From: JR

Here's my track by track review of the album with a overall analysis at the end, let me warn you, track by track I tend to be very critical - but I do like the album, and the overall analysis will show that, and also what I think was missing from making this an Incredible album.

Psycho Circus: Paul's vocals are great on this song. There is a definite feeling of energy and groove in the verses, although the chorus is weak... I agree with the reviews that claim this will probably be the opening song of the tour. I don't care for the bridge - but overall I think this song is ok.

Within: This song sounds like a Carnival of Souls outtake... (Did Ace play on this track?) Actually I like the chorus, but hate the verses. Definitely not a good choice for the second track, The energy and groove that started on P.C. is missing in this track. I think the fans that liked C.O.S. will like this song. I didn't.

I Pledge Allegiance - This song kicks, and is probably my favorite track on the album. The chorus is very hooky, It is definitely Ace's work on the solo, and is closest to the "classic" KISS sound of all the songs on the album (yes, I said "classic KISS sound", and no, that doesn't mean I'm a total seventies head who doesn't want to see the band grow).

Into The Void - Ace's representation on the album. It sounds like "Trouble Walking" era Frehley's Comet. A decent song, this one grows on you the more you hear it.

We Are One - This song is a departure for Gene, it's very beatle-essent (think "Man of 1,000 faces"). It's a good melody, and perhaps the hidden gem of the album, though I'm sure the casual non-KISS fan listener will probably not get it.

You Wanted The Best - Without a doubt, the worst song on the album. It's great that all four members sing the song, but the chorus is cheesy at best, and the arrangement is horrible!!!! They should have left this one in the studio....

Raise Your Glasses - Paul's voice is strong here too, especially in the verse "I took a ride with a one way ticket...." great! The chorus isn't nearly as stong, but the song overall sounds great!

I Finally Found My Way to You - Peter sings this Stanley/Ezrin penned tune - it's a big production - piano, strings, acoustic guitar.. I like the way Paul harmonizes with Peter. This is not "Beth part II" which is a good thing! Pete's adlib at the end of the song was not necessary though. It is not the highlight of the album, but it is endearing. It's very soft vocally, and it's a shame that nowhere on the album does Peter just really let loose (think Nothin' to Lose, Getaway), but that wouldn't have worked on this track anyway.

Dreaming - Paul should have written another song with Holly Knight or Cuomo. It's nice that Bruce Kulick has a co-writing credit on the album, but this song is absolute trash.

Journey of 1,000 years - this song just goes on too long, and I can't even begin to describe what I don't like about it.

Overall Analysis: This is a typical KISS album. There are hints of Greatness, but a lack of cohesiveness that can be felt on almost every beat of the album. I disagree with those who think that Paul's voice suffers in the production here. When he says "Hello" in the beginning of Psycho Circus I can't help but see every KISS fan who hears the album for the first time pumping his/her fist in the air and being moved by the music. His voice sounds great! There is no one really "This is the song that will be HUGE" track, but that should not have been expected. As a piece of KISStory, this album will fair well.

However, this could have been a Great album, if only a few things were changed... Something that worried me as a fan from the day I heard it was that Bruce Fairbain was chosen to "man the helm" of production. Sure he did resurrect Aerosmith, and contributed to the success of Bon Jovi, among others, but this is KISS, and KISS has a certain sound that has with few exceptions survived 25 years. That sound is missing here, probably as much as it was missing on Dynasty (though not as bad a Carnival of Souls or Crazy Nights). Songwriting and song selection needed more attention. I'm a huge Ace fan, but I can also admit that some of Ace's material is sub-standard on the Comet albums (and even some KISS albums). It was Ace's song (especially in light of the "rumor mill") that gave me most concern going in, but thankfully his outing is solid. Paul and Gene used to co-write (well, one would finish another's idea) and that would have been welcome on this album. Gene's choruses would have highlighted Paul's verses and vice-verse. Dropping two or three tracks, or reworking them together could have made this album a classic, instead, it is a Good KISS album, but no better than Animalize or Revenge, or Dynasty.

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