KISS Meets the Ranking of Every KISS Studio Album!!!!

#kiss #albumranking #albumreview
In this feature-length video I rank and review every KISS studio album, including the '78 solo albums. In addition I drink beer, discuss my history with KISS and explain why I think they're the most "underrated overrated band ever". There might also be a special guest star...!!
#paulstanley #genesimmons #acefrehley #petercriss #ericcarr #hardrock #rockandroll

[@johndor7890]

This is a great and very powerful video!

[@EdwinCannistraci]

Thanks. Appreciate it.

[@dubuqueblues69]

Great list and total respect man. We are in full agreement on Destroyer. As a kiss fan, I totally get why it usually tops most peoples lists but it’s just not my favorite collection of songs. The first two songs are some of the best Kiss ever did in my opinion But the album kind of takes a dive from there I think. It’s a nice polished sounding record, but I just prefer the more raw kiss and thankfully for me they returned to that sound with the next record. Poor carnival of souls. Man does that record get a lot of hate, no pun. I’m one of the few that actually like it. I think it slaughters Psycho Circus…. but of course it wouldn’t be hard to achieve that. that’s probably the album I was most let down by. One of these days, I might get up enough nerve to do a ranking of my own but for now totally enjoy watching people like you do them. Thanks for that and great Paul impression!

[@EdwinCannistraci]

Thanks for watching and for the thoughtful comment. I actually don't hate Carnival of Souls as much as it sounded (not the Gene songs anyway). If they took the best from Psycho Circus and the best from Carnival, they've had a really good 90s KISS album (I forget if I said that or not in the video).

[@dubuqueblues69]

Wow your top 3 are also my top 3!! Cheers man!

[@EdwinCannistraci]

@@dubuqueblues69 Great albums and great minds! 😉

[@DickTwatkins]

Finally getting to watch this! You’re killin it with the Paul Stanley impersonation 😆😆😆

[@onslaught1971]

Another awesome video Paul Sta... erm, uh, I mean Edwin Cannistraci. I love the Rock and Roll Over t-shirt.

[@EdwinCannistraci]

Thanks, brother! Appreciate it.

[@michaelweinman9051]

Wow. !!! My KISS list would be a bit different - like a deck of cards shuffled. wow.

[@EdwinCannistraci]

I think every KISS ranking list is different for every fan. Their discography is so varied, it's bound to be y'know.

[@kennayres6132]

Whaaaaaat....did I just hear you mention WMMR....I'm a carpenter living in Lansdowne....I cut my teeth on MMR and YSP growing up.

[@EdwinCannistraci]

Right on, brother! I used to live outside of Philly (Bucks County) and installed draperies with my brother. WMMR was a big part of my life from my late teens to mid 20s.

[@charlesbronson4282]

Here's an idea....do a Queen ranking.

[@EdwinCannistraci]

Not a bad idea, but I'm only a casual Queen fan, so they're definitely not a priority.

[@EikeMenzel]

😊❤ KISS ❤ since 1975 and only 'like' 'em since 1981. Born 1964 and started with the Beatles from my Mother's Part and 50's & 60's Rock & Roll as Father's Part and my first own 7" 45 had been *Led Zeppelin's* 'Whole lotta love' 1970. Around 1974 I started to earn my first money by bringin' a weekly Newsletter to my Neighbors and started to buy 45's, also I owned 3 by KISS for free ... Then, Christmas 1975 my Mother's Idea was to look my 45's to see which full record should be my first and thought KISS's "Alive!" will be right ... So I was Christmasgifted with it ... Man - I didn't like the 45's, but ...😢 ❤KISS ❤ "Alive!", especcially Peter Criss Drumming, really '100.000 years' (Because of the Drum-Solo!) and then "Destroyer" came out 1976 and blows me away! Made me a huge Fan until the too Poppy 'Unmasked' (one of those my mind changed up to today). 😅 But ... as those as did I didn't give 'em up, with the next one.("(Music from) The ELDER", 1981) the ❤ *KISS* ❤ Record came, KISS's 'Sgt. Pepper' or KISS's 'Operation Mindcrime' in my mind, out. That's why I gave 'Unmasked' a second chance and it opened my mind so many way's ... Because of 'Naked City' I started to listen to Reggae, because of 'Easy as it seems' I started to listen to Funk'n'Soul and 'Talk to me' is a great Independence track and open mindet because of that I started to listen to Talking Heads or (electrified) Bob Dylan ... Buut also - since 1981 I gave any new *KISS* Record an ear. Now ... My Top 5 *KISS*, because any other Release is a god given release: 5.) Destroyer 4.) Alive IV Symphony 3.) Mtv Unplugged 2.) Unmasked 1.) (Music from) The ELDER A**hole is really bad stuff Space Invader is Ace's Platinum...

[@tonyeckman4822]

I agree on your opinion of Revenge. I never really got the admiration for it. But I'm weird because the Elder is in my top 5... 😂

[@EdwinCannistraci]

Well, I definitely think the Elder is better than Revenge. 😉

[@jefferysteen1041]

Great ranking vid!Dressed to Kill is my favorite KISS album!

[@EdwinCannistraci]

Thanks, Jeffery. DTK is an awesome album indeed!

[@JCStorm76]

This was great and very funny as well. Here’s my ranking and it’s not entirely different to yours for the most part. I won’t include the solo albums as I haven’t heard Pete and Genes for years. 1. Rock n Roll Over 2. Creatures Of The Night 3. Hotter Than Hell 4. Kiss 5. Love Gun 6. Destroyer 7. Dressed To Kill 8. Dynasty 9. Asylum 10. Lick It Up 11. Unmasked 12. Psycho Circus 13. Hot In The Shade 14. Monster 15. Animalize 16. Revenge 17. Music From The Elder 18. Sonic Boom 19. Crazy Nights 20. Carnival Of Souls

[@EdwinCannistraci]

Yeah. Your ranking isn't too different. Like I said in the video, Creatures used to be in my Top 5 and objectively it should still be there. It's only because I'm digging on 70s KISS much more these days. It's definitely one of their best albums.

[@BobNSuch]

I really enjoyed this review of the albums because it was definitely one of the most objective reviews and I appreciate that. You make a good case for some of those controversial rankings. You nailed it imo on Destroyer...same with Elder. I tend to give Carnival Of Souls a little more love and the best way to listen to Unmasked is with headphones. So much is going on there and headphones bring it out. I can't explain it. Great review man. My favorite part was "Im back from my lunchbreak...a man has to eat. lol

[@EdwinCannistraci]

Thanks as always, Bob. One of these days I'd like to get Unmasked on vinyl -- that might also make me appreciate it more. I definitely don't dislike it. The songs are all pretty catchy.

[@CathyLahn]

This is one of the best, and most authentic KISS ranking shows on YT. I was born in 1966, and became a fervent KISS Army member in '76. Kiss was not my first ever favorite, however. I was already well into ROCK, guitars, funk and record buying. My all time fave David Bowie, plus, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, T Rex and the Stones were already well into my system by the time I found "DRESSED TO KILL" in the new album bin at LYRICS record shop in March (or April) of 1975. I fell in love with the band that day (first vision of them in dress suits no less!) and most especially Ace Frehley. I got home, slapped on this ultra-catchy record. I loved Two Timer, Getaway and Rock Bottom. All of them. But by the time I got to "SHE," I knew, dead in the middle of that killer jungle groove, that I was going to become a great lead guitar player myself. But enough about that....Then came "ALIVE!" in September, "Destroyer" in the Spring of '76, "The Originals" set in the summer, and "Rock and Roll Over" in November. Man, I've got stories connected to each, but that's not why I'm here. I'm commenting because in watching this particular ranking show, I finally found a guy who really "gets it" about KISS. And better, he actually knows how to intellectually translate it throughout! Not to mention that I have an extremely similar overall ranking. And for many of the same reasons. Makes me feel good that a guy who's maybe 8-12 years younger than me, really knows the band and why they were so special. Some very intelligent and thought provoking reasoning within! Thanks for the excellent show! There's a bunch of others that are nowhere near as accurate or as interesting. Marc ⚡ *wanted to come back to say that in the later 70s, AC/DC and Judas Priest were huge bands for me. Love them both. And I was fortunate enough to see Judas Priest open for KISS on the Dynasty tour (9-7-79, at The Spectrum, Philadelphia) it was my 2nd ever KISS show (1st one was 1-30-78 at The Spectrum when AC/DC could've been the opener!) Anyway, I love it how you have Dressed To Kill, the AWESOME Ace Frehley solo album, Hotter Than Hell and Rock and Roll Over at the top! Those are mi e as well. And I do love the brilliant debut, Love Gun and Dynasty as well. Seriously, the whole show was really well done! The original 1970s KISS Rules! 🛸 🦇 🌟 🐈

[@EdwinCannistraci]

Thanks so much, Marc. Glad you enjoyed the show! It sounds like you saw some amazing concerts back in the day. We're more kindred spirits than you know: I'm also originally from Philly and all my earliest concerts were at the Spectrum (Aerosmith Pump tour, AC/DC Razor's Edge tour and Guns N Roses Use Your Illusion tour). If you haven't already, definitely subscribe to my channel and watch some of my other videos: I tackle a bunch more of our favorite bands...!! ⚡

[@CathyLahn]

@@EdwinCannistraci Ha! Hey, Eddy, I was at that AC/DC Razors Edge tour show as well. I've got a VHS of that concert. Me and my buddy were in the 1st level, and due to the slight angle of the shoot, you can see us there during the show. Cool to know that you were there as well. Anyway, you're very much welcome. Loved your show. And I will indeed subscribe and then watch for other shows. I'm a forever fan of the original KISS, and I cut off after '83. That said, I did several shows of the '96-'97 reunion in NYC and Philadelphia. ...and hey, I'm glad that they muddled on for 50 years. Although, I am no fan of the recent 'pretend band,' or the hula hoop crap in the mid to late 80s (which was so different from the brilliant original band) ...that feeling also has to do with my love of Ace Frehley though, as BK was a piece of wood in that band, AND...the look of it all makes me wanna puke. Asylum is a decent effort though, Uuugggh, let me get off of talking about that non-Kiss crap. Either way, it's good to "meet" you, man. I'm certain we'd have some good stories to share. *Btw, my wife is a serious fan of the original KISS as well. We were just (again) cranking a great double CD I made, like 15 years ago called "A Rock and Roll Ball with KISS" as we cooked dinner last night. -- a Nazareth CD I made had just ended, and, slightly inspired by your good KISS show yesterday, I popped that one back in! ⚡ Marc

[@EdwinCannistraci]

@@CathyLahn Good to "meet you" as well and thanks for sharing your stories and opinions. So cool that we were both at that AC/DC Razor's Edge concert. If you recall they shot the "Moneytalks" video at it. I was in junior high and it was my second-ever concert, so you can imagine how much of an impact it had on me. Nazareth is a really underrated band: I love most of their 70s stuff.

[@CathyLahn]

​@@EdwinCannistraci You know something Eddy, I didn't know that they shot the Moneytalks video that night. I definitely remember the money though! Afterwards, we went down on the floor to grab some more of it. I still have two or three of those original bills. 💵 As for NAZARETH, I agree. They were awesome in the 70s, and very much underrated ("Sold My Soul," "Freewheeler," "Miss Misery," "Changin' Times," "You're The Violin," "Down Home Girl," "Expect No Mercy," etc.) And coincidentally, I'm smack in the middle of making a Naz box set (1971-1991) Just finished CD 5 last night. Kicks ass throughout! But yes, absolutely, the 70s Naz was a special band. Marc ⚡

[@hcondivine]

LOVE crazy nights!!

[@EdwinCannistraci]

Apologies for my ranking. 😉

[@hcondivine]

@@EdwinCannistraci all good😉

[@themindseyecmh]

24. Gene Simmons 23. Peter Criss 22. Unmasked 21. Hot In the Shade 20. Sonic Boom 19. Psycho Circus 18. Revenge 17. Carnival of Souls 16. Creatures of the Night 15. Paul Stanley 14. KISS 13. Crazy Nights 12. Music From the Elder 11. Ace Frehley 10. Rock N Roll Over 9. Monster 8. Dressed To Kill 7. Animalize 6. Asylum 5. Lick It Up 4. Dynasty 3. Love Gun 2. Hotter Than Hell 1. Destroyer

[@kevinbrown1893]

1. Destroyer 2. Hotter Than Hell 3. KISS 4. Creatures of The Night 5. Music From The Elder 6. Ace Frehley 7. Dynasty 8. Dressed to Kill 9. Rock and Roll Over 10. Lick It Up 11. Love Gun 12. Psycho Circus 13. Carnival of Souls 14. Revenge 15. Animalize 16. Unmasked 17. Paul Stanley 18. Monster 19. Sonic Boom 20. Asylum 21. Gene Simmons 22. Hot In The Shade 23. Peter Criss 24. Crazy Nights

[@trevorbullock292]

i enjoy every kiss album, my 24 i’m eh on but i still like 4 or 5 songs on it 1) Ace Frehley 2) Love Gun 3) Rock n Roll Ovee 4) KISS 5) Dynasty 6) Dressed to Kill 7) Hotter Than Hell 8) Destroyer 9) Asylum 10) Unmasked 11) Lick It Up 12) Peter Criss 13) Monster 14) Hot In The Shade 15) Gene Simmons 16) Creatures of the Night 17) Animalize 18) Crazy Nights 19) Sonic Boom 20) Paul Stanley 21) Revenge 22) Psycho Circus 23) Music from the Elder 24 Carnival of Souls

[@jollyjakelovell6822]

You get a thumbs up for the George Lazenby name drop.

[@EdwinCannistraci]

Ha! Thanks, brother. Underrated Bond.

[@jollyjakelovell6822]

@@EdwinCannistraci 2nd best IMHO. It was an appropriate analogical metaphor on your part on many levels

[@jimiswartz2648]

Great comparison between Dynasty and U2 Pop. That never occurred to me but makes sense.

[@EdwinCannistraci]

Yeah. I know stuff. 😉

[@terrytheman3317]

Nah...i think the real comparison is KISS Unmasked, U2's Pop, AND Queen's Hot Space

[@Andy-m6j]

I’ve never ever heard a kiss album and probably only 1 or 2 songs. Being from England we didn’t get much exposure so seeing them over the pond with their big boots and makeup just switched me off as being gimmicky. I’m not saying they are....just that’s how they made their first impression on me that’s always persisted

[@EdwinCannistraci]

Yeah. Like I said in the video, it took me years until I took KISS seriously and I think the makeup and spectacle puts off more discerning music fans. There is a lot of gimmicky to KISS, but also a lot of solid hard rock if you stick to their earlier stuff.

[@allkindsofthings673]

Never trust a guy that like No No No and Boomerang

[@EdwinCannistraci]

Dear lord. Yeah, don't trust a person that likes the two hardest rocking songs on those otherwise weak KISS albums.

[@JCStorm76]

Can’t wait to put some time aside to watch this very soon

[@TheTempleOfBoom]

Edde, Im trying really hard to find some redeeming qualities to this band...I admit , I bought some of thier albums back in the day...I just cant stomach Gene Simmons...never could, and then to find out Stanley is using tapes for his vocals...theyre frauds dude...just sayin... Do a UFO album ranking...theyre great.

[@EdwinCannistraci]

These days it's a shitshow for sure, but back in the day it was a different story (at least in my opinion). But even though I dig their music and Gene's singing, they're not a band I'm gonna die on the hill for y'know. 😉

[@CathyLahn]

@@EdwinCannistraci Eddy, allow me... You're so right about it being a shit show...now. See, this person's comment (I think) has to do with his or her age, and attempting to find any shred of worth in what they've been seeing over the past 15 years or so. This is the problem with this fake, "half a Rip and Destroy" version of the band (and trust me, I like Rip and Destroy much better!) Because when you see this half-assed, fat and overblown version of KISS, you basically want to throw up. Well, you certainly do IF you knew the greatness and.mystery and badassness of the original band (1973-1978)!! So I would humbly suggest to TheTempleOfDoom to seek out concerts such as Winterland, SF (1-31-75) or Cobo Hall (any of the 3 nights, Jan. '76, maybe most esp the 3rd) Anaheim 8-20-76 or Tokyo Budokan 4-2-77 as great examples of this fantastic band at the top of their game. And keep an eye on Ace Frehley! Then, obviously, the studio albums from KISS through Dynasty...or really to Creatures & Lick It Up. And most definitely the brilliant KISS ALIVE! There you go. Because I, most definitely, would die on a hill for that fantastic original band! As I would for Sabbath, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Judas Priest and a few others. And yes, I truly dig UFO as well. M

[@EdwinCannistraci]

​@@CathyLahn I agree with pretty much everything you said. Even if KISS turned into a total joke band, they were a kickass rock 'n' roll band in the 1970s and not too shabby in the 1980s either, but I agree their peak is in the 1970s (both as a live act and their albums).

[@CoreyLeland]

Great observation about how "Tomorrow and Tonight" would have actually have been a good track had Peter sung it. And wow, if only "Unmasked" had "Dressed to Kill" production. Another great ranking video. Happiness and Peace! Rock and Roll Over, also my number 1. "Mr. Speed" lyrically Paul explains it means the amount of time it takes between meeting and consummating.

[@EdwinCannistraci]

Happiness and peace to you too, brother. I already loved "Mr Speed" but Paul's explanation makes it cooler for me lyrically now! I didn't want to think he was quick on the draw...!!

[@CoreyLeland]

@@EdwinCannistraci LOL. Yeah, I agree. By the way, I just read Paul said regarding the production on the song "Psycho Circus"....He played it in the car for Bob Erin and told him "I kept asking myself "what would Bob do?" his response "You nailed it."

[@EdwinCannistraci]

@@CoreyLeland That's one of the tracks that most has a Destroyer vibe on that album, so that makes sense.

[@CoreyLeland]

@@EdwinCannistraci One other thing...As a teenage, I went to see Alice Cooper Special Forces tour...but I never until after your review listened to Special Forces! I had "Flush the Fashion" when it came out...I went to the concert to primarily see The Babys, not sure who played first...I think it was Alice. But I dig the album! Listened to it on KZbin after hearing your strong recommendation. Just started watching these "ranking" videos during the "stay at home" 2020. I've seen a couple dozen different people doing them...I've been thinking about doing a few myself...yours are the "best" I've seen...enjoyable. I'll check out some of your others.

[@EdwinCannistraci]

@@CoreyLeland Glad you've enjoyed my videos and I turned you onto those two Alice albums. Hope you dig my other videos and if you make some of your own, send me a link. Rock on, brother!

[@williamkerr520]

You talk to much

[@EdwinCannistraci]

If you don't like people talking why are you watching KZbin videos with people talking in them?

[@DickTwatkins]

AWESOME episode! By far my favorite video you’ve done so far! I love how optimistic you are about Sonic Boom! Hahaha glad I could help you give that album another chance.I also love how much you like Creatures,Lick it Up,Animalize and Asylum.That’s definitely one of the bands strongest eras. Thanks for the killer shout outs brotha! Appreciate that a lot 🤘🏻💀👍🏻

[@EdwinCannistraci]

MickW 85 Thanks for watching, brother. I know how much KISS means to you. And yeah, they were on a pretty good streak from ‘82 to ‘85. And I definitely see Sonic Boom being a grower. It’s a solid hard rock album. There’s only one song I don’t like: “Stand” (mainly due to the cornball chorus). As of now my fave tunes from it are “Modern Day Delilah”, “Russian Roulette”, “Never Enough”, “Hot and Cold”, and “Danger Us”. They’re the ones that stuck out to me. I especially dig Gene’s bass on “Russian Roulette” and his vocals as always.

[@ward8286]

Nah...the worst Kiss song ever is "just a boy"...just a boy makes read my body sound like I stole your love lol

[@JCStorm76]

I think Murder In High Heels is even worse than both.

[@EdwinCannistraci]

It's hard to even think of "Just a Boy" as a KISS song, but maybe you're right.

[@JCStorm76]

@The Man Don’t you like Paul’s falsetto? And those cheesy keyboards in the background? Haha

[@terrytheman3317]

Worst Kiss song ever?? Let Me Go Rock n Roll

[@CathyLahn]

He's dead on. "Read My Body" BLOWS! I cannot stand songs like this or "You Make Me Rock Hard" or "Let's Put The X in Sex," or "Murder In High Heels," anf God forbid, "Crazy Crazy Nights" They all SUCK! Ladies and Gentlemen, the great KISS is a 1973-1983 affair. And that.... is that! --> Deuce, Strutter, Cold Gin, 100,000 Years, Got To Choose, Parasite, Goin' Blind, Hotter Than Hell, All The Way, Watchin' You, Strange Ways, Two Timer, Ladies In Waiting, Getaway , Rock Bottom, C'mon and Love Me, She, Love Her All I Can, RARAN, DRC, KOTNTW, God of Thunder, Flaming Youth, Sweet Pain, Do You Love Me, Take Me, CDL, Ladies Room, Baby Driver, LEALE, Mr. Speed, SYIYD, Makin' Love, I Want You, I Stole Your Love, Christine 16, Got Love For Sale, Shock Me, Almost Human, Rocket Ride, Dirty Livin', Charisma, Magic Touch, Hard Times, Save Your Love....and the entire ACE FREHLEY solo album of 1978. There you go for the good KISS songs!