Year: October 22, 1974 (CD Apr 25, 1986)
Label: Polystar Records (Japan), P33C-20004
Style: Hard Rock, Arena Rock, Glam Rock
Country: New York City, U.S.
Time: 33:23
Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz
Size: 196 Mb01.
Got To Choose is a hell of a tune to open the album with for it’s an
attitude-infused mid-tempo groove-focus rock masterpiece. No, it isn’t
one of KISS’ most popular tunes, but if the infectious melody doesn’t
get you, Ace Frehley’s exceptional blues-infused guitar licks will.
02.
Parasite is riff heaven and between Ace Frehley’s skilled writing and
Gene Simmons’ raw and aggressive vocals, Parasite is not only one of the
heavier tunes KISS ever recorded, but it’s one of the greatest rock
numbers from the era.
03. Goin' Blind slows the album’s pace with a
ballad-focused tune. Simmons knocks the vocals out of the park, but
interestingly his vocal presentation differs from what we normally
associate with him. The variance reminds me of Steven Tyler’s vocal
delivery on Aerosmith’s self-titled debut. It isn’t bad, not by any
means, but it is unique.
04. Hotter Than Hell exudes swagger and
confidence, driven by gritty, distorted riffs and a stomping rhythm
section, but isn’t quite the ideal title track. It works, yes, but it
isn’t a standout. Part of my love/hate relationship with the tune is the
chosen tempo. While I acknowledge that it was written with Free’s All
Right Now in mind, I find it’s a little too slow and would like to have
seen it sped up by a few beats per minute.
05. Let Me Go, Rock And
Roll is a fast-paced number that embodies the rock and roll spirit of
the era with its relentless rhythm and infectious energy. If nothing
else, the driving bassline, dynamic guitar solos, and overall mix
capture the rawness of KISS’ early, yet compelling, sound.
06. All
The Way may be an album-only tune, one that is unknown to many who
haven’t listened to the album, but despite being lesser known, All The
Way delivers a punchy, straightforward rock feel with an edgy guitar
sound that is KISS 101.
07. Watchin' You has an incredible
introduction, for the dense layering of guitars and a powerful rhythm
section enhance the tune and ensure the intensity of the record is
maintained. The musical bed alone is such a standout that Simmons need
not have written or recorded lyrics for Watchin’ You could have been
instrumental gold, had it been recorded with that intent. It isn’t that
the vocals detract from the song, however, it’s that the musical
performance is so much stronger than Simmons’ vocal delivery.
08.
Mainline shifts the tone as Peter Criss takes over vocal duties for the
first time on the album. With a Southern rock influence, the laid-back
vibe is a precursor to many of KISS’ most memorable tunes and this is no
exception for the chorus and overall upbeat nature of Mainline will
stay with you well after the album has played its final note.
09.
Comin' Home, while not as heavy as many of the other tracks, does circle
back to the band’s melodic roots and in that regard is a hidden gem. It
is, unfortunately, one of the most sonically compromised recordings
from the album and even though it’s thoroughly enjoyable, it could have
been so much more had more spit and polish been applied during the
recording and mixing of the song.
10. Strange Ways is an ideal closer
with its slow and heavy pace that allows Criss’ vocals to shine. It
also features Ace Frehley at his very best, as the band works through
the track’s sludgy and psychedelic rhythm, leaving a lasting impression;
one that will compel you to play the album again or sit in
contemplation of the music that you’ve just heard.
(subjectivesounds.com/musicblog/kiss-hotter-than-hell-album-review)
Album recorded and mixed in the analog domain - AAD. That is, a minimum of digital processing.
A=Analog.
D=digital. The first letter stands for how the music was recorded. The
second letter for how it was mixed. The third letter stands for the
format (all CD's will have D as the last letter).
01. Got To Choose (03:54)
02. Parasite (03:04)
03. Goin' Blind (03:39)
04. Hotter Than Hell (03:31)
05. Let Me Go, Rock 'N' Roll (02:16)
06. All The Way (03:18)
07. Watchin' You (03:45)
08. Mainline (03:52)
09. Comin' Home (02:40)
10. Strange Ways (03:21)
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