffs, so some of them are pretty weak but the good ones are great.
I also may be the only person alive who LOVES “I” from “The Elder.” I actually think it’s one of their best songs ever.
You’re not alone in loving “I”. If there ever was a song that earned them the term “superheroes”, this is it. Why they can’t get over the fact that the album didn’t do well and just play it live is beyond me. People would love it.
I also love “I”……
i agree with you about “I”
i actually think that the elder is their best album.
I has a great chance of making the 80′s list…
If there was a gem amongst those tracks I would’ve picked one… I hated Alive II so perhaps that coloured my judgment. I did consider “Rocket Ride” but it didn’t make the final cut.
I Agree “Rocket Ride” Or One Of My Personal Favorites “Shock Me” That Also Never Made It On The List.
Creatures of the Night was Ace Frehely’s last album with Kiss, the first Creatures of the Night, before they redid it and took him off the Album.
ace didnt play on creatures…it was vinnie vincent and other studio muscians
True, anyone here ever met Vinnie? I had a chance to spend a day with thim when a friend who owned a guitar store had him in for a clinic. What a strange fellow.
Great reading..they have loads of unheard gems in their catalog. Magic touch being one of them.
I’ve heard all of these. I own every album. Even the garbage after 1978.
Thanks for the great article on KISS. The 10 songs you chose would most likely be similar if I were to make a list of similar fashion.
As attached as I am to the first 7 albums, KISS has continued to make great music up to 2012′s MONSTER album. Very seldom did the band use too much filler material to sell the latest single in the album format.
…and now the KISS geek moment-
Frehley did record two albums with Kiss after Dynasty- UNMASKED (as you mentioned) but he also contributed to the making of MUSIC FROM ‘The Elder’. The latter containing the great lost song “Dark Light” (originally titled “Don’t Run” but lyrically reworked to fit the storyline of the concept album. It probably contains the greatest Swan Song solo Ace could provide tithe very different album.
It seems that my head was stuck in the ’70′s and I temporarily ‘forgot’ about the (in my opionion) awful Elder album that was released in ’81 and Frehley’s involvement in it. Dark Light was definitely a highlight of that one.
I have to say you really dug up some gems. Charisma made it legit for me. Here are the ones I think you missed.
Ladies in waiting
Almost human
Living in sin
Good Job looking back you pretty much nailed it.
Thanks & you may be glad to notice that you overlooked Amost Human on the list. It’s there.
You stated that Frehley’s last recorded album with Kiss was Unmasked but he also appeared on Music from The Elder, though I believe he didn’t play on two of that albums tracks.
Just a minor correction, Ace Frehley recorded two more albums with Kiss after Dynasty. Unmasked in 1980 and Music from The Elder in 1981. He was also featured on the cover for Creatures of the Night, although he didn’t actually play on it.
I think that “Hard Times” is a better Frehley-penned song from Dynasty.But overall, this list rocks.Kudos
Thanks!
Wow um…The thing about kiss with me is I loved taking the musical journey with them,wherever it took me…And you gotta do an 80s version now…KISS RULES!
Yes I was thinking an 80′s version would go down good next… let’s see if the editors of this site agree :)
Apparently they do… a follow up is in the works… songs picked, intro written… just need to do the individual song write-up
Love Her All I Can….from Dressed to Kill.great solos from ACE…
All four Solo LP’s are underrated and over-looked.
Indeed but technically they are solo albums… in spite of the way they were released. Perhaps a retrospective on the 10 best songs that group of solo albums? Is there enough good material on those albums to warrant that? Food for thought, thanks.
Two Words: Flaming Youth
Yes, gave it a nod in the “Sweet Pain” section with an explanation for it being left off this list.
40 year kiss fan but could never stand “Almost Human”. Maybe “king of the night time world” or “flaming youth” instead?
10 songs I’ve never heard? I guess you’ve never met a Kiss fan.
One or two inaccuracies but they’ve been corrected in the comments. Would have liked to have seen Mr Speed, Love Em And Leave Em, Got Love For Sale and X-Ray Eyes included though. OK so there are so many hidden gems. What about a top 20 next time? Don’t understand the inclusion of the weaker studio version of Ladies Room as it’s already on Alive II and the live version is amazing(?!) :/ And you’re wrong! … Dynasty is an amazing album IMHO ;)
My first concert, 1985 I believe it was. Lakeview Arena. Marquette,MI.
Opening act was W.A.S.P. KISS was no longer in makeup(Animalize Tour). Always prayed for the day I could see them in makeup, all original members. Also seen them on Crazy Nights Tour at same place. Then came Reunion Tour. Sold out in like 38min for Tiger Stadium, Opening date of tour, and I could never get through on phone to get a ticket. My dream had been missed, or so I thought. Few days later a friend I worked with at a local casino came up to me and said, “I hear you are a big KISS fan”. I said yes and he proceeded to tell me he had an extra ticket for Tiger Stadium. Then my dream came true. About 40th row. left center stage(Gene’s side). WOW is all i can say. Finally seen all original members in makeup and the whole big show. But most of all….. I finally got to see Peter Criss sing “Beth”.
Think I saw every non-makeup tour but never with W.A.S.P. who I love. Saw them on a bill in Toronto at a small venue: Amored Saint, W.A.S.P. and Metallica. Think that was Metallica’s first Toronto appearance but I could be wrong… have to look that up.
My favorite Kiss song is “Watchin You” off of Hotter than Hell
Great list! What about “Tomorrow and tonight” from Love Gun and “Two sides of the coin” from Unmasked?
Love the list – the song I always come back to that I love and think is the most overlooked Kiss song is Rock Bottom off of Dressed to Kill. Ace’s intro on that song is brilliant (and then song itself is great).
I think there are more obscure Kiss classics out there that alot of people haven’t heard…
Simmons/Coronel wrote “Goin’ Blind” originally as a “beatlesque” tune, until KISS gave it a make over…
My list
10. Getaway, Dressed to Kill, Frehley penned Criss sang!
9. Two timer, Dressed to Kill, Simmons does it all here
8. Comin’ Home, Hotter than Hell, Stanley ode to the road
7. Flamin’ Youth, Destroyer named after a band that opened for KIss, a rally to the nation’s fans!
6. Love ‘em Leave ‘em Rock n’ Roll over, Simmons cock rock, “my limousine is a waitin’” the best line, is “I’ve got a stiff proposition girl”…
5. Got Love for Sale, Love Gun Great work by Frehley on the solo
4. X ray eyes, Dynasty, always one of my favorites!
3. Mr. Speed, Rock n’ Roll over,,,CLASSIC!
2. She, Dressed to Kill, jammin’ tune played long ago and great live!
1. All the way, Hotter than Hell, this one rocks timeless and is underated!
Indeed, also some excellent suggestions here.. paring down any artist’s work to a ‘list’ is always risky but the conversations that get started are a blast.
You can not go past magic touch for 70s kiss. Thrills in the night for 80′s kiss. Dreamin for 90s kiss. Nothing good in the 00s and for now Its a long way down.
Magic touch from 70s. Thrills of the night from 80s. Dreamin/spit from 90s. Nothing in the 00s and Long way down for this decade. But so many other to choose from so i Got to choose.
A great selection of songs. Great to hear those old classics. However the title of this article is not the best IMHO. Any Kiss fan from the 70′s has heard all these songs.
Got to Choose…but then again I’m a sucker for cowbell.
My personal faves from the 70′s are: She, 100000 years, and Firehouse. Cmon and love me is another gem as is Parasite from Hotter than Hell.
Always loved me some Tomorrow and Tonight off of Love Gun, Makin’ Love from Rock and Roll Over, and Magic Touch from Dynasty. Great Paul Stanley tunes.
Good list, and well written. I would echo the sentiments of those who have mentioned “Mr. Speed,” “Ladies In Waiting,” “Rocket Ride,” and add (if they haven’t already been mentioned by other posters) “Love For Sale” and my all-time favorite KISS tune “Comin’ Home.”
Great list! I’m pulling out all my Classic Kiss CDs this afternoon and having a marathon. I love “Almost Human”! One of my favorite Gene tracks. I would love to see an ’80′s list, since a lot of their classic tunes come from the 70′s there would be a lot to choose from from the ’80′s era.
Here’s my go at it.
1.)IS THAT YOU?- Unmasked (1980)
This album is just a really weird departure for Kiss in general. But the title track has a catchy hook and creepy lyrics..Unfortunately after this title track and Shandi, not much else pops on the album.
2.)DARK LIGHT – The Elder (1981)
To be honest, I really enjoy listening to The Elder. I love old Alice Cooper concept albums and while the Elder’s storyline is thin, it’s nice to hear songs that have different subject matter from the 70’s tunes. Dark Light has a terrific guitar riff and probably one of the best vocals that Frehley ever produced.
3.)WAR MACHINE – Creatures of the Night (1982)
COTN is probably my favorite Kiss album. The pressence of a hard hitting Rock and Roll drummer like Eric Carr (not like the jazzy Cat there Peter Criss), and the metal infused riffs of Vinny Vincent made this album really solid. I think War Machine is a fantastic hidden gem. It has those killer drum beats at the beginning and Gene’s growl throughout the song. It’s a great anthem. Also who doesn’t love a song about Iron Man’s best bud. :)
4.)I STILL LOVE YOU -Creatures of the Night (1982)
If you didn’t know how good of a range Paul Stanley had as a lead singer, you will after listening to this one and only ballad on COTN. He sings his ass off on this song and even though it’s a ballad the song never seems like it was forced on the album and still has that heavy melodic sound.
5.)EXCITER – Lick it Up (1983)
The opening track is so fast and hard hitting that it really deserves another listen. I love All hell’s breaking Loose as well, but seeing as that was the 2nd single of the album, it didn’t make the cut.
6.)BURN BITCH BURN- Animalize (1984)
Okay um in all seriousness Animalize isn’t a terrible album. It does have some bright spots such as Heaven’s on Fire and and well, I’ll get back to you. But, let’s talk BURN BITCH BURN people. It’s a basic rock track but man the lyrics and just ridioculously cheesy that I had to put it on the list. When a song just flys off the handle with “When love rears its head I wanna get on your case OOh baby, Wanna put my Log in your fireplace.” annnd FACEPALM! Awesome.
7.)UH! ALL NIGHT-Asylum (1985)
What can I say, I’m a sucker for hilarious lyrics. Paul Stanley must have a great sense of humor. This track closes this album perfectly. Asylum is just a fun 80’s hair metal ride.
8.)NO, NO, NO -Crazy Nights (1987)
Well we can all agree that Bruce Kulick has chops after the killer riff at the beginning of NO, NO, NO. Man, it’s just blistering. I still don’t know why they never asked Bruce back to the band after Frehley split for the last time. (Not that I have anything against Tommy. I really think Tommy has been amazing). The song after the initial guitar solo goes into this fast paced metal tune sung by Gene. It really seems to capture what metal/hard rock was at that time.
9.)CADILLAC DREAMS
I know my list is a little “Gene” heavy at this point, but a lot of the singles in the 80’s were Stanley’s. He was the backbone of Kiss in the 80’s and continues to be. But a lot of the stuff that gets put on the back burner are Simmons scribed tunes. Even now, all the singles from Monster and Sonic Boom were all Stanley penned. With that said, Cadillac Dreams is a cool number with some great vocals from Gene and commanding drumming by Eric. I like how Gene is always up front with you and doesn’t deny that he wants to be financially successful.
10.)LITTLE CESEAR
Ya know I really wish there were more Eric Carr sung Kiss songs out there. He really just has a great rock voice. It’s totally different from Paul and Gene. This song demonstrates Carr’s singing capabilities along with his song writing abilities.
I was amazed that Strange Ways, Goin’ Blind, and Almost Human made this list, because I’ve always thought they were overlooked gems. I would also add Two Timer for it’s ‘natural’ feel, Fits Like A Glove for its intensity, Gimme More and Boomerang for their speed, Spit, for Bruce Kulicks BLISTERING guitar, and World Without Heroes for it quiet magic. I’ve always thought Kiss did ALOT of cheesy/and or crappy songs, but they had even more GREAT songs, many unknown by the general public. Maybe they could do a compilation of undiscovered gems and/or a heavy collection.
How was your marathon? Great suggestions for the 80′s stuff, particularly COTN.
The marathon was good. I got up to dressed to kill. going to continue it this afternoon. what are your thoughts on the new albums by the way? I think Monster was pretty solid all the way through. Tommy is ripping it up.
I really like the new album. I wouldn’t mind taking a stab at writing a review of it but its hardly timely at this point.
KISS WERY GOD .AND BEST
kISS .WERY GOD FROM EMILPRAHL.AND TED WERNSSON.
Great list!! I’m pulling out all my Classic Kiss CDs this afternoon and having a marathon. I love “Almost Human”! One of my favorite Gene tracks. I would love to see an ’80′s list, since a lot of their classic tunes come from the 70′s there would be a lot to choose from from the ’80′s era.
Here’s my go at it.
1.)IS THAT YOU?- Unmasked (1980)
This album is just a really weird departure for Kiss in general. But the title track has a catchy hook and creepy lyrics..Unfortunately after this title track and Shandi, not much else pops on the album.
2.)DARK LIGHT – The Elder (1981)
To be honest, I really enjoy listening to The Elder. I love old Alice Cooper concept albums and while the Elder’s storyline is thin, it’s nice to hear songs that have different subject matter from the 70’s tunes. Dark Light has a terrific guitar riff and probably one of the best vocals that Frehley ever produced.
3.)WAR MACHINE – Creatures of the Night (1982)
COTN is probably my favorite Kiss album. The pressence of a hard hitting Rock and Roll drummer like Eric Carr (not like the jazzy Cat there Peter Criss), and the metal infused riffs of Vinny Vincent made this album really solid. I think War Machine is a fantastic hidden gem. It has those killer drum beats at the beginning and Gene’s growl throughout the song. It’s a great anthem. Also who doesn’t love a song about Iron Man’s best bud. :)
4.)I STILL LOVE YOU -Creatures of the Night (1982)
If you didn’t know how good of a range Paul Stanley had as a lead singer, you will after listening to this one and only ballad on COTN. He sings his ass off on this song and even though it’s a ballad the song never seems like it was forced on the album and still has that heavy melodic sound.
5.)EXCITER – Lick it Up (1983)
The opening track is so fast and hard hitting that it really deserves another listen. I love All hell’s breaking Loose as well, but seeing as that was the 2nd single of the album, it didn’t make the cut.
6.)BURN BITCH BURN- Animalize (1984)
Okay um in all seriousness Animalize isn’t a terrible album. It does have some bright spots such as Heaven’s on Fire and and well, I’ll get back to you. But, let’s talk BURN BITCH BURN people. It’s a basic rock track but man the lyrics and just ridioculously cheesy that I had to put it on the list. When a song just flys off the handle with “When love rears its head I wanna get on your case OOh baby, Wanna put my Log in your fireplace.” annnd FACEPALM! Awesome.
7.)UH! ALL NIGHT-Asylum (1985)
What can I say, I’m a sucker for hilarious lyrics. Paul Stanley must have a great sense of humor. This track closes this album perfectly. Asylum is just a fun 80’s hair metal ride.
8.)NO, NO, NO -Crazy Nights (1987)
Well we can all agree that Bruce Kulick has chops after the killer riff at the beginning of NO, NO, NO. Man, it’s just blistering. I still don’t know why they never asked Bruce back to the band after Frehley split for the last time. (Not that I have anything against Tommy. I really think Tommy has been amazing). The song after the initial guitar solo goes into this fast paced metal tune sung by Gene. It really seems to capture what metal/hard rock was at that time.
9.)CADILLAC DREAMS
I know my list is a little “Gene” heavy at this point, but a lot of the singles in the 80’s were Stanley’s. He was the backbone of Kiss in the 80’s and continues to be. But a lot of the stuff that gets put on the back burner are Simmons scribed tunes. Even now, all the singles from Monster and Sonic Boom were all Stanley penned. With that said, Cadillac Dreams is a cool number with some great vocals from Gene and commanding drumming by Eric. I like how Gene is always up front with you and doesn’t deny that he wants to be financially successful.
10.)LITTLE CESEAR
Ya know I really wish there were more Eric Carr sung Kiss songs out there. He really just has a great rock voice. It’s totally different from Paul and Gene. This song demonstrates Carr’s singing capabilities along with his song writing abilities.
I know we aren’t looking at solo albums, BUT…..on Paul’s ake me away, together as one in INCREDIBLE!!!! The cresendo’s are amasing !!
They have played All American Man live. The current line up did it a few years back. It will be on You Tube. Agree with Matt, Mr Speed, Love For Sale and Comin’ Home. You could argue against Comin’ Home as it opened the Unplugged album so has a wider audience.
The list has hits and misses for me. I do love all these songs except for one. Save Your Love is awful. I’ve always hated that song. I will list some songs I have always loved over the years.
Nothin To Lose
Let Me Know
Got To Choose
Mainline
Parasite
Comin Home
Two Timer
Love Her All I Can
She
Flaming Youth
King Of The Night Time World
Mr Speed
I Want You
Hard Luck Woman
I Stole Your Love
Christine 16
Hooligan
Tonight You Belong To Me
It’s Alright
Speedin Back To My Baby
Rip It Out
I Can’t Stop The Rain
Radioactive
Living In Sin
X-ray Eyes
Sure Know Something
Hard Times
Is That You
She’s So European
Tomorrow
The Oath
Creatures Of The Night
Keep Me Comin
I Still Love You
A Million To One
Dance All Over Your Face
Exciter
Burn Bitch Burn
Get All You Can Take
Under The Gun
Radar For Love
Secretly Cruel
King Of The Mountain
Fight Hell To Hold You
Good Girl Gone Bad
My Way
You Make Me (Rock Hard)
Betrayed
Little Ceasar
You Love Me To Hate You
Take It Off
Domino
Tough Love
Hate
Master & Slave
In My Head
Dreamin
We Are One
Within
Never Enough
Yes I Know (Nobody’s Perfect)
Say Yeah
Freak
Wall Of Sound
All For The Love Of Rock n Roll
Wow! That’s quite a list… have you thought of writing a definitive Kiss song list yourself?
Larger Than Life from the studio side of Alive II is a crusher, and it’s amazing it’s not played live. Magic Touch off of Dynasty crushes the mentioned Save Your Love, IMO, as does X-Ray Eyes.
Sorry bout the duplicate comment above. I didn’t see it post and hit it again. :(
No worries, I enjoyed it both times, well written!
Sorry, the list does not include “Love Her All I Can” from Dressed to Kill.
I mean how can such a list not ?
My 70′s Picks…. Very Cool….
10. Mr. Speed
9. Two Timer
8. Love Theme From KISS
7. Room Service
6. X-Ray Eyes
5. Save Your Love
4. Tomorrow And Tonight
3. Let Me Know
2. Sweet Pain
1. Ladies In Waiting
Those are ten of my fav non played songs. My brother gave me all kinds of crap when he heard me listening to Goin Blind. KISS. Gotta love’em
Kiss haters never really bothered to listen. They just hate the commercialism.
Kiss rules.
Kiss is rock and roll. Kiss is America.
You can’t do what they do/did by just putting on makeup and costumes. You have to write good music.
Kiss is always working hard to produce new music too. Others would just be touring and cashing in.
Almost everybody has overlooked MAKIN LOVE one of Ace’s best solos. Parasite/100,000 years/king of the night time world/ i stole your love/2000 man/the oath/. Next article the album that would result out of all 4 solo albums combined?
I would add to that list 1) Let Me Know (Debut) 2) All the Way (Hotter Than Hell) 3) Anyway You Want It (Alive II Side 4)the entire Unmasked record
Not going to go on a tangent, but, I simply can not believe that nobody mentioned “Naked City” from “Unmasked”. Yes, you guys have mentioned tons of hidden gems and I’m with ya, but damn!!! Grab “Unmasked” and listen again.
Agreed, great tune, but Unmasked was released in ’80.
I have to disagree with your assessment on the second side of Rock And Roll Over. That side contained Mr. Speed, Hard Luck Woman and Makin’ Love. Pretty damn good material. Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em was a klunker, and Gene’s pre-solo album attempt at See You In Your Dreams was out of place and much better when it had the benefit of a Rick Neilsen guitar solo on Gene’s album.
Mr Speed and Makin’ Love are certainly good tracks, perhaps I still suffer from that pre-CD condition known as side 2-itus which occured when the first side of an album was so strong that side 2 can be largely ignored.
I agree with others on here that “Magic Touch” should have made the list. It is a very solid song with punch. Other than that, I love everything that they have put out other than Destroyer. That was my least favorite album. My favorite being Rock and Roll Over.
“Got Love for Sale from Love Gun (superb bass work!). “Larger than Life” and “Rocket Ride” from the raw side 4 of Alive II.
I second “Naked City”. Outstanding track.
I agree with the earlier posts – MR. SPEED is hands down the most overlooked KISS tune ever! Shame on KISS for never performing it live! (not counting the Convention attempts)
I really believe that mr speed, rocket ride, nowhere to run would be great inclusions to a live show, also easy as it seems of unmasked is a very underrated song and could have been a single hit, and my favorite 80s song is king of the mountain, off asylum .
Easy As It Seems is certainly a gem!
I can go with this list. Would have left off “Almost Human” though. “Tomorrow and Tonight” would have been a better pick. I can’t believe no love for Peter! “Baby Driver” and “Hooligan” are two of my favorite songs. My list (in no particular order) would be:
Baby Driver
Watchin You
Radioactive
Hooligan
Tomorrow and Tonight
Rock Bottom
Love Em and Leave Em
Mr. Speed
Wouldn’t You Like to Know Me
Cmon and Love Me
I have to admit that Peter’s stuff generally leaves me cold, especially “Baby Driver”.
My god, Has any band ever released so many classic songs, every one of these songs has a place in my life, i’m not so sure i can pick ten obscure tracks without having a different ten tomorrow, but here’s mine for this moment:
1 Getaway – Dressed to Kill
2 Anything For My Baby – Dressed To Kill
3 Mr. Speed – Rock And Roll Over
4 Charisma – Dynasty
5 Is That You – Unmasked
6 Under The Rose – The Elder
7 Keep Me Comin’ – Creatures Of The Night
8 Uh! All Night – Asylum
9 We Are One – Psycho Circus
10 Yes I Know (nobody’s perfect)
Left out the solo albums, though since they were official Kiss releases, i’ll allow myself one from each
It’s Alright – Paul
I Can’t Stop The Rain – Peter (possibly my favourite song ever)
Speeding Back To My Baby – Ace
Mr Make Believe – Gene
In the 70s Magic Touch. 80s Thrills of the night. 90s Dreamin or spit. 00s nothing good for me. And now Its a long way down. Thats what i Got to choose.
Thanks man, great job, good list,
I only wanted more “new” songs (80s ~ 00s) :D but I certainly know that if were a list of 30 best songs, It would satisfy all of the great secret gems of KISS that I like.
and I need to congrats another time for the high number of comments, it was great to see soo much people who knew these songs.
Please make more lists!
#Brazilian KISS FAN
A list for the 80′s is forthcoming… stay tuned!
What about Black Diamond ????????????????
I’m not sure if anybody’s mentioned it yet but “baby driver” from rock and roll over
Love Theme From KISS, KISS
All the Way, Hotter Than Hell
Ladies In Waiting, Dressed To Kill
Got Love For Sale; Plaster Caster, Love Gun
Larger Than Life, Alive II
Dirty Livin`, Dynasty
Love`s Like A Slap In The Face, Hot In The Shade
Unholy, Revenge
Master & Slave, Carnival Of Souls
Underated & hated has been KISS’ legacy but who cares, we love ‘em!!
Disagree about Baby Driver, Ace & Peter really combine well here & Ace’s guitar work sounding like a b-double speeding down the highway, brilliant!
Other hidden gems of the 70′s;
Mainline, All The Way, Getaway, Love Her All I Can, Hooligan, Mr Speed, Magic Touch, Dirty Livin’.
Hidden Gems of the 80′s:
Naked City, Tomorrow, Dark Light, I’m A Legend Tonight, Saint And Sinner, Exciter, Under The Gun, King Of The Mountain, When Your Walls Come Down, King Of Hearts.
It took some guts to place as #1 a Dynasty song, but I loved it anyway!
My list would have “Mr. Speed” but overall it’s awesome!
Shock Me, Mr Speed, Let Me Go Rock and Roll, Parasite, Baby Driver, Firehouse, Come On and Love Me, Comin’ Home, Makin’ Love, 100,000 Years. You missed a few.
I love EVERY one of these except for #7 and #3. “Charisma” is one of my tope 3 fave KISS songs ever.
Although the new album, Monster is too new to be adding this, I think in years to come, Right Here, Right Now (iTunes only bonus track) is an outstanding KISS track that should have definitely made it on the actual release. It’s a great rocking track with some great Stanly lyrics. Search it out and enjoy!
Once you start compiling your 80′s list, consider “Not For The Innocent” and “Dance All Over Your Face” from Lick It Up.
Good job on the 70′s, btw!
Thanks! Yes, those are two excellent suggestions… the 80′s article is in the pipe right now, not yet complete but I’ll tell you that one of these songs made the final cut of 10.
Love the article,totally disagree about your opinion about “Baby Driver” though but hey that’s really the only thing.If you are still a member of the army you should check out the new disk “Monster”(It is aptly named).
When I saw the negative comments made on BABY DRIVER, I knew the Reverend didn’t truly Rock. Then his comments on Ace’s SCREAMING solo on Almost Human…i now moniker you Reverend Turd.