1. Strutter (Stanley, Simmons) A+

   This is a very strong Kiss song for me! It’s memorable, energetic and cool as hell!  I’m a big fan of Paul Stanley’s vocals and I think he knocks it out of the ballpark with this song. This classic Kiss song starts off with its instantly recognizable Criss drum opening, the groove continues with the chiming guitars before Paul Stanley delivers his story with vocals that I love paying attention to because the melody he sings is varied and full of emotional punches that keep the song interesting.  And what a killer riff!!! Paul took the riff from Simmon’s song “Stanley the Parrot” and sped it up, a true genius moment. Stand out moments: the duet parts when Gene joins Paul as they sing “Everybody says she’s looking good…” Ace Frehley’s lead is original and never tires and Peter Criss’ drumming on the last round of the Strutter riff, he’s even putting more energy into it, adding an extra slam as the song wraps up. Perfect Kiss song!!!

A+

Jeff

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   I've always been intrigued by opening songs on debut albums. “Strutter” is the Kiss statement of purpose on so many levels. The majority of the songs on their first album are cinematic, “story” tunes that, even as a sheltered, Midwestern pre-teen, created a gritty, New York City image in my mind. I always envisioned this heavily made up, high heel wearing girl attracting attention around Times Square. “Strutter” embodies the band's desire to replicate the Beatles template of having four “lead” players. From Peter Criss's melodic opening riff, to our introduction to Paul's oddly Southern “accent,” Ace's smoking lead and Gene's McCartneyish walking bass line, the emphasis on all band members is highlighted immediately. (I will establish here that all of my grades on these songs are somewhat tempered by the fact that I heard the Alive versions of these songs before I ever heard the first album, so these songs will always sound pedestrian and like demos to me.) “Strutter” is an extremely well-crafted song. That drum riff rolls perfectly into Paul's opening “I know a thing or two about her” and then the verses lead to a chorus that is simply one word, followed by a perfect 70's guitar riff. Again, they introduced a riff that would work perfectly for the choreographed rhythmic moves that would highlight their lives shows. They knew they had written a great album opener. 

A

Kip

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   For me, this is Kiss's first sing-along. It's almost impossible not to, especially the pre-chorus and chorus. Ace's solo is SO ass-kickingly powerful. His vibrato grabs ahold and makes even non guitarist make guitar faces. A perfect fit for a perfect song.

A+

Mark

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2. Nothin' to Lose (Simmons) B+

   I like how Kiss traded off vocals in this song, with Gene then Paul then Peter. Once again you get that unity of the band. This is a catchy song that easily sticks in your head and you’re humming it hours later. Favorite part of the song is after Ace’s lead, when they break into singing the refrain just over the drums (2:34).

B

Jeff

   

The band's first single is an interesting combination of a jaunty, rather 50's guitar riff, a sing-along chorus and verses with REALLY dirty lyrics concerning a girl's “back door.” Paul frequently criticizes some of their early work as being “more roll than rock,” but those songs tend to be among my favorites. Another tune featuring a very strong riff, it also is the public's introduction to Gene Simmons, both in songwriting and vocals. Peter Criss also gets his first feature vocals, albeit in the chorus. Ace's solo really embodies the “song within a song” that my buddy Jeff so admires.  A solid effort that needed a live audience to achieve the communal feel of the chorus, though I later wondered if the audience would have been so willing had they been aware of the song's subject matter. Peter really shines vocally on the outro. 

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A

Kip

   

A bit run of the mill, but in Ace's defense they don't give him much time to work with. Quick in and out, but it still rocks! 

B

Mark

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3. Firehouse (Stanley) A

   Love the bass groove on this song. Paul Stanley’s proves what a great ‘Rock n Roll” singer he is with this song. Back in high school this song got my best friend into KISS. Favorite part is when Paul and Gene start harmonizing (1:20) and then Ace’s lead kicks in! This song is still great with a different mix on Double Platinum and of course the Alive version is awesome!

A

Jeff

   

   Though I'm not a fan of this version, “Firehouse” is among a very short list of my all-time favorite Kiss songs. With the cool opening guitar part leading into the chugging main riff, this is just classic Kiss. Again, the subject matter entails a “smoking” hot girl. Paul cites many English bands as inspiration and  that is very evident here. This version is SO slow, it needed the adrenaline of the live situation to attain the groove that makes this song work. Though often derided by many long time fans, Ace's solo (allegedly a one-off, first effort) fits this song perfectly. His stuttering, repeated lick in the middle of his solo perfectly mimics his staggering, drunken stage mannerisms. It's title can't be underestimated for foreshadowing their live image either. Of note is the importance of listening to the Eddie Kramer produced demo of this song to hear the evolution of an idea that was stilted and erratic in it's early stages. I'm giving this an “A” rather than an “A+” ONLY due to the painfully slow tempo of this version.

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A

   Kip

 

   Ace plays a great lead in the transition between the verse and chorus. Soulful vibrato and nice fluid double stop run. Another great transitional phrase then on to the glorious hiccup chicken pickin' solo we all love and play air guitar to.

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A+

Mark

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4. Cold Gin (Frehley) A

   It’s nice that Ace was songwriter too. His contribution to KISS is one of the reasons they became a favorite band in high school. Cold Gin is just classic Kiss. I love Gene’s vocals “I’m so tired” and “to build a fire”.  I’m a big fan of early Simmon's vocals. I mean just listen to the delivery of “the cheaper stuff is all I need” (1:57). From a guy who doesn’t drink he sure delivers on selling the stuff. Love the instrumental break (2:50) most impressive! Nice job Ace! 

A

Jeff

   

   Ace's first songwriting credit is a stone cold Kiss classic. Opening with a Cream inspired riff, “Cold Gin” is another NYC inspired ode to desperation, depression and alcohol. Again, this version suffers from a dirge like pace, but all the elements that make it a great song are here: an air guitar inspiring riff, Gene's snarling, syllable stretching delivery AND incredible walking bass line and Paul's simple, but essential counter guitar part. History has shown it somewhat ironic to have the famously teetotaling Gene sing a song about drinking, but it spoke to those grinding out life, trying to survive. The instrumental break in the middle, allegedly an uncredited Simmons addition, again inspired countless aspiring guitarists to mimic. A perfect addition to a batch of outstanding Simmons and Stanley compositions, “Cold Gin” had to have them salivating at the thought of having three strong composers in the band.

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A+

Kip

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   No real lead section, but cool little fill riffs into the very rockin' instrumental bridge that resolves with some tasty hammer on chord ditties. Great Ace written joint. Love it!! 

A

Mark

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5. Let Me Know (Stanley) B

   This may not be my favorite Kiss song, but I still enjoy it to this day. It is a little more popish, doesn’t have as much attitude and swagger as we experience with other songs on this album. Still pretty good pop song. I like the parts that Paul Stanley sings more. During the lead of this song, I am paying more attention to what Gene is playing on the bass than Ace’s lead. I really like what Gene plays on this song. And the ending (2:10) starting with Gene and Paul “Beach Boy” harmony that leads into that closing riff! That’s a powerful closing!

B+

Jeff

   Allegedly the first song Paul ever played for Gene upon their first meeting, “Let Me Know” was the first song that to my young ears showed their affection for the Beatles. Featuring trade off vocals, the song is strong though inexplicably short. The highlight for me is Gene's perfect melodic bass line. Perhaps the most important aspect of the song is the instrumental fadeout that later figured prominently in their live set, leading into Ace's feature solo. A decent, though rather underdeveloped, addition to the album, though it pales in comparison to many of the other classics.

C-

Kip

   The beginning is a straight ahead rock and roll caper. Ace's first solo reminds me 1950's rock riffing ala Chuck Berry. Great double stops and his signature hiccups. The next section “star man” is set free to fly through the cosmos. Ripping off the two jagged solos. Wave on wave of scorching, man as hell licks!

A+

Mark

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6. Kissin' Time (Mann, Lowe) B-

   I actually like this song. I like the thudding base intro. I love how these are guys remade a song, but made it their own. Something they forgot how to do with later remakes. It’s a better version than the original song. I love how they trade off on the singing. I like on the second verse when Paul starts singing (2:06) that Ace changes it up and plays an echoing edge at the end of each vocal line. I love the drumming on this song, the beat is infectious.  I really like Ace’s lead on it, the sound he makes is all his own sound, recognize it anywhere. I love this song’s vibe with everyone singing. Great trade off on three super rock singers. For being told they had to cover this 60’s pop song I think they did a great job turning it into a Kiss song.

B+

Jeff

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   A throwaway cover track that the band reluctantly yet surprisingly successfully completed at the demand of label head Neil Bogart to try to garner the band radio success by capitalizing on the word Kiss in the title and city name dropping in the song. It really doesn't fit with the tone of the rest of the album. A nostalgic piece for diehards. Otherwise...

D

Kip

   Ace's solo here just floors me! It's so in-your-face and has bad breath to boot. The double note bends to rapid fire pull offs are glorious! This may be fave.

A+

Mark

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7. Deuce (Simmons) A

   I don’t know how Kiss could be Kiss without the powerful Deuce. If you had a car stereo in the 1970’s I can’t think of a better song to blast out the windows! I love the speed of it and the energy of this song. From the very first second of this song it screams turn me up and when the Stonesy riff happens… it’s bad ass to the max! Gene Simmons vocals are just killer. Once again, we have the shared vocals from Gene and Paul that just work. I love the Ace Frehley lead coming in soaring over Simmon’s riff (1:00). This song and whole album benefits so much from Ace’s leads. This song is full throttle, but with Ace it turns into something very special. Love the harmonies of Paul and Gene singing: “crying all your tears” (1:18). I think Gene’s bass sounds fantastic!  Ace’s outro and Gene’s scream keep this song rockin’ to the end! Perfect song to open their Alive! album.

A+

Jeff

   Maybe the perfect Kiss song. Again, because of my coming late to the party, it sounded startling to not hear it open the album and felt a bit buried on the first album, though it did lead off Side 2 of the original pressings that excluded “Kissin' Time.” From Paul's cool introductory lick to the driving main riff to Gene's snarling singing, it rocks from beginning to end. A strikingly dynamic song, which includes Paul's great vocal drop ins (Do it!”), “Deuce” also features one of Ace's most iconic solos. For many Kiss fans, the quintessential concert opener. Just a gem.

A+

Kip

 

More killer hiccups from Ace. Slow tragic low end bends then up out of the mire to soar up the neck only to fall with some nice stutter picking. What's not to like? And again Ace goes off in the outro. Awesome stuff!!

A

Mark

 

 

8. Love Theme from Kiss (Stanley, Simmons, Criss, Frehley) C-

   I never really warmed up to this song. I do like the sound of Gene’s bass on this instrumental. I think this is the weakest part on what is nearly a perfect album. I’d rather had seen them skip this song and recorded “Watching You”, which they had, for this album.

C-

Jeff

   A rather odd addition to this album, in hindsight it fleshes out a rather short album, especially the original without “Kissin' time.” The “Acrobat” half of the “Acrobat/Much Too Young” live piece the band had been performing, it has always felt like one that was more a producer choice than band. The highlight of a rather dirge paced tune was definitely Gene's “lead” bass fills that proves his much debated playing ability. “Love Theme” seems to have been a stereotype of early 70's music. Filler.

D

Kip

   Who says Kiss can't be funky in an Allman Brothers meets 70's porn background music sort of way? (NOT that I watched that stuff!!) A cool little opening riff that is met with a second harmonizing guitar. Gene's phased out bass is so slick. I love it! No real lead section. I still dig it.

B

Mark

9. 100,000 Years (Stanley, Simmons) A+

   What a unique groove the bass opening creates. I love the distinctive vibe of this song. One of my favorite Paul Stanley tunes. It just doesn’t remind me of any other song, it always stays fresh for me. I like how this song also gives Ace lots of room to work out his leads. One of those tracks I never get tired of hearing. I enjoy the remix of it on Double Platinum and the power of the Alive version!

A+

Jeff

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   Easily the most complex composition of the early Kiss canon, “100,000 Years” is a substantial departure from the lyrical content of the rest of the album. A sci-fi piece about time travel, the song features Peter's first, albeit brief, drum solo and a unique guitar solo that later day Kiss virtuoso Bruce Kulick called by far the most difficult to replicate live. A Simmons and Stanley composition, it is a bit of a stand alone Kiss song, both lyrically and instrumentally. Again, it was striking to hear it in this condensed form, having first heard the live version with Paul's rock and roll revival bit and Peter's extended drum solo. A terrific, oddball of a song.

A

Kip

 

   I LOVE this tune! Pure “Kisseyness”, high harmony bends that escalates faster and faster, then breaks down into syncopated phrases that trade off with more on the beat notes. On the second solo Ace's tone is a perfect blend of attack and sustain and it's all in his hands. The end section is like he's having a conversation with Paul's vocals. So cool! Rising double stops give way to more syncopated riffing like the middle solo.

A+

Mark

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10. Black Diamond (Stanley) A

 

   Wow! I don’t know if I can put into words how much I love this song. This is my favorite Kiss song of all time. I love Paul Stanley’s acoustic intro and then “Hit it!”. Then this song roars to life with perfect vocals from Peter Criss.  And his drumming really helps drive this song! I cannot see anyone else singing this. This song has killer riffs! Get out your air guitar! You could about play this at my funeral. Ace’s lead and the backing riff at (1:46) almost brings tears to my eyes! It doesn’t get any better than this. I can understand why some people don’t like the slow ending, but I’ve always liked slowed down music, I think the thickness of the guitar as they slowdown is a cool sound. Anyway, perfect song for me. Way to go Paul Stanley! And thanks to Gene Simmons who said he was going to write a song called “Black Diamond” and Paul beat him to the punch! Wow! This one is perfect. Favorite song on the album!

A+

Jeff

   Kiss's contribution to the genre of soft opener, story telling verses and guitargasm ending, “Black Diamond” is  the band's claim to having had written an epic in the vein of “Stairway” or “Free Bird.” Beginning with Paul playing a beautiful acoustic opening over his introduction to a black NYC prostitute trying to survive the mean streets of 70's NYC. Surprisingly thoughtful verse lyrics seque into the “Black Diamond” chorus, followed by a pounding riff to drive home their point. Ace plays some beautiful bends and vibrato before the band builds into the grand finale that came to close countless Kiss concerts. The perfect embodiment of a band who was built on bombast and dynamics. This version suffers only from a slowly down tuning ending that feels rather pointless and brings a brilliant debut album to a somewhat perplexing conclusion. Regardless, an absolute Kiss classic.

A

Kip

   Ace is a master at accompaniment playing. You can hear him playing little bits and bobs all through this record. Sweet little phrases between verses and choruses, bridges into outros. Truly the sprinkles on the icing on your favorite cake or donut. The first solo takes us to Ace and Paul playing harmonies then to some Ace minor pentatonic space magic.

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A

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

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