Finally someone in the
Kiss camp is being productive. The last
Kiss album "Psycho Circus" was released back in 1998 and ever since
Kiss has toured with the same old songs.
In 2004 Gene $immons released a solo album, which was horrible. Otherwise things have been real slow in that camp concentrating more on the business side than creating new music.
It has almost been 20 years since
Paul Stanley released his first and only solo album. "Live to Win" is a great record from
Paul Stanley, which has lots to offer to Rock fans even though most of the record buyers probably are die-hard
Kiss fans.
The album is commercial and modern, which at first sounded like Stanley was jumping on the "Evanescence bandwagon" and make an easy dollar. You sense it by the opening track
Live to Win, which is very commercial with production effects and big hooks. The first time I heard the moody
Lift I disliked it since it sounded very alike today's flavor in rock bands. However, it's a good song that grows on you.
The modern touch shines through the entire album.
Wake Up Screaming starts with drum programming, but explodes in a marvellous chorus.
Wake Up Screaming is the highlight of "Live to Win" along with
Bulletproof, which is the song that is most similar to
Kiss. The solo from
John 5 fits the song perfectly and
Bulletproof is the only no frills Rock track.
Paul Stanley has really come up with some strong lyrics. The two ballads
Everytime I See You Around and
Second to None both have very emotional inspiring lyrics and strong melodies.
Paul Stanley has worked with some huge names in co-writing the album.
Kiss' old partner Desmond Child has co-written 5 songs and prominent names like Holly Knight plus Marti Frederiksen also contribute to the album. Common denominator for all songs is that you are never in doubt when the chorus kicks in - all songs are super melodic and catchy. A prime example is
Loving You Without You, which sounds like a minor hit. Still the song isn't a standout track on the album, which underlines the quality of "Live to Win"
Most songs are around 3 minutes so they are all suited for radio. The album is great because it's so catchy. However, in the long run I am excited to see how it holds up with its modern sound.
It seems like Stanley wants to move away from the
Kiss association and reach a younger audience. His choice in players - like guitarist
John 5 and Goo Goo Dolls touring guitarist Brad Fernquist - proves that he wants younger players and younger audience. On the other hand prominent guest stars could have moved away focus from Stanley and we all know that he wants attention. The only
Kiss related is Bruce Kulick who guests on 3 songs. However, no one can claim that his involvement gives the songs classic
Kiss eighties/nineties era touch, since Bruce Kulick plays bass!
The guitar sound is modern and not exactly warm and fuzzy compared to the big sound that characterized
Kiss' Bruce Kulick era.
Paul's vocals are splendid throughout the whole album. Even though the music is wrapped up in a modern sound Paul's classic signature vocals stands out and he is rarely heard better.
All in all "Live to Win" puts you in a great mood and entertains the listener with strong quality songs.
Written by
Michael Sunday, January 7, 2007
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