From: Motley Jeff

Okay, Hello....Here I am, here we are......Although I was kind of against it at first (listening to the whole cd before its 'official' release ; see 'Single Reviews' #19), I changed my mind when I was given a chance to hear the complete album.

But instead of a true track-by-track review, I will give you my thoughts on some of my favorite tracks as well as the record as a whole:

I think this is a GREAT Kiss album! And I agree with the others who say this is one record that you can't really categorize. It pretty much stands on its own. There are elements of '70's,'80's, and '90's Kiss, as well as a 'new' Kiss sound at the same time. I have no complaints with this album!

If you are a TRUE Kiss fan, you will enjoy "Psycho Circus." If you haven't yet heard any of the new record, don't allow yourself to be stuck in a Kiss 'timewarp.' What I mean by that is, DO NOT EXPECT a copy of "Destroyer"! or "Love Gun!" or "Rock and Roll Over!" However, do EXPECT an extremely cool collection of tunes that covers many different sounds and styles of Kiss.

There are some really catchy, memorable songs to be found here. "We are One" is pure pop genius from Gene. "Raise Your Glasses" is one of the best Kiss songs I have ever heard. Sure its really really catchy. What's wrong with that? It doesn't sound like Bon Jovi to me. I don't think the chorus is cheezy at all. Its memorable and makes you want to sing along. HELLO! Rock and roll is still meant to be entertainment! Or at least it was the last time I checked!!!???

"You Wanted the Best" is truly a unique song. You get to hear each member trading off on vocals. Peter sounds REALLY cool on this one...almost 'pissed off' in a way! Paul's vocals are killer.

"I Pledge Allegiance" should be another fan favorite. The concept alone is cool. Pledging allegiance to the state of rock and roll! If "Rock and Roll All Nite" is the National Anthem of Rock and Roll, then logically this should be rock's Pledge of Allegiance, don't you think?

This is a truly an excellent Kiss album. Don't sit there and critically analyze it, then you won't enjoy it as much. Take it for what it is....a very listenable,enjoyable collection of tunes. Be glad that there is a NEW Kiss album! They could have easily 'retired' after the successful reunion. Think about this...if Paul and Gene still didn't get along with Ace and Peter, then I'm sure the Reunion Tour would have been the end of it. Keep in mind, these guys were good friends before the first of the breakups...and they seem to be good friends again.

There will always be the Ace and Peter bashers. Its unavoidable. To all those who feel the need to continue to doubt them or put them down.....GET OVER IT! They're back in the band! If you don't believe that they played on the record....what do you need as proof? Would you have preferred a surveillance camera set up at the studio at all hours to document who was playing on all the songs??? I'm sure I'm not alone when I say ENOUGH OF THE ACE/PETER CRITICISMS!

There are some real potential hit songs on this new record. But MTV and the other video networks will most likely try to ignore it. WE CAN'T LET THIS HAPPEN,KISS FANS. Now with the advent of the internet and the thousands of us Kiss Army Recruits who are online, we have many different avenues to have our voices heard. HERE'S SOME OF WHAT WE NEED TO DO: Flood MTV's email request lines with requests for the first new video, as soon as the Asylum reports its release. LET'S GET KISS BACK ON MTV. Also send it to Much Music in Canada (a cool channel if you've never seen it!) They are at 'muchmusic.com' I believe. It doesn't matter if you don't have the channel, send it anyway. Call Top 40 stations and bug them to play Kiss! Be relentless! Send your email requests on a daily basis! Don't forget to do it! It only takes a few seconds. Keep in mind, we are the best rock fans out there. Always remember that! And when the cd comes out, don't buy just one copy! Buy 2. I'm buying 2 myself, one to play, and one for the vaults. MAKE '98/'99 A KISSIN' TIME!

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