Part 12, KISS - Recording the Solo Albums, Gene Simmons and Cher

-Recording the Solo Albums
-Gene and Cher
Taken from:
Gene Simmons - Kiss and Make Up
Paul Stanley - Face the Music: A Life Exposed

[@kidgraz9139]

Ace killed it. My brother and I wore that album out.

[@stormbringercoming8105]

When I was a kid, I never had much money. So I always kept a close eye on the cut-out bins. Those KISS solo albums went to the cut-out bins faster than any new release ever. I remember getting 3 for $1.99 each. Ace’s was the only one that I paid full price for. Rightfully so.

[@sethallison5682]

It’s still the same way. I recently saw three of the solo album reissues in the kiss section at my local music stores, marked 20% off. Guess which one wasn’t there?

[@rch6650]

Ace's first solo album is still one of my all time favorite albums. The drumming especially is phenomenal,but I actually like songs from every solo album.

[@dougtull4594]

Anton Fig is a monster of a drummer.

[@brianhammer5107]

you like Peter's album??? heh ... HA HA HA HA HA HA!

[@azzamzamzam1822]

Ace solo album is the best

[@Chaz2yacom]

This is the best KISS fan channel on YT. BY FAR.

[@samcoon6699]

Aces album was great. The best of the 4. Paul's was good too. Genes was ok. Peter's was bought because it made the set complete. I listened to one or two songs and put it back in the sleeve. Never listened to it again. Wore Aces out several times. Had it on cassette for decades.

[@drstupid4366]

There are some good songs on Peter Criss solo ........The first 2 songs both had a disco influence but the rest of the album is rock n roll .

[@ronaldshank7589]

Ace, if you really think about it, never left KISS. KISS left Ace! Why would I say that, you might ask? Simple:Ace was ALWAYS straight-ahead Hard Rock/Heavy Metal. That wasn't the case with Gene and Paul. I won't even bring Peter into this equation. For example:In late 1981, when the Powers-That-Be released Music From The Elder, and Ace Frehley was given his own personal copy of the album, do you know what he did with it? He smashed it against the wall, and stormed out of the building! He knew that Gene and Paul had lost the plot. They'd become so ensconced in living fairytale lives, that they'd forgotten how to Rock! In 1982, Ace Frehley was terminated from KISS. As far as I'm concerned, though: Ace was the TRUE Rock Soldier!!!

[@vaekkriinhart4347]

I got Peter's shit sandwich free thru Columbia House 8 track. To this day, I've never heard the whole thing. I was glad he was replaced after that

[@dougtull4594]

Correct! Listen to Ace's guitar solo on "Strangeways." Enough said. He was the heart of KISS and Gene Simmons knows it. Paul can dis Ace as much as he wants. Ace's licks and riffs are copied by almost every guitarist of the last 40 years.

[@ronaldshank7589]

@@dougtull4594 Paul's just jealous. He can play Rythym Guitar, definitely, but he never could play a Lead Guitar Solo. I never heard Paul play even one Lead Guitar Solo ever, and, believe me, I've looked for some clips of Paul playing Lead Guitar. Ace could, and still can, play CIRCLES around Paul !

[@cwheremonster8870]

Ace had the best solo album. Gene agrees.. which is crazy considering Gene’s ego. But then again, maybe we were all wrong about Gene’s ego. Paul on the other hand really believes his album was great. I mean, it was good. But c’mon, that Ace album was shockingly great.

[@joeherbert7555]

You're right on the money with Ace's album. And no, we're not all wrong about Gene's ego. He's still the obnoxious blow hard he's shown himself to be for over 50 years in the public eye.

[@papichulo7415]

Gene Simmons is a douche but I’m sure say he is too.

[@williamthompson5504]

That album is awesome.

[@booshting3520]

Paul's was great.

[@booshting3520]

Gene is incorrect. Ace is joint with Paul on the solo albums. I'm glad I was able to straighten that mistake out.

[@mickdestiny6542]

Love that all we needed to hear from Ace was Rip it Out..

[@weezypeezy4366]

My first record EVER … was Ace Frehley’s solo album. 45 years later … *still* in my top 5 I’ve ever owned, borrowed or listened to. Timeless rockin’ classic for the ages

[@lamboman2]

I expected a tour thru hell on Gene’s album, like God of Thunder, so even at 10 years old, hearing Wish Upon a Star, I was thinking “ is this a joke?”

[@accountemail9712]

I thought it had a creepy tone

[@smashy_smasherton]

I am just a boy….

[@jamesmccormick875]

Me too. Everyone had the Ace solo album. It was by far the best of the 4. Even Paul’s was better than Gene’s.

[@lamboman2]

@@jamesmccormick875 I loved Paul’s; classic Kiss rock but much more passion; I listen to it the most in constant rotation with the best of the 80’s.

[@mikerivera7509]

It wasn't a joke, it was a flaming turd

[@karlasevilla4904]

Nobody talks about Peter Criss album, is personally my favorite ❤

[@mr.blackwell5423]

Peter's '78 solo album is my absolute favorite of the four, as well. Always has been. It was the first I bought of the four in 1978. It was/is unique. It was a genuine "solo" album cos it strayed away from the KISS "type of music". I💚Peter's soul/rock voice, vibe & persona. Peter oozed rock & roll. He also looked like A ROCK STAR! Much more so than the other three. His natural 70's silver/grey Italian curls, coolest hair in the rock business & the way he dressed off stage. Fashion-wise he always had GREAT taste/style. WAY TO GO, Pete!!!

[@MetalHeart8787]

well Genes was also Different BUT Sorry peters album was very weak Not Rocking enough

[@donniekellerman5833]

I LOVE this!!! Much better than listening to books I've read being read back to me......WELL DONE!!!

[@WhyTheHorseface]

I love how cool projects and things the fans all love are considered “mistakes”, “failures” and “folly” by Gene and especially Paul. See what they did without the creative motor of Bill Aucoin and Sean Delaney? Played the same songs for 25 years and took almost zero chances either creatively or business-wise. KISS was truly the sum of many parts.

[@mikerivera7509]

Gene said all he got was a blank stare from Cher when she heard the solo album. I got news for you Gene, that was a pretty gracious reaction.

[@mickdestiny6542]

Ha ha, probably had listened to Ace's solo effort prior..

[@jamesmccormick875]

Exactly. Ace’s was by far the best. Paul’s was even better than Gene’s. I was thinking Gene would have a bunch of heavy songs. Nope, it was pop rock and the “When You Wish Upon a Star” had me shaking my head in shame.

[@mickdestiny6542]

Ace served up a big can of fuck you to the boys. Our parents bought the Best of the Solo Albums for Xmas that year. I was eight, my sisters 10 and 6. We played the three Ace tunes over and over and over and never bothered with the others. I eventually bought the actual Ace solo album and was continually blown away by how great a straight up rock and roll album it is. Anton also played on Ace's Anomaly album which really has the same spirit. Too bad Anton never got the Kiss drum stool..

[@patsboxing94]

I was so happy but also bummed that unlike my best friend, I couldn't afford all four albums. ACE was my favorite member in the group I worshipped so off to Kmart I walked for Ace's album. It was Awesome! Paul's wasn't far behind. Gene's was next with Peter's far behind. Paul's was a great album and closest to Kiss

[@justinparkerthewildwolf6394]

Did you like gene's album its ok

[@MetalHeart8787]

Aces Voice was just Awesome & the song writing was Great, I like Genes & Pauls also. peters Not so much

[@samcoon6699]

Yep, my choices as well. Aces record was great. Not a bad song on there. Paul's had some good ones but not all of them. Gene's was ok. Peter's was just....part of the set.

[@omarluciano8687]

Accurate. Ace’s was a great rock record, Paul’s was closest to Kiss’ sound, Gene’s was all right, and Peter…well, he tried but I don’t think he understood the assignment.

[@ronaldshank7589]

You've got the same line-up, from best to worst, that I've got! Ace's was the best, Paul's wasn't as good as Ace's, but it wasn't too far behind. However, I draw the line at Gene's album. It was all over the place! Especially with him singing "When you wish upon a star". Come on! That's a kid's song!!! Talk about stupid-That was the ultimate in stupidity from him. At least at that point. Then... there's Peter's album. I can't believe that I'm saying this-and afterwards, I just might want to go wash my mouth and mind out with some Lye Soap, or something-but, even after lambasting Genes album like I just did, I'd rather hear that, than Peter's album!!! Seriously-Peter's album blows chunks, man! GREAT BIG CHUNKS!!!!!!!!!! Peter didn't take this album seriously...and it shows!

[@RadioReprised]

Gack!....Paul, Teenage Boys don't WANT sappy love melodies.......we want ROCK! Ace figured it out!

[@mikekrause3671]

Ace's was the best by FAR!!! the others were sappy and weak. It proves who was the most overall Rock and musically talented of the band. listen to Fractured Mirror, he plays everything on it except drums.

[@ronaldshank7589]

Ol' Ace was, and still is, wise beyond his years. He knew the heart of Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Fans, and he knew that this stuff that Gene and Peter, and to a degree, Paul, had done would never fly. He knew that fans can be fickle. Here one day, and gone the next. Ace never strayed from what KISS was supposed to be-A Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Band, designed to knock yer socks off! Ace never lost the plot! The other guys were the ones that were guilty of that!

[@sjs1555]

@@mikekrause3671 Paul’s album was sappy and weak? You are an absolute dolt.

[@mikekrause3671]

@@sjs1555 sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me

[@mikekrause3671]

girls loved his record the best .

[@TheIndependentLens]

Thanks for the thumbnail having the complete four posters connected together. I only have one of these albums, the Peter Criss one. It has the poster and original dust sleeve still. I was wondering what the complete image looked like.

[@ic_clearly]

I had the Ace record... thought it was cool at the time, .. Wiped Out ! Rip it Out. Snow Blind.

[@derekfloresofficial]

Did… did gene Simmons just give someone a compliment?!

[@kissdiaries]

Must have happened by accident

[@literacylabyrinth4018]

I had them all on vinyl. Aces was so good it was mind blowing. I adored Paul's solo also but Genes was disappointing. I always loved his songs on Kiss albums but on solo he sounded bizarre except great tracks Always near you, Radioactive and burning up with fever. Peters was a jazz album really but i loved Tossin n Turnin, and You Matter to me. But Ace had the gem. Absolutely loved it.

[@mikem.7921]

A jazz album because he was a jazz drummer

[@ronaldshank7589]

I always thought that Ace's album was the best. Basically, it was the purest of all four albums. It was pretty much straight-ahead Heavy Metal. Paul's album was fairly close to Ace's album, but with more in the way of being Balladesque. Gene's album was all over the place...and I really didn't like it that much... and then, there was Peter's album, which, for me, was a huge case of NO WAY!!! Strange how that the Guitarists of KISS knew what they were doing, and definitely sold better than Gene's and Peter's albums. What a world!

[@ronaldshank7589]

Personally, when you hear that blaster like Rip It Out as the first song off of Ace's album, you knew you were in for a wild ride!

[@ronaldshank7589]

@coogan8825 Let's put it this way:He made do, with what he had.

[@robertweedman8043]

This is really great!

[@lisag18]

That guitar solo on Hold Me..one of the best. You can sing it and make a great vocal melody

[@simonscott1121]

Gene really shouldnt include the copies he bought of his own album :)

[@ronaldshank7589]

That's a good one! Ya got me laughing with that. Seriously, though, Gene's opinion of himself is way too high, dontcha think?!?

[@downpeppertreelane387]

Peter has 4 nice ballads, plus You Matter To Me....half a solid record...i like hearing Gene singing, not shouting. See You Tonight is a classic, and he has some Beatles type harmonies on some tunes....Paul's is a 1978 Kiss Album, if you missed one that year, and Ace surprised with Fractured Mirror, and much more...NY Groove hit # 13!

[@Just-a-guy926]

I bought all 4 the day they were on sale. Peters became a frisbee, Gene and Paul’s was played once and I played Ace’s loud! And I still do.

[@accountemail9712]

Got a kick at Peter's frisbee album. I think Paul's album would have been a bit better if he didn't do his vocal falsettos and just belted those falsettos instead. I also believe tempo plays a big role on style.

[@MrHfisher]

I went to Paul's solo in store in December 78

[@mikem.7921]

Ace's album should have been the dynasty album it would have saved their ass at the time

[@dwightrenfield2241]

Hell yeah. If they had taken the best rocking tracks (mostly from Ace & Paul) and a couple from Gene & Peter, AND stayed in the black and silver outfits, I think the 79 album and tour could have saved them from their core audience abandoning them.

[@richardjones4466]

Ace's album is a fine hard rock record by anyone's standards let alone a member of Kiss! Pisses all over the others from a great height.

[@tammywheetley2384]

Had Peter and Ace.....New York Grove!!!!!

[@switchbladeactiondance]

My first records at 4 in 1978, 1) Destroyer, 2) Alive I 3 ) My sister soon took to Golden C circle, I was 4. And I picked VB out Peters. I came from Kindergarten, RAN home to jam to my wax, my KISS records. Peters is kinda thin, but it's so special to me. Same time givin' A.Coopers G. T. Hell, n Killers. What time to be a lil kid. I'd never have ANY other way, guys.

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

Kiss was more than the sum of it's parts, all together they were great, individually not so much.Two or three, tops, tracks off of each album were okay (less for Criss's album 🤣 ) and would've been better as a compilation album. Between a few friends I listened to all four and thought "boy, glad I didn't buy these!"

[@boboclown5156]

Yeah I only like Paul album the other ones seemed not that great Ace Frehley's album the music was good this his singing is terrible

[@user-ft6og5vl6n]

In hindsight, each member making a solo album probably wasnt a good idea. But, at the time , it seemed like a good idea. There was a lot of hostility and competitivenous among the goir Kiss members, especially Ace and Peter and Gene and Paul. My brother bought the Ace Frehley solo album. But, i ended up listening to it more than he did. Inever even ended up buying any of the other three dolo albums. Ace was my favorite member of Kiss anyway. Years later, i have heard Genes solo record, and his is pretty good. I'm sorry, but Ace Frehleys solo album is by far the best. Not only that, but it far outsold the others. I think, if memory serves, Peter's did the worst. To put all four records out on music store shelves on the same day, wasnt a good idea. It think it just served to divide the members of Kiss even further Kiss was always better as an ensemble, the band unite, all for one and one for all.

[@ronbroadfoot279]

I love Peter’s album!

[@FeelingShred]

just heard it for the 1st time, the sound production is so good, I don't usually like brass instruments but thankfully they are very subdued in the mix there

[@charlene2400]

I loved Gene's, and Ace's albums.

[@mikerivera7509]

I'm sorry to hear that

[@ThatMetalInterviewPodcast]

All 4 great albums

[@SamuelKhan]

Ace’s solo disc should have been the first Frehley’s Comet record.

[@BDCdrummer]

I loved all their solo albums for different reasons. I thought it was awesome that the 4 of them could express themselves and was surprised by all 4, in certain songs. If any of this wasn’t meant to be, it wouldn’t have happened.

[@frankieshankly703]

Aces coversong was the prime moment of them all

[@maxp6174]

My favorite was Peter's

[@david1132]

Hey Paul and rest of ya, we didn't expect gone with the wind type movie with kiss meets phantom, we just lived and proud you could even do a movie, fk lost your way... all of y

[@nickgodfrey1148]

I think Ace made the best album because he stayed true to the rock sound he played in Kiss. No fucking around or bullshitting. Rip it Out is balls-out killer rock and roll with Anton Fig kicking the shit out of his skins (his drumming on Joan Armatrading’s Me, Myself and I is great). Paul pulled off a couple of good tracks like Love in Chains and I liked Peter’s You Matter to Me but not a great album as a whole. Gene’s See You Tonight is good and I like Mr Make Believe but When You Wish Upon A Star has no place on a rock album.

[@nickgodfrey1148]

@Coogan neither can Paul now. 😆

[@garybursey4978]

I wish I could hear from Ace and Peter.....most of what Paul and Gene does is mudsling the two guys who helped them to get where they are today

[@Carlos-xz3vi]

My favorite of the solo albums is Paul’s. Best lyrics, vocals and production. Not a bad song on that album; in fact “Wouldn’t You Like to Know Me” should have been a major hit.

[@robmarino314]

I bought 10 copies of "Ace's Solo album" on the first day.

[@calmandharmony]

Balls

[@lisag18]

Why? To sell them?

[@jamesmccormick875]

Ok, I looked it up. As everyone on here has said, Ace had the highest sales, not Gene. Paul was number 2 in sales then Gene. Of course Gene’s lies and said his sold the most as if we can’t look it up. His ego will never allow him to admit that both Ace and Paul’s out sold him. Peter’s was last, I think we all knew that already.

[@josefranciscomejiahernande2854]

Got'm all!!!

[@josefranciscomejiahernande2854]

Got the picture disc of Paul and the all 1st age in vinil! And then on cd, pictures ,cassettes and stuff troug My time Alive on this planet, for the hardest banda in the Word,,,,KISS!

[@josefranciscomejiahernande2854]

I pay mi Paul Stanley pic,disc,,, with My frist pay check ,in a parttime job, after school, My father hate My choice!

[@robertworkman1419]

I love all 4. Of course, Ace's was the best IMO

[@vaekkriinhart4347]

Paul is fk'd up. I'll never understand his stories about women. Who the fk keeps dating a chick when she's also involved with someone else?- especially, when ur the lead singer of the most popular band on the planet?! wtf

[@jamesmccormick875]

Everyone had the Ace solo album. Every song on Ace’s was great. It was by far the best of the Solo albums. I’m guessing it’s Genes ego that has him saying his has out sold the other ones. Hell, Paul’s is better than Gene’s in my opinion.

[@TheIndependentLens]

If you google it, it says the Ace Frehley album sold the most out of the 4, but overall the sales of all 4 equaled what a regular KISS album sold. The idea does sound like a really cool and interesting concept, freedom too for the 4. The only other band that I could see having the popularity to attempt such a thing would be The Beatles. I guess it isn’t too surprising that it’s mixed results with the final products. I only have one of these that a friend gave to me a few years ago.

[@leftyzappa]

Peter’s album was the best! I’m just fuckin around. 🥴

[@twigagawizard]

I was about to say... I love Pete as their drummer, but that album is crap hahahaha

[@truthhurts79]

It sounded like this 👉💩

[@43Aquaman]

Lol..a full year and ten months and not one person has commented..yeah.

[@tommccloskey3595]

I have been thinking the same thing. I thought that maybe the comments were getting deleted.

[@boboclown5156]

looks like I started a fire..... it's kiss

[@stevekosak8624]

Gene, Paul &Peter ACE SHIT ALL OVER YOU GUYS WITH HIS SOLO ALBUM!!! I MEAN IT DON'T COME CLOSE!!!

[@cwheremonster8870]

You are so correct . 100%

[@markthatcher4853]

Good stuff miss this music 🎶

[@rocker1889]

Paul’s solo album was the best one.

[@jeffjohnson3785]

In my opinion Paul's album was a strong 2nd to Ace's. The Ace solo album was the best

[@MetalHeart8787]

I like Ace,Paul & Genes, peters is well its just Not great

[@cwheremonster8870]

No one actually believed Paul’s album was the best. At the time, I truly believed he would have the best.. but Ace’s album was so shockingly great. Damn. Real hard rock.

[@mechagamera]

Yeah sure! Hold me, touch me, lol!!

[@retrovi4128]

"Her daughter...." That didn't age well.

[@davidpaul6656]

THE Carol Kaye? The one that played bass and was in the Wrecking Crew?

[@lisag18]

No. He explained which one. There are two; the bass player and the entertainment agent. She has been to guitar player, Ricky Byrd for many years.

[@ca3317]

I don't see why Paul says it's a folly. Outside of not realizing the market and over shipping, first the album covers were great and second, it gave all the fans to hear the band members in their own environment. I think it was a great idea. We learned two things. Paul and Ace could succeed as solo artists. Gene and Peter, couldn't and need kiss more than anything. And, is there a better album to have signed than these 4? Heck no. And there's no way to date Gene's is the most selling album. No way.

[@Kosman73]

Gene probably bought a million copies of his own album just so he could say that his was the best selling of the 4

[@lessmith727]

Loved Kiss since I was 15 and Destroyer album Was so excited at 4 solo albums.sold loads of my albums to record exchange shop in order to buy all 4.Super excited with Paul S Tonite u belong to me but....Peter and Gene crap whereas....Ace Frehley Brilliant.Pure rock!

[@ec7125]

Back in the NY Groove🤘 was the only song off their solo albums, that made it a Kiss crowd favourite. So obviously they overlooked and underestimated the spacemans music contributions.

[@HappyMachorino-bd8no]

Bill Aucoin told how Ace liked to fool Gene and Paul. And Paul wrote, Ace was "clever". It's not wrong to say: They underestimated him, because Ace played the fool and gave them only his weaker stuff for the KISS albums. And than again Ace was clever enough to cover the mega seller "NY Groove". It looks like a cheap trick, sorry.

[@artisticvisions77]

Ace fan but Paul’s was the best! Numerous songs that should have have been hits. Ace had one that was a copy. Good copy though.,

[@Pamplemousse82322]

Ace's album wasn't just great, it completely destroyed the others. Gene's is actually my second favorite. Paul's is really good. Peter's has 2 good songs imo.

[@MikeTyson-ws6oy]

El de ace el mejor y por si fuera poco el q más ventas tuvo ace is back!!!!

[@97warlock]

ALL kiss songs from 73-1980 were and is special to me.

[@traviswaynegreer1]

I wish I still had those posters from this thumbnail,.. I bet they're worth alot of money

[@Ohionortheast]

Genes solo album was so disappointing for me I thought it would be some badass Black Sabbath type stuff and got some Disney album full of guest stars and wish upon a star

[@SwisstedChef2018]

This whole solo albums thing is for me better than most KISS albums

[@billjannusch]

I always loved Paul's album totally the best. Every song is perfection. I must have listened to it a million times, one of my top favorite KISS albums or albums in all of rock history, "Tonight You Belong To Me" and "Together As One" being top favorite songs of mine and "Love In Chains" too. Ace's album was totally awesome too every song a total jam. Gene and Peter's solo albums were pretty cool and listenable and showed off their different side of influences compared to KISS, though they were very underwhelming compared to their KISS music and kind of disappointing , but Paul's and Ace's were just passionate and emotional heavy rock and ballads and just totally kick ass awesome songs.

[@davidgaines9892]

I agree completely. Paul’s is my pick of the four solo albums (Ace’s is a very close 2nd) and you named my 3 favorite tracks from it as well. The only song that I remain indifferent to is “Hold Me, Touch Me”. To my tastes, some of Paul’s best and most underrated material is from ‘77 - ‘79. Tracks like “Love In Chains”, “Magic Touch”, “All American Man”… great stuff 😎🤟

[@tkalbfeld1]

I did get all 4 albums. Ace's and Paul's were good. The others well not so much. Dynasty was the last Kiss record I bought

[@henrygvidonas9573]

Meet Stanley B. Eisen, PhD - professor of aeronautical engineering at Newlyrich-Knowitall University. But that's his secret identy. The public only knows him as "The Incredible Sulk"...

[@vaekkriinhart4347]

I was only 10, and Hold Me Touch Me confused the fk outta me. How do u go from I Want You to that shit??!! Ace's solo lp was easily the best. I never bothered buying Peter's shit sandwich. After that, I did not even care that Peter was replaced

[@Steve-ik5yc]

Ace blew the other three away with his solo album.

[@accountemail9712]

I think most of everyone's song's could have worked out if they were slightly rearranged. Such as Gene's "radio active" could have sounded pretty good with Peter's or Paul's vocals as well or Paul's "tonight you belong to me" would've sounded better at 140 bpm and excluding his falsettos. Ace's "rip it out" would've sounded pretty cool with Paul's vocals on it as well with Gene's falsettos on the chorus. Gene's "see you tonight" would've also been good with Peter's vocals, sort of like a "hardluck woman " feel to it.

[@sethallison5682]

Gene says his has sold the best, but that appears to be untrue. His *debuted* at the highest chart initially, but in the long haul it’s well established that Ace’s sold the best.

[@joshchristian8598]

Paul's solo record is the best. I think Ace's is a more consistent rock album, but PS's songs were Kiss tunes in the vein of side 4 from Alive 2. Great pop-rock writing... Gene and Peter's not so much 😅

[@andrewfleming5170]

ace had a great solo album but it was the nail in the coffin for the band overall.

[@Tedanson]

It was a cool idea

[@dwightrenfield2241]

Cool idea, and definitely historic, but it was a sales disaster.

[@pontiuspilot10]

I think, at the time, everyone was expecting 4 KISS albums!! But, these were SOLO albums! The problem was they all had KISS in one corner! If they didn't have KISS on them people may have had a different opinion about them.. Someone doing a solo album is a chance for them to do things they aren't always able to do in a band situation.. Just a thought...

[@kylelewis9230]

I used to work at a store that had New York Groove (Aces version) on its playlist, as well as Hard Luck Woman. Always thought it was funny that those were the only 2 Kiss related songs they played, nothing sang by Paul or Gene

[@drstupid4366]

The posters are out of order . Simmons and Ace

[@mikerivera7509]

Gene basically told on himself, Cher heard the name Jean Simmons and the thought never crossed her mind about Gene and KISS. This is in 1978, when KISS was as popular as they ever would be. I bet his ego suffered terribly

[@Darrylizer1]

Ace's solo album was very good. Paul's was good too. Gene's was odd but I enjoyed it. Peter's was...

[@tattooedmillionaire]

All the albums were awesome exept that Peter Criss crap

[@dougtull4594]

Ace's far outsold the other three. There are some really good songs on his, and one can only wonder what they would have been like if they recorded them as KISS. I thought there were a few good songs on Gene's, but Paul's and Peter's are pretty thin.

[@MartinAlvarado]

Gene’s album is even worse than Peter’s. Paul’s is the best with some very good songs and good vocal work and Ace’s follows.

[@joeanthony7759]

@@MartinAlvarado It's all opinion. Gene's had a few decent tracks, and of course Ace's was the best. Paul's and Peter's sucked. In fact if I had to choose I'd take Peter's over Paul's. The only Kiss-fan consensus on the solo albums seem to be that most agree Ace's was the best.

[@dougtull4594]

@@MartinAlvarado, Ace's easily outsold the other three and is still easily the best of the albums. His guitar work and vocals are stellar. And, Anton Fig's drumming is so off the charts. Listen to his work in "Rip It Out." I think Gene's is the second-best of the four. Paul's and Peter's were kind of weak. Their vocals were good on both, but the material's just not there.

[@MartinAlvarado]

@@dougtull4594 I can accept Ace´s is the best one (tho I prefer Paul´s for songs like "Tonight you belong to me" or "Wouldn´t you like to know me" are among the best classic Kiss songs) but Gene´s is the worst of them all. Simmons´ solo album is simply ridiculous. Peter´s is pretty good. The type of music he chose might not be our favorite but the album is even. Well sung, written and performed.

[@dougtull4594]

@FUNKY Tunk Is that why Ace's solo album outsold the other three and spawned the only chart-topping hit of any of the four? And, Ace's solo album is the most rock n' roll of the four and the songs are awesome.

[@stanleybroniszewsky8538]

I just can't envision any animal, let alone Lassie the dog on Gene's album. While he was at it, Gene should have invited Liberace to perform on the album.

[@scottburton9741]

So now we know why Ace's solo record is the best, he had at least two years to write the songs (he claims to have not even turned any demo's in for RARO, and only has one writing credit on both Destroyer and Love Gun). Whereas the other 3 had to write, record, and mix their songs in the same amount of time as he had to just recording and mixing.

[@romelovesdan]

That is an excellent point....Ace said he was holding back, but why? Also, it would be interesting to really know when his 9 songs (& 1 outtake )for that album were written.

[@scottburton9741]

@@romelovesdan because he wanted total creative control on the way his songs were recorded I guess.

[@accountemail9712]

@@scottburton9741 if that's the case, it probably would have came out just as good. Anton fig definitely made the album sound nice and tight though

[@WillowbeeJim]

Marketing wise, in hindsight, they should’ve did a double album with one side each with their best solo tracks. Just to get Ace and Paul’s tunes would’ve sold more evenly… instead of a competition on who would sell the most individual albums among them. They could’ve had a top selling collective solo album. Casablanca was too ambitious, naive, hyped and coke fueled at the time.

[@BNatoAk]

That was Paul's next folly, Ace made out like a bandit!

[@freedo333]

I gotta say, while Ace put out a great solo album & i generally like Ace the best, i like Paul Stanley's solo record the best.

[@jetcitysinatra7300]

The solo records may not have been a great idea at the time but in hind sight the 4 solo records are 1 hot property. Back in the 70's Peter's solo record should have did the best out of all of them because his songs were the most radio friendly. His music was what was in the clubs. But Gene and Paul didn't think Peter's solo record sounded KISS enough so it went no where.

[@keithheames992]

Ace fucking killed it

[@whosoever9198]

Ace,Paul,Gene in that order with Peter’s only to complete the set.

[@markdepeppo7520]

What does Chaim and Stanley have to gain by constantly shitting on the two most popular members? They're jealousy never ceases to amaze me.

[@manmadegod100]

I forgot how embarrassing Paul and Gene's solo albums were.

[@boboclown5156]

If Paul Stanley solo album would have been a Kiss album it would have been the biggest selling Kiss album of all time with his best singing , the BesT SONG's, riding HigH

[@satinwhip]

Paul's solo album was good and the most KISS like - no surprise since he was a primary songwriter in the band - but Ace's solo album was the best of the four. They really wasted Ace's talents. No wonder Ace wanted to leave in 1978. The band begged him to stay then made a career out of bitching about him. Gene's and Peter's albums were largely unforgettable.

[@boboclown5156]

Paul and gene b**** about acE and Peter but they would have never made it without those two guys the way they played around the sound of the way Stanley writes.... makes it work jazz drums and your typical rhythm guitar player Lead guitar player would have never worked with them to do that style of writing , they should thank their lucky stars, never made any great albums after those two guys either just a song or two each albuM

[@ruthparker1140]

"neither one of us remember the solo albums that well. (J) was in a band that played detroit rock city. For fun.

[@caligee7306]

Ace Solo Album was 10x better in terms of hearing that raw Rock N Roll,,,while Paul was good perhpas it should of been in R&B haha

[@boboclown5156]

@@caligee7306 all I can assure you of one thing Ace Frehley is not a singer so I can't hardly listened to his singing his guitar-playing I like post and Lisa better soon the songs what are and be at all you must not understand Rock very well e a D all the way Straight Ahead Rock Straight Ahead Rock. But it would have sounded better with a AF lead guitar

[@seangiuliani2552]

Paul's was better than Ace's. Much classier and tasteful.

[@davidbrucemusicvideo]

37:49 and 38:19 are pretty funny, in that Paul is saying each of the solo albums sold 500,000 copies, and Gene is saying each of the solo albums sold 1 million each. 😂

[@georgeprice4212]

That’s not Gene saying that, it’s Bill Aucoin, KISS manager at the time.

[@davidbrucemusicvideo]

@@georgeprice4212 ahh…

[@gterrymed]

ACE IS THE BEST! And has had a Great Career apart from The Band; KISS aka "The Law Office of Klein and Eisen," kind of chained Ace and Peter.

[@merrolray3181]

everything ace has recorded live by the fans... sounds better than kisses live stuff recorded by the fans. ace had the best solo record. i think the bands problems were called gene and paul. not the stream of others they talk shit about...

[@ShiftaelV2]

Weren't these the first 'cut out' albums, too where they chopped the corner and sold it super cheap?

[@apollozero]

No but there was so many printed and "shipped platinum" that, this just about bankrupt the label.

[@mikerivera7509]

Who else finds it a lot of nerve gene thinking he was going to get Jerry Lee Lewis and the damn Beatles on that steaming turd of an album?