From: Butch Rhodes

First and foremost, let me say this: This is my own opinion. The views here are not necessarily those of....(LOL). And I know the saying, "Opinions are like assholes...", but hey, each is entitled. When I first heard it, I really did not know what to think. I guess I expected a lot more. With all the hype centered around this album, I expected 1 of 2 things: Either a "Let's go party and get laid" attitude (classic early KISS), or a serious heavy metal album. Well, we got neither. So I was in a bit of shock. But after the zillionth listen, I am 110% into this album with the exception of the ballad by Peter (are you sure this isn't Barry Manilow?). I totally dig it and consider it one of my favorite KISS albums.

Here's a few words on each song, followed by an overall view of it.

1. PSYCHO CIRCUS... I Loved it the first time I heard it!!! The beginning is awesome!!! Paul is strong here... The middle kinda gives me a Wild Child (W.A.S.P.) feel, but VERY cool!! Definitely "Detroit Rock City" caliber...A classic in the making.

2. WITHIN... I love the into, but really did not like this song at first. I expected more from Gene here, but after a few listens, it grew on me. Cool chorus.

3. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE... Great Paul song. Cool riffs, catchy chorus, just an overall fun song.

4. INTO THE VOID... Ace!!! What can I say? His only contribution on this album (a shame, really) is a definite burner. His vocals are really strong. Kinda reminds me of Mr. Blackwell the way he sings here, but definitely one of the better rockers on the album. Thumbs up to Ace!

5. WE ARE ONE... I did not like this one at all at first. But it grows on you. When Gene said that there was Lennon and McCartney, and there would be him, he wasn't kidding! This is very Lennon-esque, but still very cool. I wouldn't be surprised if this becomes the song Paul uses to have the crowd participate on. Gene sounds very much like he did on his solo album. Very impressive here.

6. YOU WANTED THE BEST... Yes, the lyrics are kinda cheesy here, but still very cool to hear from all 4... An upbeat song, and regardless of all the other reviews on it, I liked it from the get-go. From Gene's trademark "YEAH YEAH YEAHEE!!!!" to Ace's hilarious laugh at the end, a killer tune indeed.

7. RAISE YOUR GLASSES... Next to the title track, my favorite. Paul's solo album revisited, and a definite classic. I don't hear any damn Bon Jovi here, and it doesn't sound like Crazy Nights, either. Definitely radio friendly, and very catchy. People are always complaining that rock is dead, with no radio or video airplay, well this song could very well change things! Raise Your Glasses to Paul here, because it is destined to become a KISS classic.

8. I FINALLY FOUND MY WAY... ...Into the trash can. C'mon Peter. Your last solo effort's ballads were harder than this! A total waste of album space. Total Velveeta here, and it couldn't be spread any more than this...After a zillions listens, I still fast-forward...

9. DREAMIN'... VERY COOL PAUL SONG!!! He has definitely shown some maturity here. Just the way the chorus is played... They have really grown up musically, and it shows on this one. I feel they should've ended the album with this song. Very killer track. It kinda has a Y & T feel to it. My glass is still raised for Paul.

10. JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND YEARS... Still not sure what to think of this one. I cool tuen though, Gene has been really impressive on this album, and his voice is just awesome here. An ELDER left over possibly, but still very cool. another "hooker" after a few listens.

Well, there's my 2 cents on it. It is a great album, but not what was expected. KISS have grown up, and it shows throughout the entire album, with the exception of...you know...as a matter of fact, other than his 2 verses on YWTB, I feel this is his ONLY contribution on the ENTIRE album!!! I am sorry, but that is not "Peter Criss on the drums..." I have been wrong before, and would love to be proved wrong here, but I really don't believe this is Peter. And as far as Ace goes, he's all over this album. Those parts that people aren't sure about, well, people need to remember that Paul is an excellent guitarist as well, and doesn't really get the credit he deserves for his guitar playing. Hey, it's a KISS album, and with ALL KISS albums, you either love it or hate it. It's still a KISS album, and I love it.

All I can say is I am ready for the tour to start, and to get into debt all over again (hell, I am still paying for the last tour!), so bring on the CIRCUS!!!!!

"the amplifiers start to hum...the carnival has just begun! You're in the PSYCHO CIRCUS, and I say welcome to the show!!!"

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