From: Ryan

Let me start by saying I have been a die hard KISS fan since 1975, The first time I saw them in concert was in 79' when I was only 6 years old.I have been dying to hear the new album Psycho Circus, and when I finally did I must say for some reason I wasn't expecting much, but as I listened to the album I was pleasantly supprised.
Here is my break down of the songs on the album. I will rate each song on the stars system 5=best, 1=worst.

PSYCHO CIRCUS: Unlike what everyone else has said about this song, I didn't really care for it, I thought, like a lot of Paul's songs anymore he is getting way to corny. I just kept waiting for this song to get going but it never happened for me. I will say I do like the 2nd half of this song a lot better.(3 stars)

WITHIN: Welcome Gene to the 90's. To put it simply this song kicks ass, especially the chorus. I do agree it does sound like it could have been from Carnival Of Souls(Which I liked also)I think Gene does a great job of mixing a 90's sound with a little old Kiss on this one.Great!!!(5 stars)

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE: Paul again, but better than his first track. This is probably his best one on the album in my opinion. Gets ya movin, decent chorus but I wish he would stop singing about his love for rock n' roll, it's starting to get old after 25 years.(3 1/2 stars)

INTO THE VOID: You got to love Ace. This is the song that sounds most like classic Kiss, and classic Ace. Great guitar work here. Ace fans look out!!!(4 stars)

WE ARE ONE: Gene's back again, but he abandons the demon for the rest of the album here. One of the best things about Gene is his ability to do great hard drivin' songs like "Within" and then do a 360 into songs like this. This is a great catchy tune a lot of people might dislike but I love it!!! Gene is a very under appreciated songwriter and singer, that shows here. This could be a single(5 stars)

YOU WANTED THE BEST: Motley Crue makes an appearance here doing "Kickstart my heart" sounds very close to me. This is a very corny song also, where all 4 band members trade off singing, even with all that it's not too bad. Ace has a great guitar solo, an obvious anthem.(3 1/2 stars)

RAISE YOUR GLASSES: Paul again here, sounding cheesy as ever. Paul seems to be stuck in the Hot in the Shade era again. I wish he would have kept going in the direction he was going on Carnival(his best since Love Gun)but no luck here. This is a definite throw away.(1 1/2 stars)

I FINALLY FOUND MY WAY TO YOU: Beth part 2. but don't blame Peter, this one was written by Paul not Peter. I have a mixed opinion on this one, It's a decent ballad but on the other hand not that powerful, I was really expecting more here. I do think it may have some promise as a single also.(4 stars)

DREAMING: I can definitely tell this was co-written by Paul with Bruce Kullick. This is a pretty good song from Paul a little more in the direction I wish he would go with his songs.(3 1/2 stars)

JOURNEY OF 1,000 YEARS: WoW!!! Gene has done it again, this is my favorite of the album. A very different but powerful song that once it gets going doesn't let up. The orchestra part sounded a lot like a part of Ozzy's "No More Tears". I have seen people bashing this song, but I think if you keep listening it will grow on you. Gene continues to be the most creative mind in the band, you gotta give him credit for that. Once again great song!!!(5 stars)

Well, overall I think this album has something for all Kiss fans, new and old. My biggest complaint is there are only 10 tracks on this album. I think they owe the fans a little more than 10 songs after all they wrote over 50, why not give us our moneys worth. I wanted more Ace and Peter too but no luck there, Peter has no writing credits at all on this album, some of his stuff had to be better than some of Paul's cheesy garbage. Don't get me wrong I love Paul, his vocals are once again outstanding but I wish he would try to sing about something more than how great he is, and his love and dedication for Rock n' Roll. Finally I will say this album is worth your purchase and it does do a suprising job of sounding like classic Kiss with a little 90's mixed in.(7 stars)

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