Unmasked

About

Kiss’ conscious decision to cross over from their hard rock roots to a radio-friendly pop sound didn’t sit well with their hardcore loyalists, who enjoyed the fire-breathing, blood-spurting theater of their live show but not the glossy harmonies and slick vocal effects that producer Vini Poncia brought to the group for their 1980 LP <i>Unmasked</i>. In retrospect, the smoothness here wasn't much of a stretch. Kiss always had one ear cocked to the memorable guitar riff and indestructible chorus. The addition of a few backup singers may tilt the balances ever so gently, but—the smooth glitzy groove of “Shandi” aside—much of <i>Unmasked</i> holds up as well as anything from the group’s prime 1973-77 period. “Tomorrow” is pure Paul Stanley firepower. “Is That You?” commands a thunderous rhythm. Ace Frehley’s “Talk to Me” and “Two Sides of the Coin” could’ve easily fit on his commendable solo album. The band may have been grappling for a public identity in a changing marketplace and a new decade, but their songs and performances here were up to their usual standards.

via Apple Music

The Clerk says

Start your shelf to read the full take →