Label: Polystar Records (Japan), P33C-20004
Style: Hard Rock, Arena Rock, Glam Rock
Country: New York City, U.S.
Time: 33:23
Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz
Size: 196 Mb
01. Got To Choose is a hell of a tune to open the album with for it’s an attitude-infused mid-tempo groove-focus rock masterpiece. No, it isn’t one of KISS’ most popular tunes, but if the infectious melody doesn’t get you, Ace Frehley’s exceptional blues-infused guitar licks will.
02. Parasite is riff heaven and between Ace Frehley’s skilled writing and Gene Simmons’ raw and aggressive vocals, Parasite is not only one of the heavier tunes KISS ever recorded, but it’s one of the greatest rock numbers from the era.
03. Goin' Blind slows the album’s pace with a ballad-focused tune. Simmons knocks the vocals out of the park, but interestingly his vocal presentation differs from what we normally associate with him. The variance reminds me of Steven Tyler’s vocal delivery on Aerosmith’s self-titled debut. It isn’t bad, not by any means, but it is unique.
04. Hotter Than Hell exudes swagger and confidence, driven by gritty, distorted riffs and a stomping rhythm section, but isn’t quite the ideal title track. It works, yes, but it isn’t a standout. Part of my love/hate relationship with the tune is the chosen tempo. While I acknowledge that it was written with Free’s All Right Now in mind, I find it’s a little too slow and would like to have seen it sped up by a few beats per minute.
05. Let Me Go, Rock And Roll is a fast-paced number that embodies the rock and roll spirit of the era with its relentless rhythm and infectious energy. If nothing else, the driving bassline, dynamic guitar solos, and overall mix capture the rawness of KISS’ early, yet compelling, sound.
06. All The Way may be an album-only tune, one that is unknown to many who haven’t listened to the album, but despite being lesser known, All The Way delivers a punchy, straightforward rock feel with an edgy guitar sound that is KISS 101.
07. Watchin' You has an incredible introduction, for the dense layering of guitars and a powerful rhythm section enhance the tune and ensure the intensity of the record is maintained. The musical bed alone is such a standout that Simmons need not have written or recorded lyrics for Watchin’ You could have been instrumental gold, had it been recorded with that intent. It isn’t that the vocals detract from the song, however, it’s that the musical performance is so much stronger than Simmons’ vocal delivery.
08. Mainline shifts the tone as Peter Criss takes over vocal duties for the first time on the album. With a Southern rock influence, the laid-back vibe is a precursor to many of KISS’ most memorable tunes and this is no exception for the chorus and overall upbeat nature of Mainline will stay with you well after the album has played its final note.
09. Comin' Home, while not as heavy as many of the other tracks, does circle back to the band’s melodic roots and in that regard is a hidden gem. It is, unfortunately, one of the most sonically compromised recordings from the album and even though it’s thoroughly enjoyable, it could have been so much more had more spit and polish been applied during the recording and mixing of the song.
10. Strange Ways is an ideal closer with its slow and heavy pace that allows Criss’ vocals to shine. It also features Ace Frehley at his very best, as the band works through the track’s sludgy and psychedelic rhythm, leaving a lasting impression; one that will compel you to play the album again or sit in contemplation of the music that you’ve just heard.
(subjectivesounds.com/musicblog/kiss-hotter-than-hell-album-review)
Album recorded and mixed in the analog domain - AAD. That is, a minimum of digital processing.
A=Analog. D=digital. The first letter stands for how the music was recorded. The second letter for how it was mixed. The third letter stands for the format (all CD's will have D as the last letter).
01. Got To Choose (03:54)
02. Parasite (03:04)
03. Goin' Blind (03:39)
04. Hotter Than Hell (03:31)
05. Let Me Go, Rock 'N' Roll (02:16)
06. All The Way (03:18)
07. Watchin' You (03:45)
08. Mainline (03:52)
09. Comin' Home (02:40)
10. Strange Ways (03:21)
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