Ace Frehley 1978 Solo Album Review/Analysis Weekend Spin

[@Vince_Tasciotti]

Ace's solo album was for me the most mesmerizing and influential LP released during my high school years. It hit me on so many emotional levels that I can still feel its initial impact on me to this very day. Ace came out with both fists clenched and hit the ground running with this album. He showed us that he was the real straight forward rocker in Kiss.

[@TJRtheOriginal]

He sure did. I ranked Paul's 2nd place, Gene at 3rd and Peter at 4th....Although I have in the last few years come to realize that Gene's and Peter's were better than I remembered them, my rankings still stand.

[@davidskidmore4189]

I remember that issue of Guitar Player. Me and my best friend from high school obsessed over that article. Very good memories.

[@TJRtheOriginal]

Same here. 👍

[@michaelleen2940]

I like all the solo albums, but Ace's was by far the most surprising! This man is one of a kind. His new album puts also a smile on my face. Never a dull moment in the world of Kiss and their fans. 😊

[@evileyes4070]

Been blasting this album since 1980 . Love it. Like all the solos. But this is definitely the standout. Great review. 👌🐼🐞🥇

[@TJRtheOriginal]

Glad you enjoyed it! Rock on!

[@catire98]

This album is a gem. It really "shocked me" at the time as it put Ace front and center as a powerhouse Rock writer. As you described, well-played, well produced, and still holds up well to this day. His new album is fun - I've listen it a couple of times already. I say all his albums build on the foundation this 1978 album gave him.

[@dynjarren8355]

I remember I bought all four solo albums. I was really disappointed with Peters, Genes and Pauls. I thought Peters would have some Hard Rockers but it was weak. Gene and Paul had nothing . And the first song, which is normally the strongest song or single was lame. I kept wondering who listened to their albums and gave them any opinions on them. Maybe no one! Maybe that was the problem. Then I thought maybe it was drugs or alcohol that clouded their judgment. I don’t know. But I didn’t hear a single. Now Ace had New York Groove which I immediately knew was a hit song! So I knew right away meant Ace bested the other three right there. NY Groove made the charts. So Ace won! The other three albums are real stinkers! About the only thing that was cool was the 4 portrait covers. Thanks for your detailed review. Ace always had his own laconic style of singing and playing that is original. No one sounds like him. He sounds like he’s having fun and doesn’t take himself seriously. And that laugh is unique, too!

[@catsofsherman1316]

I was 8 years old when that album came out and was at the peak of my KISS fandom. I loved it then and still do. Nobody knew at the time that the original incarnation of the band was effectively over since Peter would never be the primary drummer on another album. The Ace album was the best by a long shot. I wish Ace could have maintained the focus and discipline that he showed during that time. That was a great breakdown of a very fun album.

[@derekroberts6654]

The riff on “Rip It Out” makes me think of “China Grove” by the Doobie Brothers. Especially the way you play it on acoustic guitar.

[@TJRtheOriginal]

Hmmm. hadn’t noticed that before. Thanks.

[@stefftrim]

Thanks for breaking down the Ace 78 solo album. It was my second KISS album I bought in 79, my first was "Dynasty" I remember that after having heard it @ my friend, I ran down to the record store and bought it. Then right home and I put on my headphones. That, I'm sure was the intent of Eddie Kramer to pan between left and right. The whole album was very deliberate, meaning.. Ace really wanted to show his musicality.

[@TJRtheOriginal]

Thanks for watching the video!

[@denniswood1437]

"New York Groove" is a great song & single and should have been a staple in Kiss's live act. Ace certainly out-rocked Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley & Peter Criss's solo outings. Ace's solo album stands up as a classic gem! Great presentation of a record that doesn't get enough accolades.

[@TJRtheOriginal]

While I didn’t get to attend any KISS shows of this era, I do believe that New York Groove was included in their live shows during the Dynasty Tour.

[@mikewallin7427]

As a longtime “CSNY & Friends” fan, am quite familiar with the subject material, but in total agreement as to the topic being largely ignored over the years. Interesting to hear your take but must admit to being quite disappointed in the release at the time…and even now for that matter. Tepid effort. Would also agree however that the material would definitely have benefited from the input of Crosby and Nash. As for how and why the project (as a CSNY product) went off the rails, would have to think that the egos and drugs that sadly impacted their entire careers were the primary culprits. Applaud your decision to do a deeper dive into the music of Stephen Stills. His first solo album remains his “classic” to devotees of the period but, while great in its own right, truly believe that “Stephen Stills Manassas” features the man at his very best. Having Chris Hillman and Al Perkins (among others) along for the ride certainly didn’t hurt. Thanks. Happy listening…

[@Antony-w3l]

Great video... Thanks for sharing it...

[@TJRtheOriginal]

Thanks for watching!

[@dynjarren8355]

How about reviewing the other three Solo albums? I know they stink already but it would good to hear your take on them. Thanks!

[@TJRtheOriginal]

I have thought a bit about discussing the Gene Simmons solo album. Back in the day I ranked it at # 3. I actually like better now than I did back in the day (but it still ranks at # 3 for me). I just appreciate more how bonkers it is LOL.

[@trondam]

Great video. Thanks!

[@TJRtheOriginal]

You're welcome!

[@marcuschabot7488]

Great review

[@TJRtheOriginal]

Thank you!

[@DetroitRockCitizen]

Definitely the best of the four KISS solo albums

[@patparadiserockstation]

Pat Paradise Rock Station enjoys your videos!

[@TJRtheOriginal]

Glad you like them!

[@megatoneamps]

Huge fan of Kiss back at the time this solo album was released, and was not wowed then or now. Yes there are some good ideas in the album but you have to stretch to feel like something epic is happening. Back In The NY Groove is a song I never want to hear again, its really weak and gets played to death on classic rock stations. Listening to all four solo albums I rate Peter and Gene at the bottom, Ace next, and by far the stand out is by Paul Stanley! Most every song is Kiss quality in the singing, hook writing, and killer guitar solos. For replicating the Kiss format, Paul Stanley is it. The Ace album is just another sort of format and I agree with your wife that the lyrics are boring. Just my opinion... who's with me?

[@sverreandregrebstad3803]

Well i hate i am in need of love still do funny i think the same about fractured mirror but i knew it was tripy song but thougt more about a foogy morning outside a curch while your out walking and you catch the hum of something and drift off in ace mellow land .

[@thespaceace2112]

The only solo album worth listening to in my opinion.

[@TJRtheOriginal]

I respect your opinion, but I also really like Paul’s solo album too.....But not as much as Ace’s.

[@girlswanted7]

Awful business man selling the Kiss makeup to Gene Simmons after Kiss was already huge as a band. How do you walk away from Kiss when the band was already a money making machine. Kiss for me really is the original lineup of the 1970s.

[@TJRtheOriginal]

I’d be curious to know more about how all that business came about? Did he actually willingly sell it? Or was it written in his contract that he only had it for a short time and that it would revert back? I think he found it easy to walk away. And once Peter was gone, I think he hated being in the band and being in a situation where he was always outvoted against Gene and Paul.

[@girlswanted7]

Totally agree with you as Gene and Paul seem like overwhelming business men. Gene in an interview said Ace willingly sold his paint rights for basically no money. But who knows what the truth is….

[@josephcarter2990]

My Favorite Musician Ace plus What's On Your Mind is my favorite song of All time. Even though it had some words in it the always enjoyed The Acorn is Spinning.

[@blackscorpion-h8i]

This absolutely obliterates his shitty new album.