Kiss: Sonic Boom

I grew up on Kiss; They are, without a doubt, the greatest live band in the history of pop music. And, as their performance on ‘American Idol’ showed. So I was naturally excited at the news that they would be releasing their first studio album in over a decade. Even I, a diehard fan, had grown weary of what appeared to be a ‘Milk ‘em for all they got before we go campaign’…. Numerous re-hashed greatest hits albums, box sets, repeated farewell tours; But here… for the band that lived by the creed “You wanted the best”…. was the way to go out. One last great album, one last huge tour, and ride off into the sunset.

The only problem is that they forgot to make a great album. Or even a good one. Don’t get me wrong; Kiss has never been a ‘great’ band, per se. But the things they did so well once upon a time… the cheesy sexual innuendos (Love Gun) and the near eternal anthems (I wanna Rock and Roll All Night, God Gave Rock and Roll, Detroit Rock City) Simply don’t work any more. Sure, there are a couple of semi catchy tunes here, but nothing that remotely warrants paying $15 for a CD.

It’s entirely possible the band knew this years ago; sadly, if so, it’s a lesson forgotten. History repeats itself; Ace Frehley leaves, Kiss Sucks. I’ll choose to remember the old version, thanks.

Samples from “Sonic Boom”