Not even a year later in the fall of 1974, KISS kept the flame going with their sophmore album Hotter Than Hell. Boasting 10 tracks that were both carry overs from the previous albums sessions as well as new tracks, this album right away felt like something way different from their first.
Track List
1.Got To Choose- Right away this album feels alot heavier than the first. The very bassy and grungy production is very welcome. This track is a slower rocker but has this sludgy live vibe about it I really like. It doesn't hit as hard as "Strutter" but its got that heavy yet accessible feeling in spades.
2.Parasite-The abosolute highlight on this album. The frantic feel of the main riff always hits hard. I always got heavy Budgie vibes from this song with the bass riff following the guitars close. Genes voice also fits the tune very well with a simple yet effective chorus. Ace was apparently suppose to sing this one originally which wouldve been awesome to hear.
3.Goin' Blind- this song goes for a more ballad type vibe but again everything has this growl to it that really gives it an edge. Not an amazing tune but not bad by any means. The solo however, kicks alot of ass.
4.Hotter Than Hell-The classic title track that has some great sounding guitars and this simple but very catchy chorus. Ace's raw soloing and genese bass playing are top notch here as well.
5.Let Me Go, Rock N Roll-Another high energy absolute classic. The chorus is just made for the live stage especially. Another highlight for Ace's swaggering hard rocking soloing. Also love the sound of Petrs drums here they sound so big.
6.All The Way-Side two has a lot of deeper cuts opening with this one. Very simple like the title track in structure but again with this big chorus that gets you hooked after a few listens. This is total oldschool hard rock.
7.Watchin' You-Arguably the second or third heaviest song on the album. The sludgy dirty feeling here is nearly unmatched by any other tune on the album. There is alot of great riffing and the vocals feel so raw. This is one especially that needs to be listened to on a full stereo.
8.Mainline-Another more kind of 50s inspired rocker which totally couldve been a radio hit at the time. Peters vocals work very well for it. Again, simple but effective!
9.Comin' Home- A sludgy yet upbeat rocker. I remember first hearing this and not being so much into it. However, after hearing it on my stereo it hits alot harder and is another one that would do very well live.
10.Strange Ways-the band ends the album with a darker riff heavy rocker that pulls no punches. This is another one of my favorite tunes on the album for how dirty it sounds. Ace's flanged out solo is another major highlight here too and really showcases his playing.
Overall, This one gets a 9.5 out of 10. Not as memorable in the sense as their debut but a whole lot heavier. This album is bursting with hidden gems and flows just a bit better. Unfortunately at the time the sales on this one fizzled quite fast but it has become a fan favorite for big and casual fans alike. With the band not quickly becoming a radio hit and their lable Caseblanca coming closer to sinking, they would give it one more studio effort before cutting their losses and daring to try even riskier moves.
No comments:
Post a Comment