From: Bjb1970@aol.com

We are indeed, one. This sentiment is not only celebrated by the made-up phantoms of rock on their new LP, but it is likely the key to the success of Psycho Circus.

When analized by a music pro or an everyday Joe, the ten tracks that make-up Kiss' Psycho Circus are interpreted as self promoting, cheesy and even simplistic. These opinions may actually hit the mark, but ask a Kiss fan and they will tell you that Psycho Circus is just what they wanted.

You see, this album, unlike the last ten or so studio releases by Kiss seems to be for the fans. Sure, "I Pledge Alligance" and "Raise Your Glasses" are cheesy. And yes, the title track emits a certain intesity that is simplistic in beat and lyric but, they are bare bones Kiss. Kiss fans are likely to feel like they got the fab four's best on this effort.

When albums like Crazy Nights and Hot in the Shade were released, I was psyched. I would select a track or two to play it for a friend and say: "Hey this is Kiss! Isn't it cool." Now I share nothing with these folks. Psycho Circus is not for them. From the title track to You wanted the Best and Into the Void, Kiss seems to focus their efforts into satisfying thier lifeblood, the Kiss fan.

This album is not for music fans or entertainment junkies. I don't feel the need to convince any of them. This one is for me and for you and for us and for Kiss and, we are one.

Song by song. 10 is the highest score.

Psycho Circus: An exellent lead song. With simplistic intensity Stanley reveals what Kiss is all about and toys with the fantasy of what it could be. In style, it is very unlike any Kiss song. Try not to sing along. 10

Within: A good Simmons song. The song is possitioned perfectly on the album. Its undercurrent beat and demonic vocals reminds the listener that this album is peaks and vallies, not all anthems. Unfortunately, this song does fail misserably in concert. I hope they take it off the play list before I see them in Hartford.

I Pledge Alligance: Corny lyrics but a catchy tune. Trademark Stanley vocals and pace and a big step-up from the corny, "sex-oriented" songs of Kiss past. 7

Into The Void: At first hearing, this is just a good Frehley's Comet song. A second listen reveals a rockin tune, sort of "Let Me Go Rock n' Roll," meets "Shock Me." This is the Spaceman we want to hear. The guitars and vocals fit perfectly and boast a fun, song. Great chorus. 8

We Are One: My two-year-old could have written this song. But Gene sings it to salvation. Rarely do you have the opportunty hear more of how Simmons sings than what he is singing. With this one, he sounds his best. This would be interesting to hear live. It would be different without being "A World Without Heroes." 7

You Wanted the Best: Simmons makes his mark on the album with this song; competing with Stanley's solid tracks. The concept is cool enough, but the eerie ahh ahh ahhs make it a hit. "Everything's gotten way out of hand," is an intense and cool outpouring from a band with every well in hand. Short and Sweet. 9

Raise your Glasses: More corn please and keep it coming. I could see this song used in a video wrap-up of the Super Bowl or NCAA championship. It is though all about Kiss and it will taste as bad to a non-fan as it tastes good to a fan. I love the change in pace and the softly sung chorus about three quarters into this one. 7

Finally Found My Way: Two things save this song from scoring a complete zero. One, Stanley singing the chorus in a Elder-but-cooler style. Secondly, it is short. Why didn't Fairbain, Simmons or Stanley put their foot down at least when Criss ends the song by speaking "Back to you babe," in a Holiday Inn lounge singer, 1975, lame mistake of a closing? Pure syrup, but we'll live. 5

Dreamin: I think a lot of Destoyer's "Great Expectations," when I hear this track. Not because they are similar songs, but because they don't jive with the rest of the songs on the album and that is cool. You feel like you've gotten some variety on your way to the end. Critically though, the song doesn't flow very well with a chorus that almost interupts the song. 7

Journey Of 1,000 years: Great wrap up to the album. This song is an album song. It can not stand-up on its own. The silky smooth style of Simmons vocals and classy score give the song and hence the album a dramatic sense. I don't hear the music from the title track that Simmons often speaks about, but it's close and that is a cool idea. 7

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