In February of 1974 KISStory was launched as KISS released their debut album. This blue collar classic would not capture the consciousness of rock fans resulting in a disappointing 75,000 sold. Time has treated KISS’ debut well. The homemade cover still stands as a classic, and the songs have solidified their place in classic rock lore. At the time, KISS and Casablanca Records didn’t have time for historians to take note. They needed hits! So a few months later KISS followed producers Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise out to L.A. to refine the band’s image. Many of the bands decisions regarding Hotter Than Hell may have been the result of impatience and overreaction. Whatever these songs lack in the areas of production, they excel in raw rock and roll expression and some stand among the finest in KISS’ entire catalogue. One decision that did pay off was the album cover. Deciding to go with a Japanese theme not only opened the door to a whole new fanbase, it also added to the mystery and allure of the band. Who are these guys and where exactly are they from? What do they stand for?? One look at the back cover gave parents the impression that KISS was dangerous and nothing breeds success in rock and roll like an album that your parents won’t let you listen to.
Got to Choose – KISS has never been shy about their efforts to model the Beatles. Got to Choose is KISS meets the Beatles at it’s finest. Much like I Want to Hold Your Hand, You’re Gonna Lose That Girl, and Ticket to Ride, Got To Choose follows the same formula as Paul leads us though the song while the band harmonizes to support his plight. Got to Choose is one of the better tracks on the album. The main riff was borrowed from Boomerang’s 99 and a Half.
Parasite – Not a fan of the Beatles?? How about Black Sabbath? KISS continues to find themselves with this KILLER 2nd track. Some argue that Parasite would have been a better album opener for Hotter than Hell, but at this point KISS was still finding their identity with Ace still morphing into his role as the lead guitarist. Maybe Got to Choose was just to warm up the fans. Parasite makes sense as a song about addiction.
Goin Blind – A song ahead of it’s time, this Gene Simmons/Stephen Coronel song was an eclectic entry for side one. The almost balladlike pace wasn’t fully appreciated until Gene revived the song for MTV’s historic unplugged episode. Dinosaur Jr, a 90’s alternative act, also breathed life into this classic on the KISS My ASS tribute album.
Hotter Than Hell – The opening riff of this title track is as signature of the 70’s KISS sound as a fingerprint. Unfortunately this flawed classic doesn’t deliver throughout. Hot Hot Hotter than Hell kills the promising momentum of the introduction. The robotic “Rip Rip, Rip and Destroy” from Phantom of the Park exposes the chorus for what it is. Paul admits to borrowing from Free’s All Right Now. Outside of the chorus, this may have been one of Paul’s finest story telling lyrics.
Let Me Go, Rock and Roll – This song is all about the guitars and while it never really shined on the album. Live performances have grown legendary as KISS, who rarely covers other artists, often use this song to break into jam sessions covering artists like the Who and Led Zeppelin.
All the Way – A great song with colossal cowbell. This tune enjoys some great tongue in cheek lyrics from Gene about a nagging girlfriend. Can’t help but think this might be inspired by a real muse.
Watchin’ You – According to Gene, the riff introducing the song was rearranged from “Mississippi Queen” by Mountain. The beginning of the song kind of drones on, however the main riff is contagious and Ace’s solo brings the whole thing to life. This is a song that has grown through live performances and the turn at the end to Watchin Us is Klassic!
Mainline– Peter’s raspy vocals make for a catchy chorus, however this song suffers as the worst song lyrically on the album. KISS fans can’t help but wonder if this was done intentionally based on stories of Peter’s “write me a song or I quit” demands. Peter may be “hot like an oven” but these lyrics would leave any woman cold.
Comin’ Home – The arrangement on the album holds this song back. Luckily, we have the unplugged performance to prove that this has grown to be among the best songs from the album. The falling melody of the chorus truly has a traveling feel that Paul is in deed on his way home.
Strange Ways – This Dark, Ominous, riff sets the tone for a song that could only fit on an album entitled Hotter than Hell. Peter’s vocals deliver as his one of his best performances with KISS. I appreciate the way he pushes his vocal chords to the limit at the end of each stanza “That I could set you free.” and “Just wanna feel some more.” Even Ace’s solo sounds as if it is distortedly escaping from the depths below.
