10 Worst Hard Rock Lyrics Of The ‘80s

KISS is not really a band that warrants too much thought before jumping in. Ever since the time they started, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons were always aiming to write lyrics that fit in with the rock and roll lifestyle rather than taking you on a journey. In fact, the only way to possibly confuse a KISS fan is if you try to write a tune with a strong message.

Coming after their embarrassing disco years, KISS went into the studio and crafted one of the most half-baked concept albums on Earth with Music from the Elder. Though any of the cheap storyline songs could have made this list, “Mr. Blackwell” is the one moment that feels the most derivative. Simmons takes the reins for this one, as he waxes poetic about the evil powers of the titular Blackwell, who could be anything from a dictator to a priest depending on how you look at the story.

As far as the meat of the song is concerned, Simmons’ lyrics sound like he is just trying to fill the verse with fluff so he can introduce the character, as he uses analogies like “a sinner who loves to sin” and rhyming “Blackwell” with “go to hell.” KISS are responsible for plenty of rock classics, but this one shot at serious writing isn’t really on par with the Bob Dylans of the world.