In 1978 KISS did the unthinkable and released solo albums for each individual member of the group. It allowed each person to showcase what drove them musically. Peter Criss' solo effort showed a totally different side of what you might expect to be released. There was nothing heavy or Hard Rock about the album at all and instead a more adult-contemporary blend of Rock & Roll. While it was well recorded and produced, the lack of any real raise your fist material left a lot of KISS fans scratching their heads. Instead of the anthem nature like the other solo albums this had songs like "You Matter To Me" and "Hooked On Rock 'N Roll". The songs seemed more suitable to Billy Joel rather than the famous skin basher. Soulful piano and brass sections replaced rock guitars and ballads were par for the course here. Yet as you look back on his interviews you will find that this is the kind of music that Criss always preferred. He was raised on Jazz greats and 50's Rock & Roll, being the oldest member of KISS some of the stuff that inspired his partners was coming up after his influences had been set. The album sounds good but over time it is not all that memorable and more for the KISS die-hard who must have all the individual releases. The way this mindset works is that the collection must at all times be complete and I should know since I fall into this demographic. At the end of the day the Peter Criss solo album out of the four total should be the last one you purchase. It is a nice collection of Rock music but there is nothing stellar here that will stand the test of time.
The KISS remasters are excellent in their overall sound quality but do not offer any additional or unreleased songs outside of what was on the original album. The original artwork is replicated and features the interesting graphics that often made up a KISS Album. If the artwork was limited, this is of course reflected as well. Music History fans will appreciate the included historical liner notes on the CD's inner section. Each release has information that is topical to the album and the bands history.
Track Listing
- I'm Gonna Love You
- You Matter To Me
- Tossin' And Turnin'
- Don't You Let Me Down
- That's The Kind Of Sugar Papa Likes
- Easy Thing
- Rock Me, Baby
- Kiss The Girl Goodbye
- Hooked On Rock 'N' Roll
- I Can't Stop The Pain
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