KISS had ended a chapter and begun another in 1983. Paul and Gene decided that it was time for the make up to go as fans were leaving in droves. They figured it would attract at least curiousity but their sound would mark a huge change here as well. With Eric Carrs masterful drumming and Vinnie Vincents more shredding capabilities, KISS would evolve into a more straightforward heavy/glam metal band. Thus with the release of "Lick It Up", KISS' non make-up era (and my favorite era) would begin.
Track List
1.Exciter-A very energetic heavy opener that rivals "Creatures". Rick Derringer actually plays the solo here and he really tears it up. The chorus is awesome and Paul is on his A game here as well.
2.Not For the Innocent-Genes more mid tempo sleazy rock tune with a huge chorus to it. The vocals are really good here as well as some nice big riffs as well. Vinnies solo is awesome here with alot of tremolo to it.
3.Lick It Up-The track(and amazingly weird music video) that would put the band back on the map. Its so simple yet a total fun time. Very catchy and gets stuck in my head anytime i hear it. Its an essential party rock song.
4.Young and Wasted-The energy ramps back up with another harder hitting track. Even though gene sings it, the live version with eric carr i prefer more. However, this is still a powerhouse of a track. Definitely one thats made for the live setting.
5.Gimme More-One of KISS' heaviest songs. This is borderline speed metal excellence. Pauls soaring vocals are as strong as theyve ever been and the solo is really nailed as well. Easily the most intense song on the album.
6.All Hells breakin loose-This song has a more bluesy feel to it with Paul almost rapping the first few verses. Another insanely catchy tune plucked right from the decadence of the 80s.
7.A Million To One-This is the closest to a ballad on the album and its still pure 80s melodic rock. It almost borders on AOR as well which I love.
8.Fits Like A Glove-Another break neck tune with Gene spitting pure cheesy lyrics but fun nonetheless. Its another one thats got a ton of power behind it.
9.Dance All Over Your Face-This is the only song that feels a bit like a throwaway. The power just isnt there and it doesnt feel as exciting. The solo spots are pretty good though.
10.And On The 8th Day-This is sort of the anthem on the album. Its very cheesy but its not a bad tune. The main riff doesn't do much for me but the chorus has a big feel to it.
Overall, This album gets a solid 9 out of 10. While not as solid side to side as "Creatures of the Night", most of the songs are fantastic and breathe new life into the band. This could easily have been the death knell for the band but in fact it was a breath of fresh air. However, even with the highly successful 83 tour, Vincent and and Paul specifically were at eachothers throats and he was out. As their popularity began to build once more, it was time to find yet a new lead guitarist.
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