Kiss - The Definitive Soundtrack

KISS: The Definitive Soundtrack

Fire, blood, and make up – KISS is everything that you love and hate about hard, unadulterated rock. However you see them, KISS was one of the bands that first defined the sound of hard and classic arena rock. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted them in 2014 for this reason: “they proved that rock & roll could be both well-crafted and shameless, exuberant fun.” That’s why it’s damn hard to create a list of the definitive KISS soundtrack, but we tried anyway. So, in no particular order, here’s a rundown of some of the greatest hits from arguably the most theatrical rock outfit to ever come out of the 70s.

Love Gun

The machine gun intro of “Love Gun” and hyper-sexual lyrics come together in what is arguably the perfect archetypal KISS song. The best description of this hit comes from the 2008 comedy “Role Models” via Sean William Scott’s character, Wheeler: “This song is called Love Gun, and it’s about Paul Stanley’s dick, and how this girl’s gonna get some of his dick!” No wonder Stereogum says that it’s one of Paul Stanley’s favorite KISS songs of all time.

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trR5ROuf1Uk

I Stole Your Love

“KISS! The devil’s music!” Who could forget the first song that was played in the 1999 comedy Detroit Rock City? This catchy classic comes from the band’s 70s roster of good old classic rock. It’s definitely worth a listen, even if only for the intro as well as Ace Frehley’s guitar solo near the end of the song.

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3MZnxJ-lYM

Rock & Roll All Nite

Not all rock anthems are created equal, and this one is definitely a cut above the rest. In a look back by Team Rock, it was KISS’ record company boss Neil Bogart who told the band that “You guys need an anthem.” And the rest was history. We dare you to play this song and not sing along to the chorus.

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFMD7Usflbg

Beth

“Beth” sounds like it should come from Mr. Big or The Beatles, instead of the fire-spouting, blood curdling KISS that we all know and love. In this heartfelt piano ballad, KISS takes a break from their usual theme of sexual annihilation to show their softer side – via the raspy but sweet vocals of the Catman himself.

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlZ7mTL4jRY

Black Diamond

Yes, nearly all KISS songs are about sex, and that includes “Black Diamond”. But what sets this song apart is that this one is a rare, sincere, and non-glamorized attempt to capture the sorrow and madness of being a New York City prostitute – a surprisingly socially relevant song from the band who made gurgling blood onstage mainstream. While the band may have tackled strong social issues this hasn’t stopped one of the members from getting into trouble. According to Entertainment Daily, Gene Simmons aka The Demon was recently accused of sexual harassment by a yet-unnamed woman who interviewed him. Be that as it may, “Black Diamond” remains to be a solid rock song about an often-ignored social reality.

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPcJPK2MMBA

Detroit Rock City

Unless you want to piss off the KISS Army, you can’t make a ‘definitive’ list of KISS hits without including “Detroit Rock City”. It’s catchy as hell, easy to sing along to, builds up brilliantly, and culminates in one of the most memorable choruses in rock history – no wonder it’s everyone’s favorite KISS song.

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRIo8dxhS_I

Article Contributed by

Adam Jones – Metal Fan and Music Blogger

Everyone’s got a Rock N Roll story to tell, so tell us yours @ growinuprock.com