As the follow-up to their unusually experimental Destroyer (nonetheless one of Kiss’s best albums ever), Rock and Roll Over, released the same year, contains more conventional three-chord material. That’s not a bad thing, since Kiss at their peak arguably did three-chord arena-rock better than anyone else. “Calling Dr. Love” was a hit single, as was the surprisingly bittersweet (for Kiss) “Hard Luck Woman.” “I Want You” is an unnerving mix of tenderness and tension, while “Take [Read More...]
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THE BAND: Gene Simmons (Gene Klein), Paul Stanley (Stanley Eisen), Ace Frehley (Paul Frehley), Peter Criss (Peter Crisscoula).
THE DISC: Released 11/11/76. Recorded at the Record Plant, NYC. 10 songs clocking in at approximately 34 minutes. A classic album cover - featuring the 4 painted faces in a colorful circle. Originally released on Casablanca Records in 1975; this remastered edition was released in 1997 on Mercury’s label. Much improved sound in my book (deeper bass guitars and crisper highs). Liner notes are slim - a 2 page fold out with song titles, writing credits and times. Underneath the disc on the inside cover, there’s an informative 5 paragraph history of what the band was going through at the time.
COMMENTS: Hot off the heels of the platinum “Alive!” and “Destroyer” comes “Rock And Roll Over”… Kiss’ 6th album in 3 short years. In my opinion, this is the band’s first studio album with absolutely no filler. Song writing credits include 5 from Paul, 4 from Gene, and 1 from Peter. The only thing missing is a song penned from Ace. There’s no weird out-of-character tracks like “Great Expectations” (from “Destroyer”) or the forthcoming “Then She Kissed Me” throwback (from soon to be released “Love Gun”). This is back to basics rock and roll. Great guitar solo’s from Ace (see “Calling Dr. Love” and “I Want You”). Better than average drumming from Peter (not to mention a better than average Peter song in “Baby Driver”). High quality songwriting from Paul. And the typical comic relief and sleaze of scoring babes from Gene. This album, like so many of their releases in the 1970’s was extremely short. The longest songs are “Calling Dr. Love” and “Love ‘Em And Leave’ Em” - both at 3:47 minutes each. Two songs (”Take Me” and “See You In Your Dreams”) are under the 3-minute mark. Paul Stanley’s “Hard Luck Woman” (sung by Peter) was originally written and to be given to Rod Stewart… it reached #11 on the billboard charts… giving KISS their biggest hit since Peter’s ballad “Beth”. Though not a big fan of Garth Brooks, the country singer did a good job on his remake of “Hard Luck Woman” on “Kiss My Ass - Classic Kiss Regrooved” (1994). “Rock And Roll Over” features 2 classic not-hit KISS tunes - “Take Me” and Mr. Speed”. Kiss has a billion compilations out there, and these 2 songs have only made a few of them. Not to mention perhaps their finest album closer ever, “Makin’ Love”. Solid album. One of the early classic discs from KISS (4.5 stars).
During the Destroyer tour,KISS had written ten new songs.As a special treat to their fans,KISS decided to record and release a new album before 1976 ended.Eddie Kramer,their road producer was hired to produce it. Rock and Roll Over was released before the end of 1976. It’s sales would equal Destroyer in popularity that it quickly became their second platinum.It even marked some more progression artistically.
Of the songs,two are Pauls(I Want You and Hard Luck Woman).Three are co-written by Paul with Sean Delaney(Take Me,Mr.Speed and Makin’ Love) Gene contributes four(Calling Dr. Love,Ladies Room,Love’Em and Leave’Em and See You In Your Dreams).There is also a song written by Peter and Stan Penridge(Baby Driver).The only songs missing are Ace Frehleys(the only ’70’s KISS album with this distinction).
Kramer gives Rock and Roll Over an edge that was missing from their first two albums.He also helps to deliver their most polished sounding rock since Dressed To Kill(see review).Likewise,the band is at their most infectious.
Lyrically,KISS returns to its true style.In fact,three in particular are their best yet.Hard Luck Woman is Pauls best song and Peter turns in his best vocal effort.Peter also does lead vocal on Baby Driver.This shows Peters vocals are again being put to maximum use.Calling Dr.Love is not only Genes best but his most boldest.In this song,Genes prescription to a lonely,depressed and miserable lady is for her to make love with him.On the other hand,See You In Your Dreams is another one of Genes best.Here,Gene tells a girl to just dream when she goes to sleep and he’ll see her then(Gene rerecorded this song for his 1978 solo album).The rest of the songs are also bolder,deeper and much more uninhibited.Of course,Eddie Kramer deserves an A+ for his efforts.His first studio production captures the band in its true rocking spirit.Once again,an A+ for Eddie Kramer.
So fans everywhere.Rock and Roll Over and over again with Rock and Roll Over.No KISS fans library is complete without it.