Reviews (page 6 of 8)
Spinal Tap did it better.
A classic that I have some bits of nostalgia for, and at the time it was the heaviest rock n roll you could get. It’s a bit dated and cheesy, and there are some clunkers but I think it’s still enjoyable and deservedly belongs here (4.5/5)
I’ve nothing against KISS. They’re definitely a decent enough sounding band. I’ve just never really understood the adoration that they get from some people. I genuinely think that without all of the makeup and customised they’ll have been forgotten about many years ago. Today’s album is pretty good. Detroit Rock City is fun, and the slower ballads show a softer side that I hadn’t heard before. That said, they simply sound like a run of the mill glam rock band to me. I think if I was to pick a band from this era to listen to a lot, I’d pick something like The Sweet much faster than KISS.
Entre la teatralidad de sus espectáculos y el sonido hard rock y glam, Kiss fue un auténtico fenómeno en los años 70. No faltan en sus canciones ganchos pop y grandes melodías impulsadas por estupendas guitarras. En 1976 con Destroyer alcanzaron la cima del éxito, incluyendo su primera incursión en las listas con la balada "Beth". Fue un disco en el que la banda se animó a experimentar con efectos de sonido, coros infantiles y orquestas. Destaca el rock pesado de himnos como "God of Thunder" o "Shout It Out Loud". Me gusta bastante la apertura del disco, "Detroit Rock City", en el que Kiss nos cuenta la historia de un fan murto en accidente de tráfico por ir bebido cuando iba a su concierto. Y también la versionada más tarde por Nirvana, "Do You Love Me?", reflexión sobre el estrellato en la que el rockero se pregunta si es amado por ser como es o por el dinero, el glamour y la fama.
A bit better than I expected.
6.3
Wtf?
Nope. Just nope. Too dumb to be taken seriously. Gene Simmons is an all time asshole. Hard pass.
first listen honestly better than expected
This is decent and sounds like the time, but there's not a lot to offer. The album falls off as it goes on.
Very rarely does the word 'lame' apply to an album on this list. It does here. While I can get that their cartoon characters, merchandising and onstage antics are all not for me, but understandable, what is completely unforgivable here is the almost complete lack of ROCK. These tracks are weedy, puny and devoid of almost everything that their image says they will be. Makes me realise that although I dislike almost everything about Meatloaf, at least his music cashed some of the cheques his image wrote. The sound of uncashed cheques here is deafening. I mean, Beth, what gives men? Destroyers of worlds. Hah Destroyers of hankies more like.
This album was so middle-of-the-road, it was almost funny. Not bad but definitely not a standout either.
disappointed
When I was a little laddie, the Hawkins brothers up the block had a Kiss record. I think it was the double live "Alive II." This was 77-78. Everyone picked their favorite guy and since I went last I had to take drummer Peter Kriss (the one with the decidedly un-macho feline face), whose big tune is the exceptionally shitty ballad, "Beth," the original studio recording of which is on here. It was pretty hard for me to find a way into that tune as an eight year old, and I am very sorry to report that the many intervening years have not made it any easier. Two stars only because the badass song title "Detroit Rock City." Otherwise, I would prefer to listen to Spinal Tap.
Phew! Although I do hope this is the only Kiss album we get in this collection, it would have been a shame if we didn't get some Kiss in this project. I was never a big fan of them growing up, but even then I recognized that they had clearly paved the way for all the hair metal bands that followed, and for that they earned my respect (and likely the groans and hatred of many others). Listening to this album now, I also realize that part of my reluctance to embrace them was that they simply didn't rock as hard as I wanted them to--I often feel like they were *pretending* to be a hard rock/heavy metal band, but really they wanted to be either a stadium-rock band with makeup and platform boots (a hard-rockin' Boston), or maybe more of a Meatloaf-style act ("Great expectations" and "Do you love me?" great examples). Plus it doesn't help that they didn't have a lot of range either musically or lyrics-wise. But what outfits! Out of the songs on this album, "Detroit rock city" is of course a lasting classic, and "Flaming youth" was also a fun (and a little cringey) listen; the rest were pretty nondescript (sorry, "Beth"). But I'm still glad they were included, and it's kind of satisfying reading that the producer of this album put them through a musical boot camp, as apparently they needed the kick in the pants.
omg this record is so stupid. Detroit Rock City! I'm giving it two stars because it wasn't painful, just not anything much
I also enjoyed The Darkness' *Permission To Land* quite a bit when it was suggested to me the other day. What is wrong with me? Am I turning to a fan of cheesy hard rock just because of the unsound influence of this app??? In all seriousness, *Destroyer* is what happens when a band heretofore known for its flat, derivative, self-indulgent take on good old rock'n'roll suddenly up their game in an unforeseen fashion, and then meet a genius producer (Bob Ezrin -- see also Lou Reed, Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd) to transcend their efforts into an evocative whole filled with all sorts of thrilling details. "Detroit Rock City", "King Of The Night Time World" and "Do You Love Me" are absolute bangers. "God Of Thunder" is moody as fuck, thanks to its background noises, echoes and subtle dynamics, which take the admittedly linear and unoriginal music to a whole other level. "Great Expectations" is a rich and surprisingly subtle ballad building up to an epic climax. Not a "power ballad", you see--something much more interesting than that, which indeed owes to Lou Reed's *Berlin*. And yeah, "Flaming Youth" DOES have whiffs of an ABBA hit (which Kiss would use even more spectacularly again on their legendary single "I Was Made For Loving You" a few years later), but who says it's a bad thing? Music, whether disco or hard rock, going full camp doesn't necessarily mean that it's conducive to bad or ineffective songs. Of course, the lyrics are a little ridiculous at times... But hey, we're talking about a band with full make-up on stage having all sorts of Spinal Tap-worthy shenanigans going on there. What did you expect? A thesis statement? The negative reviews topping this section made me smirk. I fear that some of them were based on readymade prejudice, and that those reviewers didn't really use their ears (and heart) to listen. Or maybe they just can't stand that genre, and in that case, what are you gonna do? The first 5-star review nailed it perfectly, though. I'm only taking half a point off for my own grade because of the lack of variety for the first half of side two (fortunately broken by the unexpectedly delicate "Beth"). And even there, I feel like I might be a little severe, because taken on their own, those songs are nice and fun as well. So I readily believe folks more knowledgeable than I am when they say this is the one Kiss album to keep for such a list. Don't feel like I need to explore their discography either before or after this one. Life's too short to inflict all sorts of half-baked cheesefest hard rock songs on yourself. But it's also too short to decide you shouldn't have a little fun once in a while, thanks to the cream on that usually bloated hard rock cake. So let's rock! 4.5/5 for the purposes of this list of "essential" albums, rounded up to 5. 9.5/10 for more general purposes. Number of albums left to review: 83 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 394 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 229 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 295
Fun, over the top cartoon rock.
Revved up on a Wednesday
I’ve read all the negative reviews and criticism, but hell yeah, I can stick this on whenever I like and still enjoy it!
gene simmons shouldn't be allowed to sing
I know I'm hardly meant to but I can't take KISS seriously. They're also a 'play the hits' band and albums like Destroyer just don't work for them as their less famous stuff is not as good, and there are some genuinely terrible efforts on here where they try to stray too far away from the big stadium sound that made them famous. Detroit Rock City and Shout It Out Loud are good, Beth is decidedly not, don't try ballads lads, they're not your thing. A disappointing 2, KISS are the example of a band that should be right up my street but they're just not, because they've got no depth to them.
This is good fun (for a while), but not convinced it's that good. Glam stadium rock, got a bit of pantomime to it, think it's probably better live than it is recorded. It's a bit lightweight, pretty cliched in places, and pretty repetitive. Feels very dated. Doesn't quite pass muster for a 3, so 2/5.
God bless 'em but not my thing
no, no
Vintage jock rock. I prefer the live stuff.
Quite liked this album. It’s a bit rock n roll pantomime but then that’s KISS
I came to this with the assumption that this band was more style than substance. This album did nothing to change my mind. There's a couple of decent tracks but most of it is meh.
I refuse to listen to this dreck.
Hyvää.. Hyvää Päivää...
Notable tracks: Detroit Rock City, Great Expectations, Shout It Out Loud
**Review of "Destroyer" by KISS** Released in 1976, *Destroyer* by KISS is a seminal album in the pantheon of hard rock. Known for its bombastic sound, anthemic tracks, and larger-than-life personas, KISS solidified their status as rock legends with this album. Produced by Bob Ezrin, *Destroyer* not only captured the essence of KISS's theatrical approach to rock music but also pushed their sound into more ambitious and experimental territories. This review will delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. ### Music *Destroyer* marks a significant evolution in KISS's sound. While the band was known for their straightforward rock and roll anthems, this album incorporates a variety of musical styles and textures that were previously unexplored by the band. #### **Instrumentation and Arrangements** One of the most notable aspects of *Destroyer* is its rich instrumentation and sophisticated arrangements. Bob Ezrin, known for his work with Alice Cooper and later with Pink Floyd, brought a level of orchestration to KISS’s music that was unprecedented. Tracks like "Detroit Rock City" feature complex guitar harmonies, syncopated rhythms, and an epic sense of scale that set it apart from the more basic rock songs of their earlier albums. The album also introduces the use of sound effects, orchestras, and choirs, most famously on the track "Great Expectations," which includes a boys’ choir. This not only adds a dramatic flair but also underscores the operatic and theatrical nature of KISS's music. #### **Guitar Work** Ace Frehley's guitar work on *Destroyer* is both precise and expressive. His solos are carefully constructed, with a mix of technical skill and emotional impact that enhances the overall feel of the songs. Tracks like "Flaming Youth" and "Shout It Out Loud" feature powerful riffs and solos that are both memorable and integral to the band's signature sound. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons also contribute to the guitar work, often with a heavier rhythm section that anchors the more elaborate arrangements. Their interplay provides a strong foundation for the album’s varied soundscapes. #### **Drumming and Percussion** Peter Criss's drumming on the album is solid and dynamic, with a noticeable shift towards more complex patterns and rhythms. The drumming on "Detroit Rock City" and "King of the Night Time World" showcases his ability to blend power with precision, driving the songs forward with an infectious energy. The use of additional percussion and sound effects, such as the car crash in "Detroit Rock City" or the bombastic intro to "God of Thunder," adds layers of texture that enhance the overall listening experience. ### Lyrics The lyrics on *Destroyer* reflect a mix of fantasy, bravado, and introspection. While KISS is often associated with party anthems and hedonistic themes, this album explores a broader range of emotions and narratives. #### **Storytelling and Themes** "Detroit Rock City" tells a vivid story of a fan heading to a KISS concert, only to meet a tragic fate in a car crash. The lyrics are both cinematic and reflective, offering a glimpse into the dangers and exhilaration of the rock and roll lifestyle. This narrative approach is a departure from the more straightforward lyrics of their earlier work. "God of Thunder," written by Paul Stanley but sung by Gene Simmons, is an exploration of power and mystique, painting Simmons's Demon persona as a larger-than-life figure. The lyrics are filled with dark imagery and a sense of foreboding, adding to the song's menacing tone. "Beth," a ballad sung by Peter Criss, stands out for its vulnerability and sincerity. The lyrics describe a musician's struggle to balance his career with his personal life, a theme that resonates with the band's own experiences. This song's emotional depth and departure from KISS's usual bravado make it one of the album's standout tracks. #### **Lyrical Weaknesses** While *Destroyer* features some of KISS's most compelling lyrics, not all tracks reach the same level of depth. Songs like "Do You Love Me?" and "Flaming Youth" lean heavily on typical rock and roll clichés, with lyrics that revolve around themes of rebellion, fame, and adoration. While these songs are catchy and entertaining, they lack the narrative complexity and emotional depth of the album's stronger tracks. ### Production Bob Ezrin's production on *Destroyer* is arguably one of the album's defining features. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Ezrin brought a level of polish and sophistication to the album that set it apart from KISS's previous work. #### **Sound Quality and Mixing** The sound quality on *Destroyer* is impeccable, with a clear and balanced mix that allows each instrument to shine. The guitars are crisp and powerful, the drums are punchy and resonant, and the vocals are front and center without overpowering the other elements. Ezrin's use of reverb and echo effects enhances the album's grandeur, giving the songs a larger-than-life feel that complements KISS's theatrical image. #### **Innovative Techniques** Ezrin also introduced a number of innovative production techniques that added depth and texture to the album. The use of sound effects, such as the car crash in "Detroit Rock City" and the children's voices in "God of Thunder," creates a cinematic atmosphere that immerses the listener in the album's world. The inclusion of orchestral arrangements and choirs on tracks like "Great Expectations" and "Beth" adds a new dimension to KISS's sound, elevating the music beyond the standard rock formula. These elements are integrated seamlessly into the songs, enhancing their emotional impact without feeling out of place. #### **Drawbacks in Production** Despite the overall excellence of the production, there are moments where the album's ambition feels slightly overreached. Some critics and fans have argued that the orchestral and choral elements, while innovative, occasionally detract from the raw energy that defined KISS's earlier work. Additionally, the heavy use of production techniques may feel excessive to listeners who prefer the more stripped-down rock sound of albums like *Dressed to Kill* or *Hotter Than Hell*. ### Themes Thematically, *Destroyer* explores a range of ideas that reflect both the band's personas and the broader rock and roll ethos of the 1970s. #### **Identity and Persona** A recurring theme on *Destroyer* is the exploration of identity and persona, particularly in songs like "God of Thunder" and "Great Expectations." These tracks delve into the mythology of KISS, presenting the band members as larger-than-life figures with almost supernatural powers. This aligns with KISS's public image, where each member adopted a distinct persona—The Demon, Starchild, Spaceman, and Catman—that added a layer of mystique to their music and performances. #### **Fame and Adulation** The theme of fame and its consequences is also prevalent on the album. "Do You Love Me?" explores the superficiality of adoration, questioning whether the affection they receive is for who they are or the image they project. This introspective look at the nature of fame adds a layer of complexity to the band's usual celebration of rock and roll excess. #### **Rebellion and Youth** Tracks like "Flaming Youth" and "Shout It Out Loud" embody the spirit of rebellion and youthful defiance. These songs celebrate the freedom and excitement of youth, with lyrics that encourage listeners to embrace their individuality and resist conformity. This theme resonates with the band's core audience, who saw KISS as a symbol of defiance against societal norms. #### **Mortality and Tragedy** Perhaps the most unexpected theme on *Destroyer* is the contemplation of mortality and tragedy, most evident in "Detroit Rock City." The song's narrative of a fan's untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk behind the rock and roll lifestyle. This theme is a departure from the escapism and fantasy that typically characterize KISS's music, adding a poignant and somber note to the album. ### Influence *Destroyer* had a profound influence on the rock music landscape, both in terms of sound and style. The album's success cemented KISS's status as one of the biggest rock bands of the 1970s and set a new standard for what a rock album could be. #### **Impact on Hard Rock and Heavy Metal** The album's blend of hard rock with orchestral elements and cinematic production influenced a generation of musicians and bands. The grandiosity of *Destroyer* can be seen as a precursor to the bombastic sound of 1980s glam metal bands like Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Def Leppard, who embraced both the sonic and visual aspects of KISS's approach. Songs like "Detroit Rock City" and "God of Thunder" have become staples in the hard rock and heavy metal canon, inspiring countless covers and tributes. The album's success also demonstrated the commercial viability of blending rock music with theatrical elements, paving the way for artists like Alice Cooper, Marilyn Manson, and even Rammstein. #### **Cultural Impact** Beyond its musical influence, *Destroyer* had a significant cultural impact. The album's cover, featuring the band in their iconic makeup and costumes, became one of the most recognizable images in rock history. KISS's visual style, characterized by their elaborate stage shows and larger-than-life personas, influenced not only other musicians but also the broader pop culture, from comic books to merchandise. The album also solidified KISS's reputation as pioneers of rock merchandising. The success of *Destroyer* led to a flood of KISS-branded products, from action figures to lunchboxes, establishing a business model that would be emulated by countless artists in the years to come. ### Pros and Cons #### **Pros** 1. ** Innovative Production**: Bob Ezrin's production brought a new level of sophistication to KISS's sound, incorporating orchestral elements, sound effects, and complex arrangements that elevated the album beyond standard rock fare. 2. **Strong Musicianship**: The guitar work, drumming, and vocal performances are all top-notch, showcasing the band's musical abilities and their growth as artists. 3. **Thematic Depth**: The album explores a range of themes, from identity and fame to mortality and tragedy, offering more depth and complexity than previous KISS records. 4. **Cultural Influence**: *Destroyer* had a lasting impact on the rock music landscape and pop culture, influencing countless artists and setting a new standard for theatrical rock. #### **Cons** 1. **Overproduction**: Some listeners may find the album's heavy use of orchestration and production techniques excessive, detracting from the raw energy that characterized KISS's earlier work. 2. **Inconsistent Lyrics**: While some songs feature compelling narratives and themes, others rely on rock and roll clichés that lack the depth of the album's stronger tracks. 3. **Departure from Raw Sound**: Fans of KISS's earlier, more straightforward rock sound may be put off by the album's more polished and experimental approach. ### Conclusion *Destroyer* remains one of KISS's most iconic and influential albums. Its innovative production, strong musicianship, and thematic depth set it apart not only within KISS's discography but also in the broader rock music canon. While some may critique the album for its overproduction or inconsistent lyrics, its impact on the genre and pop culture is undeniable. *Destroyer* is a testament to KISS's ability to push the boundaries of rock music and solidify their place as one of the most enduring and influential bands in rock history.
Rock n roll. Kiss is frustrating because they open the album with one of the greatest rock songs of all time in Detroit Rock City, then follow it up with a decent song, then have like 8 duds in a row.
An album from the iconic, rock city band, KISS. A head bopping album all the way through, with a couple memorable tracks! 3.9/5
Sure !
Teeny bopper vanilla rock. Cliche as they come.
I really wasn't expecting to like this. Big riff. Some weird lyrics that just come off kinda creepy though. 2.7
Are you not entertained?! Nostalgia is now fully coming into play. Is it high-quality, premier-skilled, genre progressing artistry? Nah. But is it shoe-tapping, beer guzzling rock and roll? Hecking yeah! Southern rock riffs with scandalous showmanship and pervy lyrics was probably where they peaked. Some of the musical theatre schtick does not. Somewhere along the line KISS got labelled hard rock/metal and the primitive algorithms (see record shop organising) put them alongside the more garish hair metal. Would they have been as big if they wore denim and t-shirts? Probably not but their following would have been a lot different. Detroit Rock City is an underrated ALL-TIMER, and for that they get the 4. Fight me.
I think I’m officially not a KISS guy
A Kiss album through and through. Arena rock and songs that all kind of sound the same, but still manage to be fun. Certainly feels dated by modern standards, but a fun and decent listen overall. Top tracks: Detroit Rock City, Shout It Out, Beth
I’ve always enjoyed the hits of Kiss and I’m open to a deep dive but this isn’t the album that’s going to convert me into being a bigger fan. A lot of these songs are silly and surprisingly pretentious. I rolled my eyes more than once. Some of the songs about sex feel like infomercials for banging the band. But Kiss also doesn’t seem to have much respect for their groupies. I thought “Great Expectations” was merely tacky until I took a closer look at the lyrics. Kiss is really poking fun at fan culture but that actually just makes the song feel patronizing. Did they play this live, essentially making fun of their fans to their faces? Similarly, “Do You Love Me” is about women who are only into them for the fame and money. “Shout It Out Loud” is winning me over though. I need more good times party songs like this on the album. Circling back and listening to a few songs again and “Flaming Youth” is pretty good too. 2.5
There's a youthful energy in this record that I think is pretty special, and magical. It's like a bunch of young boys go in their garage for their first band jam, put on some silly rockstar costumes and makeup, and when they start playing this is the sound that they hear in their heads. That's my audiovisual experience I have when I hear this album. At the same time, I wouldn't say this is their best record, and it's hard to figure out what one really is. This has "Beth" on it, their true great ballad, the album "Dynasty" has "I Was Made For Lovin' You", "Dressed To Kill" has "Rock And Roll All Nite". So if you could only pick one, which would you pick? It's a hard question. They are one of those bands where you think that a greatest hits would be the album that needs to be on here, but I think having a greatest hits on this list kind of defeats the purpose a little bit. That's what makes rating this album a bit hard for me. "Beth" is the big track on this record, but it's far from my favorite Kiss song, it's maybe like 6th or 7th best. I do however really like "Shout It Out Loud", but even that is maybe my 5th best Kiss song. So where does that put this album? I think if I gave it a 3 that would be doing it a disservice for how monumental Kiss as a band are. I'm afraid of this being the only record by them on here and giving them only a 3 when it's one of the most famous bands ever. A 5 feels a little too high for me though, because it's not really a perfect or near-perfect record. It has it's moments, but I'd rather listen to other Kiss tracks before this collection. I'm going with a 3. It's solid rock tracks but unfortunately aren't the best representation of the band.
Not classic. Not great. But fun.
It’s fine, it just doesn’t do much for me.
Classic
Meh
This was bad, glad it was over with quickly.
Other than pioneering stadium rock, this album has nothing else going for it. KISS has never been my thing, as I find the music uninteresting. This album confirmed that they’re still not for me. 2/5
I always felt that the look promised something that the sound just didn’t deliver for me.
Look how sexily I am playing my guitar. Look at those fingerings and double stops. Look how manly I'm handling my drums over here. Dontcha wish your boyfriend was HOT like me?
Meh. When it came to the Kiss Army, I was a draft dodger. They are less a group of musicians as they are an act. Like professional wrestling. I suppose this one is about as good as they get though.
Meh, this just doesn't do anything for me. Detroit Rock City is a decent song, but the rest of it is just... nothing special.
Probably my favorite Kiss album. Not that heavy, it's almost a rock version of schlager, and I definitely wouldn't call it heavy metal. Still it's fun to listen to and the album have my two of my favorite Kiss songs, Detroit rock city and God of Thunder. I can't really give it a five as I really don't care for the songs Flaming youth and Sweet Pain.
Very fun glam rock, i was introduced to KISS when i was young from family and games like guitar hero, just never explored their albums much. I get how theyre more than a brand, kind of like a sensation or ‘characters’. 3.2
Behind all the glitz and Halloween makeup there's decent rock 'n roll, albeit vapid, insipid and unimaginative. Sort of a groupie serenade.
First half was everything I thought a KISS album would be, but the second half won me over just a little bit -- Beth and Shout It Out Loud bring it up to a solid 2
Most of this album does present some great hard rock songs and party anthems which are fun to listen to, but it leaves something to be desired. There were some odd choices in the production/mixing of the album that left a bad taste for me. It seems like they wrote about 30 minutes of solid songs but needed to justify more to release a full album, so instead of adding another song they just added a few minutes of radio static at the beginning and ends of the album, which sort of ruined the experience of listening to this as an album. I’d rather listen to the single edit of “Detroit Rock City” than the version presented here. There’s also the weird choice of adding children’s giggling to “God of Thunder”, which I think would have been better without that and the other overdubbed sound effects.
It feels like rock calculated for mass appeal. And it works!
I like the song Beth, so there’s that.
KISS as I know them is an overly commercial, money-grabbing quartet that made a career off of a few catchy songs. I was not anticipating how much I would like this album. It made me understand why they became so famous. The music is catchy and that's not a bad thing. It gets your foot tapping and your head bobbing. I ended up singing songs I'd heard before but didn't know the words to. Any one who's heard of KISS knows "Detroit Rock City" and "Beth" off this album, but there are even more quality tunes on here. On top of that, each song sticks around for just long enough for you to appreciate them before moving on to the next. Definitely is getting another listen!
Like a couple songs. I like that this was consider dangerous, boundary pushing rock at the time.
This list needs fewer white rocker dudes.
Góð steming, klassísk lög en ekkert sem verður í rotation
So there I was this morning basking in the achievement of having three 5 star albums in a row wondering if it was indeed possible to have four in a row. I doubt that I would be in this position again so was praying for a classic Prog album or any of the Beatles, Joni maybe or even now that I am a Swifty convert something from you know who. Buggar it’s bloody Kiss! I’ve never understood this lot. I like my pop stars to dress cool but the Kiss look is neither cool nor in keeping in how grown men should look at all. Even out of make up they all look like rubbish Brian May’s without his enormous talent. My view is that the Kiss look is done to detract from the music they play because it is so crap. Orchestra strings and a child choir cannot mask how awful this album is. Self conceited to the point where they disappear up their thongs. They even diss Beethoven by nicking a bit of his beautiful Sonata Pathétique but can’t be bothered to give him the songwriting credit. As if Kiss are capable of such talent. Released in 1976 this album serves as a good reason why Punk came along. So back to the drawing board in terms of getting four in a row five star albums but whilst the likes of Kiss are served up that is a long shot. 1/5 7/7/24
Easy listen. Some classic songs but most of this album is pretty forgettable
Kiss är ett väldigt overrated band enligt mig. Vissa låtar är väl okej och så men jag tycker egentligen bara att Detroit Rock City är den en riktigt bra låten på denna skiva. De har ju såklart andra bra låtar men nu är det bara detta album. Gick väl att lyssna på men kände för det mesta inget speciellt.
This one falls into that category of fun but cheesy, less substantial rock. A progenitor of 80s hair metal. Didn’t mind listening today but I don’t feel I need to return to this
Everyone in rock wants to be outrageous - it's good for business. But despite the makeup and Gene Simmons' vile posturings, the music is tame, almost poppy soft rock. At its best, there are some catchy hooks, but in the main it's just average.
This album starts so strong but then never lives up to the first song. I get it’s a big album in terms of hair metal but really does just feel a bit cheesy now and not edgy at all. Not convinced with this being on the list.
We're driving drunk to this one!!! That's what we'd say if we weren't teetotalers, knew how to drive, and didn't find this music mediocre
1 good first song and then 9 dreadful remaining ones
Detroit Rock City is a classic, but otherwise, everything was pretty forgettable. The slower songs also felt off, which didn’t help things. There really isn’t anything explicitly wrong with it, but there also isn’t anything that stands out
Не понравилось
Definition of style over substance. Kiss are a boy band with a costume gimmick. While I wasn't actively angry while listening to this album, it did make me sad. All that said, it should get a star for being culturally relevant back in the day.
Kiss son un género en sí mismos. Más allá de su estrafalaria imagen e identidad, tienen buenas canciones y han tenido buenos discos. Este es uno de ellos aunque no el mejor. Destroyer fue su cuarto disco, suena a Alice Cooper (su productor y parte de su banda formaron parte del elenco) y además cuenta con el apoyo de la New York Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra. Detroit Rock City es todo un clásico de su discografía y conciertos. King of the night time world es rock duro del clásico, God of thunder es más duro aún. Great expectations es una balada, que nada tiene que ver con la de los Stones, pero aún sale a flote a costa de meter un coro, orquesta y todo tipo de grandilocuentes recursos. Flaming youth y Sweet pain van con el piloto automático. Shout it loud sube el nivel con otra de esas canciones que funcionan en directo o en cualquier fiesta, Beth es una buena canción (sinfónica), Do you love me es otro clásico de su repertorio y cierran con R´n´R party. No es su mejor disco (los dos primeros se llevan por delante a cualquiera) pero está lejos de sus descalabros posteriores. Shout It Out Loud, Flaming Youth, Detroit Rock City y Beth fueron los sencillos editados del álbum, siendo esta última el gran éxito del disco. Otros discos de 1976, mejores todos que este Destroyer: Songs in the key of life, Hotel California, Love to love you baby, Desire, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, el directo de Peter Frampton, Jailbreak, Station to station, Arrival, Black and blue, Fly like an eagle, The year of the cat, los debuts de Boston, Modern lovers, Ramones y Tom Petty...
Album 452 of 1001 KISS - Destroyer Rating : 3.75 / 5 Favorite Tracks : Detroit Rock City/Beth/Shout it out Loud A few good tunes. Close to rating a bit higher but something just holds me back. The hits are awesome but something lacking otherwise. I did catch a bit of Beethoven in one track, I think.
1976!!! 10 canciones y 38 minutos de "espectáculo". Nunca los escuché con interés. Suena bien, no los habría puesto tan lejos en el tiempo, juraría que eran más de los años 80. Me he guardado "King of the night time world" y ·God of thunder".
-party rock (fuck you, LMFAO) -very weird Bob Ezrin production on this one -not my type of rock n roll -I dont hate this one tho, just dissapointing -not sure I would listen to it in full again, outside of a few songs -I do like the cover -favorite songs: Detroit Rock City, God Of Thunder, Shout It Out Loud -least favorite song: Rock 'N' Roll Party
Glam rockers eat your heart out. If you've moved on from glam rock however, then there's not much for you here. Eliminator by ZZ top beats this IMO
3 chord rock with a gimmick
I dig it actually. 4 stars.
glamorous NPC rock
Hab es mir schlimmer vorgestellt. Aber insgesamt nicht meine Musik.
Musically I enjoyed this way more than I expected. Which really isn't saying much, because I expected 1/5 on that front, which this isn't. Quite. But my god, if this isn't an incredibe collection of cringeworthy lyrics, I have no idea what is. So... It's between 1 and 2 stars. Tough one because I'd be marginally less inclined to turn it off than other stuff. Not sufficiently so to round up to 2 stars, though. So there you go. Enjoyed it more than I expected and it still only comes in at 1/5
1/5 j'écoute pas de la musique pour avoir des effet de son de drift ou d'accidents
It was aight
Fun, glam-y, rockin.
Interesting to see on this list. They are before my time, but my impression of KISS is they are more entertainers than musicians.
Pedestrian. A little while ago, I received a free ticket to see KISS and went along for curiousity. I thought they might be one of those bands that had more hits than I remembered. They weren't. 'I Was Made For Loving You' is a great song, but there isn't much else.
KISS: Kinda Insipid, (But) Some (Good) Songs // KISS: Kinda Inspired, (And yet) Some (Bad) Songs.
A few songs are enjoyable, but I was never a big fan of this band. I never really understood the hype.
3.5/5
The comedian Kyle Kinane has a great album called "Whiskey Icarus" where all the tracks are named after songs from this album, if you're interested. This is like trying to pick up weed from your dealer's house and he makes you "hang out" for like, 34 minutes. Still, for all my snark, it's dumb fun enough of the time and many of the hooks are pretty good. Begrudgingly, there are worse albums from this genre from this time. I did keep getting annoyed with all the references to how much I should be enjoying their rock music. Highlights: Detroit Rock City (even if the introductory radio snippet is weirdly pretentious and unearned), God Of Thunder, Shout It Out Loud
There's some goofy stuff on here but still solid
Some bangers but the diversity of styles doesn’t really work for me
Not my cup of tea.
Really fun and kick-ass record from a legendary group.
109/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
Not for me, but it wasn't terrible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_LGzR1CIkU
Iconic album from an iconic band. Say what you will about their songs, but they knew how to sell themselves and they went all in on it. Worked out pretty well for them, and they have quite a few great tracks as well. I really wish this album was better though, great highlights, the lighter songs are still really good along the rockers, but the album is too up and down in quality to earn anything higher than 3
Not sure it deserves a 4 star rating. Some songs I enjoy on it but some real crap too. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons aren’t great singers, the music is basic, and the subject matter only two subjects.
Being a KISS fan in the 70s must have been wild, but this is 2024 and there’s no reason every song needs to be based around the power of rock and roll.
embarrassed by how much I enjoy this
Destroyer is a weird album. It has some very melodic sing-a-long tunes, the expected posturing of a sexual predator, and the New York Philharmonic orchestra. There are many songs about "guys in a hard workin' band" that I find to be very lazy in the songwriting department. Kiss isn't a good band.
a lot better than i was expecting. im still not exactly a kiss fan but this was fun. it gets repetitive and cheesy a few times though which keeps this at a high 6/10
01) Detroit Rock City - 6,0 02) King of the Night Time World - 5,5 03) God of Thunder - 5,0 04) Great Expectations - 5,0 05) Flaming Youth - 5,5 06) Sweet Pain - 5,5 07) Shout It Out Loud - 5,5 08) Beth - 5,5 09) Do You Love Me? - 5,0 10) Rock and Roll Party - 1,0 TOTAL: - 4,95 (50/100) Current ranking: 190/202 I've never listened to Kiss but I thought (at least from their looks and their reputation) that they were some bad-ass metal rockers who scared parents in the seventies that their kids would go down the wrong path if they listened to them. And what did I get? Chamomile. The vocals are not really rock, the songs are middle of the road plain, the lyrics are nonsense. "Beth" sounds like a Barry Manilow song... Where's the rock here? I could paint my face and sing Backstreet Boys rock covers, it would sound better.
I'd give it a 3.5 if I could, some of it was good enough, kind of boring, a little above average but something about it kept it down for me. Meh.
It's very solid rock but not many songs stand out too much to me
On dirait l'album «d'adultes» de KISS, ça me semble sage et un peu trop léché. Les textes me laissent de glace, et même les pièces plus rock ont un côté retenu. La voix se prête moins à la ballade. Bref, pas une grande réussite pour moi
You wanted the best, you've got the best!
Surprisingly tam for the fit parent threw in the 70s and 80s.
Gema
first time listejing to kiss, it was pretty good. all songs sound the same imo
"Shit sandwich"
Kiss was my introduction to rock music since a young age. Was it a good album? Eh not really. But without Kiss I woule have never have been introduced into rock
They scare me a little, very Jojo Siwa coded (I know she copied them). Favourites: great expectations, flaming youth, Beth. I appreciate the length of the album. Music was just okay, a little forgettable for me. 3/5
Nice and reasonable run time, this is what I like to see! Anyways why did this album actually hit - I genuinely enjoyed it a lot. It had that rock 'n' roll feel but actually had nice sounding melody and instrumentals. Anyways what a pleasant surprise, favourites were Detroit Rock City, Great Expectations (especially the outro), Beth, and Do You Love Me, easily a 4
ganska kul och bra men det är lite för tråkigt emellanåt. behöver nog en lyssning till
Very unrememberable.
The production on this record is interesting and I like it quite a bit, but honestly, I prefer a more rock and roll sound, and there are also several tunes on this record that are filler, not very good. The good stuff is very very good, but the bad stuff is pretty bad. I think "Alive" is their best record by far, it does a good job of approximating what the band might sound like on a really great night. Four stars for "Detroit Rock City" and "Shout It Out Loud".
I’m listening to this album for the first time in years. Still a masterpiece.
A good sound here, it's Kiss, they were iconic for a reason. Standouts include Detroit Rock City, God of Thunder, and Shout It Out Loud.
Wasn't bad, but I would't say it was good either. Just a balance in between
Automatic classic! This album marks a step up in production with the addition of Bob Ezrin , who made large sound changes to the band' s sound and for the first time the inclusion of an orchestra in the tracks. The band came out of these recording sessions a more complete and professional band after the tutelage of Ezrin. This is one of the most important albums in hard rock/heavy metal!
Not a huge kiss fan, but this is great
4/5
It was fine
KISS has always been such a sales tactic during my life that it’s never felt like a real band. I guess it is one.
It was fine. The album sounded very similar. Could be fun to drink to outside. Would be fun to see live.
What came first the utter musical mediocrity or the face paint costumes/stage presentation to distract from it? “Shout It Out Loud” is the only cut with an even vaguely memorable hook. The vocals are consistently inept – the product of a bad voice and unskilled singing. The strings on (lame power ballad alert) “Beth” were surely imported from the soundtrack of a sappy made-for-tv movie. That It really only was about the costumes seems indisputable now (not that it ever was disputable in one’s eyes). Alive! maybe — maybe — mighta merited inclusion if only to be more evocative of the spectacle that was very much the point, rather than the dreck-y music.
I had gone almost 50 years without listening to this, and I could have gone another 50 without missing anything. Kiss is way overblown in terms of technical merit, and aside from the singles, nothing on this album was memorable or worthwhile.
Feel good classic rock that reminds me of a world I never actually knew, the 1970s, but I did watch Detroit Rock City the movie as a kid and feel like that's pretty close to actually being there. Care-free, gimmicky, and corny, can you believe this scared people?
Irritating Hard Rock, especially while navigating in traffic.
I listened to the first 4 or 5 songs off this on my way home after a couple of pints, and it was even worse than I expected. If the first half was that bad then, no way am I listening to the second half sober!
Love it obviously
try not to say “they sang this on glee” challenge failed
Nostalgic revisit! The songs are strong, if not always mindblowing. In addition, this is a clear example of where glam rock becomes glam metal, which shows how influental this turnes out to be.
It's dumb. So dumb. But it has enough charm to get it by. There are some bangers for sure but also some duds. Just don't pay attention to the oh so crappy lyrics and ignore everything you know about the individuals in the band (especially Gene but Paul is pretty bad too) and you can have a reasonably good time here.
Peak Kiss album…. God of Thunder fun… surprised by Beth
Once the childlike worship of the makeup wears off this music is terrible.
Какой-то тухлый глэм.. Честно говоря, не думал что будет так скучно...
Es ist eben Hardrock. Aber zugegebenermaßen einer von den besseren... Tolle Ballade "Beth" Starker Sänger
Hot take ehkä, mutta Kiss on aika tylsää - kiinnostusarvon ne vetää vaan meikeillä. Olipa lyhyt levy tylsiä rockbiisejä. Silti välillä vähän hymyilytti, ehkä siksi että oli niin isärockia. Ei yllä ihan kolmoseen mutta melkein, siis sympaattisuuden takia.
Bändillä on tietty tatsi yksinkertaisiin sointukuvioihin, jotka saavat kuulijan taputtamaan jalkaa. Mutta musiikkina tämä on kämäistä, ja kämäisyys toimii vain yhdistettynä hyvään makuun - eikä KISS:in luomassa pienoisuniversumissa tunneta koko käsitettä. Biisit kuten Sweet Pain (ei itseasiassa musiikillisesti paha), Beth (balladi) ja Do You Love Me (rakastaako hän minua eikä vain rahojani?) ovat kaikki omalla tavallaan surkuhupaisia. Ja silti sinkut ovat oikeita sinkkuja.
I did about half and got bored.
This is their most heralded album but it’s not my favourite. I find Great Expectations and Beth to be too naff but the rest is just good time bouncy rock and showcases their various talents, most sing and have very distinct sounding voices and Ace is a great guitarist. Detroit Rock City is an all time great rock and roll track as the stand out, I’ll give it 5 more for their whole catalogue than this album in particular as I’ll be surprised if any others turn up.
perfect!
feels unfocused and doesn't lean into one thing completely, leaving the album as a mediocre snoozefest that doesn't know if it wants to play it safe or go fully into hard hitting guitars
Most overrated band of all time. Kiss is like a parody of a hard rock band, but not being hard, rock, or good, but still serious...
I wasn’t like upset by any of it but I wasn’t like blown away. But I do love Detroit Rock City
Dads of the world unite, your sleazy sweaty raunchy tunes are here in their goofiest form. Its only real saving grace is the rather tight instrumentation.
3.5
ну норм, база
Это дефолтный поп хард рок (такой power rock своего времени). Но эпотаж и выступления - это уже в культуре алкоальбом: дефолтный лагер, но в супер пиздатой банке
Я как-то потяжелее ожидал что ли. А получил в итоге каких-то ускоренных Битлов, с двумя тремя соляками... Не, ну круто что. Группа KISS в моей голове всегда ассоциируется с сальными футболками, патлами и гримом на лице. Надеюсь, Владос расскажет что-то про эту эстетику.
This is a really good rock album.
Some great songs but a couple eh songs. Ez 3.5
these thug adjacent dudes only made music to get with women 50 years ago. why should i care?
Three great songs on here 3.5
The biggest scam in music history is KISS convincing everybody that they're doing hard rock. Bland disco rock is more like it...
An even mix of catchy 80's rock and filler. Kind of cheesy but that's to be expected.
on album 207 I will finally break my streak of making sure I listen to every album all the way through because work has not been kind to me today, the only listenable kiss song I've heard was the album opener, and gene simmons can go fuck himself in his fat fucking ass, kiss sucks fuck you 0 stars
2.5 I liked Paul Rudds version of Beth more
blegh
Strong 3
Decent album, nothing special. Another rock and roll album to me, never been a huge kiss fan. 3/5
Very polished and over produced, and a band I disliked (a little) even before - for no good reason really. Takes the worst of glam and of hair "metal", and a daft concept and poor songs. Still significantly better than Nico and anything involving Morisey, but an absolute waste of a place on the list. Only good point is that it is mercifully short.
Fucking hate kiss
Sludgy, perfunctory-sounding, silly and unconvincing. The undistinguished, sub-mediocre vocals perfectly suit the lame and the distinctly uncool, “aren’t-we-cool” vocals. Waste of time. One of the editors must have had the lunchbox or invested copious leisure time in full make-up bedroom air-guitar concerts. “Caricatures of all the urges of youth” indeed, and not even Beethoven can redeem it.
Detroit Rock City is good. Shout it Out Loud is okay. The rest is quite boring. This isn't rock.
My favourite Kiss album. I played it too death. It is still wonderful.
I was actually surprised by the content of this album, I assumed it was just going to be filled with classic rock tropes but I was pleased to hear softer tunes.
I was never into KISS, and this is the first time I have ever listened to a complete album. It wasn’t great. I get it they have a shtick and I’m sure they are laughing all the way to the bank but the goofy costumes, lame music, lyrics and playing is pretty bad. I’m sure that if you are into this style that seeing them live would be a more enjoyable experience.
After reading some of the other reviews I expected to hate this but I don't. It is just not interresting enough for that. It is incredibly boring and instantly forgettable.
Hilarious
Apart from Detroit Rock City this album was pretty middle of the road. Nothing to monumental happened during it's short run time.
It’s not bad, but I am underwhelmed
If it wasn't for the face paint and funny outfits it's difficult to know if KISS would ever have been a successful band? There's certainly not a lot that's interesting or appealing about the rock-by-numbers music. Rating: 1.5/5 Playlist track: Shout It Out Loud Date listened: 09/04/24
I laughed about the idea of a Kiss album on this list. They're almost a spoof band. But they had significance and it was a fun trip.
Beth is the clear highlight of the album. Gets it above the 1 star rating
I liked this more than I care to admit. Gene Simmons is a huge douchebag but this album was actually pretty fun.
I surprisingly liked this album way more that I thought I would. I will definitely reach for this when I am in a classic rock mood. Felt like a party!
I have thought of Kiss as a costume band that was loud and appealed to disaffected young men. This album has not changed my mind. Spend your precious time elsewhere
could i write poetry to this? n
Take away the makeup, stage show, and merch and Kiss is really just a mediocre band. I get that it's all part of the package, but artists like Alice Cooper, Gwar, and Slipknot are similarly dependent on theatrics and have a lot of songs that stand on their own. Kiss really doesn't. On this album, Detroit Rock City is a banger, but the rest of the album could have been made by any old rock band (yes, even Beth).
This is idiot music for idiots, and I love it. My dad had this on 8 track, and I listened to it all the time just because it was fun to play with the 8 track player. Sentimentality wins this time!
Not bad
Detroit Rock City is the only KISS song I really like. I love that little bass riff. The rest of this album was okay to bad. King of the nighttime world is alright and so is shout it out loud. The ballads are not good, I guess Beth isn’t a terrible song but I don’t care for it. Great expectations was hard to listen to. The rest of the songs are forgettable. KISS were amazing marketers, I don’t know how else to explain the cult following of such a just ok band.
Well, Kiss are a singles band, aren't they? Actually looking it up, I only know 2 songs. "All night" and "made for loving you" the latter I always forget is by them. Apparently Beth outsold both of these which is odd as I've definitely never heard it before in my life. Kiss seem to be the counter point to anyone making the baffling argument I keep seeing in reviews here that if it didn't sell, it isn't good. Good cover art. Yep. Don't know a single song here. I've probably heard God of Thunder somewhere, and Shout it out Loud rings a faint bell, they're not great. The first two tracks are fun enough, when they finally start. I assume this is what Less Than Jake are taking off with Gainesville, Rock City (which is tremendous). Good for cock rock, not great generally. Kind of like a worse Aerosmith. Do you love me? No mate. (Although tbf that's not a bad one, establish a groove, embellish it, repeat to fade). 2.4/5
I strongly dislike this band. 0/5
My parents think I'm crazy and they hate the things I do I'm stupid and I'm lazy, man, if they only knew How flaming youth will set the world on fire Flaming youth, our flag is flying higher and higher and higher My uniform is leather, and my power is my age I'm gettin' it together to break out of my cage Cause flaming youth will set the world on fire Flaming youth will set the world on fire Flaming youth, our flag is flying higher and higher and higher 3/5
Dad’s fav.
hair metal again? who ever thought one “had” to listen to any hair metal album before they die though?
kiss is crappy rock
This is a lot of fun! listened to it twice in a row ( skipped Beth both times) . A lot better than i expected.
Overblown and theatrical glam rock, as you would expect. Lots of songs about being in love and getting girls, which is not totally the usual fare for a metal band. This was probably before what we think of as metal, so late glam rock. Not a big fan of this.
How this band became so popular remains a mystery to me. Pantomime cock rock for stupid people.
Meh, listen to to the first track and move on, you won't be missing much.
Actually not bad glam rock
I’ve never really loved listening to Kiss. I’m not sure if it’s the face paint and tongue stuff or if it’s just dated but they’ve always just seemed annoying. Listening to this album showed me that I can handle them in doses. I didn’t hate this album but I wouldn’t revisit more than a couple songs on here. I also find it pretty hilarious that Detroit rock city is hardly used as a Detroit anthem but yet journeys don’t stop believing is all because of one line in the song. Just shows how much more people like journey than kiss I suppose. 5.8/10
When I was 10 years old this sounded kinda cool… now as I approach 60 this sounds plodding and mushy. The sound is inexcusably terrible. I guess Beth was a hit simply because it sounds like a unique voice. Hard to even rate a 3 but I guess it gets something for cultural significance.
These guys are OK, I liked one song 3 stars
KISS clearly rocks. But they’re very silly. I think as someone who was born in 1981 and really came of age musically in the 90s, I really only need a few bands to scratch this itch. ZZ Top followed by KISS…well, I guess it’s time to grow out my mullet and hop in my Camaro to go bust up some mailboxes.
much better than I expected, I expected cheesy rock, but it was very refined and balanced on the whole, surprising. probably a 4.5
"Destroyer" is the fourth album by American rock band Kiss. It was a departure from the raw sound of their first three albums as producer Bob Ezrin introduced sound effects, strings, screaming children and a children's choir. And if you don't know, Kiss is Paul Stanley (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (bass, backing and lead vocals), Peter Criss (drums, backing and lead vocals) and Ace Frehley (lead guitar, backing vocals). Commercially, the album hit #11 on the US charts. There were mixed reviews critically but mostly positive. Sound effects of a guy watching TV who goes out for a drive opens "Detroit Rock City." Drums kick in and there is an echoing guitar. Layered guitars later on. Paul Stanley on vocals telling the story of a guy bored and cruising around. I don't think it ends well as there's a car crash at thd end. Hey, we get the children screaming in "God of Thunder." More of a heavy metal guitar. I don't how many bands these lyrics would work for as Gene Simmons describes how he was born on Mt. Olympus and commands the listener to kneel before him. Stanley and Simmons take dual lead vocals on "Shout It Out Loud." Their most anthemic song on the album. Catchy vocal and musical choruses. Simple lyrics. One of their best songs. It's Peter Criss' turn for lead vocals on the piano ballad "Beth" This is the song that saved the album commercially to some extent. Big production with a flute and strings. Lighters out of course. I liked this album as an eight-year old and it sounded pretty good today. The big production is rather ridiculous: strings and a symphony for "Beth" and "Great Expectations. " It worked for me. The lyrics are simple targeting their audience. The anthem songs are catchy. I'm not going to grab any new Kiss army members or distract any existing ones today. For me, this is up there with "Kiss" and "Dressed to Kill" as their best.
i think kiss are pretty cool in how foundational they were to the "rock and roll image", and i think a lot of the songs on this album sound more modern than mid-70s. but like...i don't necessarily mean that in a good way. proto-butt rock. i like detroit rock city a lot, but everything else is just like "fine" hard rock, doesn't excite me. 2.5/5
What a great summer album. I never thought I'd be into Kiss, but this album slaps.
I had low hopes for this one, based on my prejudice and lack of knowledge. The feeble album cover didn't help: cheesy and teenager image, so lame. However, the songs aren't bad. Decent toe-tappers. Nothing to write home about, but harmless. The lyrics are as pathetic as the cover art though - he's the king of the nighttime world? Really? 'Great Expectations' is catchier and more interesting than the others. 'Do You Love Me' is catchy, too - but like the rest of it all, inconsequential and a bit lacking in something.
Shite +1 for Detriot Rock City
I had never heard a KISS song before today, so I went in with fairly low expectations. I was expecting full on bombastic rock, heavy guitars and not much else. I was actually surprised. There is more variety here than I expected. The lyrics are decent in places and the album moves between hard rock anthems and more melodic moments. It is theatrical, but not without hooks. Sweet Pain stood out for me. It has a strong groove and feels a little different from what I imagined KISS would sound like. Detroit Rock City, despite being one of their signature songs, did not quite land for me. Overall, it was a more interesting listen than I anticipated. Favourite song: Sweet Pain Least favourite song: Detroit Rock City Album artwork: Love the cover. Bold, dramatic and completely iconic
Wasn't a fan then, haven't changed. The only singer who could get away with dressing up did it in support of the music: Peter Gabriel during the early days of Genesis.
I was really surprised a KISS album made it on here. I have always though of KISS as a joke. I didn't grow up during their peak popularity, and I have never heard a positive thing about Gene Simmons. I was inclined to not like this album. And I didn't, really. It's a very bland 70's rock album that has some moments that really shine but for the most part is corny and not very intelligent. "Great Expectations" had better be a tongue-in-cheek type song because if not it's one of the most ego-driven songs I have ever heard. And look, I know KISS was never trying to write songs that blew their audience away with high-minded or insightful lyrics, they just wanted to blow you away their volume and theatrics. But I am not their audience, so there. The albums peaks with its first track. That is never a good thing. But it is a good track. The entire band comes together and produces something special, at least by their standards. 2 stars. Standout track: Detroit Rock City
# Playlist track - Shout it out loud # Notes - The 1:30 intro to "Detroit Rock City" (which is a great track!) is silly, and should be in a separate track. No way I'm willing to listen to that every time I want to enjoy the music. -1 star. - It's not a bad album. Some good tracks in there, but not great either.
slightly underwhelming after the first couple songs but still fun
Have never really listened to Kiss seriously before. It was a ton of fun! I wish it was grittier, like their debut 'Kiss.' But maybe that's a remastering issue. Fun times!
Huge kick of nostalgia, but that being said. I go in honestly and try to listen more critically. The mix is glaringly atrocious unfortunately. But it's pretty enjoyable, albeit quite mediocre in musical performing and lyrics. KISS was and always will be a spectacle to see live, but listening their albums is quite a chore. Standout tracks: Detroit Rock City, King Of The Night Time World, Sweet Pain, Beth, 5,5 out of 10
Unfortunately I didn't really like it. It is mediocre at best. I think KISS has that whole nostalgia thing going for them because if you're being honest their music is not the best. And "Great Expectations" is one of the worst rock songs I have ever listened to.
Seriously, it was a bit boring. A few good riffs, but all in all just mediocre. Goes to show Kiss are more the show and the image than their music
I had to listen to this one at the office and I was embarrassed someone might see me listening to this. I don't know much about KISS, but I never thought they had a bad singer, but man who ever is "singing" on God of Thunder is not it. Great Expectations is one of the dumbest, lamest, blandest ballads I have ever heard. High 1.
Song 1 - pretty good! Song 2 - okay! Songs 3 and 4 - needles in my ears! Everything else - boring, melodramatic mush. 2 stars.
I'm not huge KISS fan, but that doesn't stop me from having a lot of opinions about them. I've heard quite a few of their songs over the years; a few on classic rock radio, and some others in movies or on TV shows. I'd never listened to one of their whole albums until a few months ago when I threw this one on for something to listen to. I guess my overall opinion of KISS is that they're fine. Their studio recordings are kinda meh to me, but their theatrics and live performances are what set KISS apart and what have given them such long careers. I saw them live back in the aughts and it was a total blast. I guess what I'm trying to get at here is that this album is pretty meh, and I assume all KISS studio albums are pretty meh. "Detroit Rock City" and "Shout It Out Loud" are both good, and they're both good examples of what makes KISS work and what makes them fun. "Beth" is good too, but because it shows the band can branch out and do ballads and do them well. Everything else on this album though was not great and pretty forgettable. KISS can be fun and entertaining, but they don't really showcase a lot of that on this album.
KISS is weird. I know the guys behind it are capitalist assholes (the "asshole" part refers mainly to Gene), and their gimmick is just marketing. But why market yourselves as "knights in Satan's service" if you're gonna release cheery little pop-rock tunes? Nothing about this music says "scary", and it is in fact rather pleasant -- sanitized, even. "Detroit Rock City" is an incredible track, about that I cannot lie. "Beth", a lovely ballad. Beyond those, everything on this album ranges from "meh" to "pretty good". There truly are some decent riffs here and there. A reluctant 4 stars, because this is short and listenable.
What someone who hates classic rock thinks all classic rock sounds like.
SOI GOOD
Ok 3/5
Only good song is Detroit rock city.
Kiss at their best. Including the best ballad of the 76's Beth
I just never got into Kiss. They are always just ok to me with a couple of shining songs. Given I'm not super into hard rock anymore, but even when I was much more into the genre they didn't do it for me. "Beth" is one of the greatest power ballads of all time, but it is also just the epitome of having a power ballad in the middle of a rock album trend in the late 70s and early 80s. It's a good album with some great moments, it's just not an all time great for me.
Classic but kinda tame these days
boring generic audio mush- if you’ve heard one song you’ve heard them all
I was never a big fan. I recognized a few of the songs. But didn't really move me in any way
The band's impact on pop culture and music is undeniable. That said, the studio albums do not convey the energy of their live recordings. Either Kiss Alive (overdubs and all) or Alive II would've been better candidates for this book.
Haha, I was wondering if a Kiss album would show up here. I figured if one did it would either be Alive! or this one. Let me say right off the bat, I'm a big Kiss fan, but this has never been one of my favorite albums of theirs. Let's give it a fresh listen. - Detroit Rock City - Terrific, iconic song. The opening with the guy getting ready to go to a Kiss concert is cool too. - King of the Night Time World - The car crash at the end of DRC goes right into this, and it's another really good one. - God of Thunder - The perfect song for Gene Simmons' demon persona. It's dark, dirty, it rocks. The kid voices are creepy too. Perfect album so far! - Great Expectations - The perfect album has completely gone off the rails here. One of the cringiest songs I've ever heard. The lyrics are super creepy. It's over-produced. The chorus sucks. Everything sucks about this. This one is skipped every time I hear it. - Flaming Youth - Kinda rocks, but it's pretty cheesy. "Flaming Youth will set the world on fire!" OK, Paul. - Sweet Pain - A typical Gene song. I like it except for the female backup singers. They make it sound super dated. - Shout it Out Loud - An attempt to recreate the magic of Rock and Roll All Nite. Not as good, but it's fine. - Beth - A big hit, but I've never loved it. Too over-produced with the orchestral sound. Hard Luck Woman off their next album is a much better Peter Criss sung ballad imo. - Do You Love Me - Decent album closer. I like the thumpin' drums. - Rock 'N' Roll Party - There's one more? Oh, this. It used to be tacked on to the end with no track title. It has a sort of reprise of Great Expectations in it, so it sucks. Overall, this is my least favorite of the seven Kiss studio albums of the 1970's. The others I'd all give 5/5 to. My favorite it actually the next album Rock and Roll Over. Destroyer has problems. The production makes some of the tracks sound cheesy and/or dated. Five of these songs are on Alive II and they sound better live. I'll still give this 4/5, though I'll still always skip Great Expectations and usually Beth when I re-listen.
Witzig
Ugh, I can't believe I was at the concert they performed the night that Elvis died. I was with my best friends from high school. It was a rite of passage. As for the music, puh-leeze, there's just no explanation for how or why these guys exist. Harsh review, I'm sorry.
I guess if it weren't for this project I'd never have listened to an entire Kiss album right through. An unfunny and significantly less musically talented Spinal Tap.
5 (-)
Apart of a couple of classic Ms the album is not that good
Kinda silly but fun enough to listen to
Joke band but one of their better albums
Never been a kiss fan, but I like a couple hits for that kind of nostalgic factor. Opening track is catchy... I like that little bass hook. I can't argue with this one being on the list, but it's not really my thing. KISS kinda missed me. 3/5
I think there’s a limited window in one’s life where they can be introduced to Kiss and have it click. I am well outside that window, but I can appreciate that this wasn’t made for me. These songs sound really basic, dated and dumb to me, but I’m sure that misses the point.
Excellent KISS album. I've been listening to it since I was 12 years old. I have a vinyl version released in Argentina
Didn’t like them then. Still don’t. Good to know!
4+
1.5 - I sort of like the obligatory Kiss songs that everyone knows. I don't seek them out, but I'm fine hearing them. I expected this album to go harder, but the sappy songs that just totally killed it for me. My tolerance for ballads weakens with age. Even the tracks that are more rock-heavy are freaking boring. I thought maybe I'd end up liking this more than my partner did, but this is worse than I expected and I now understand their pain. How can a song called Rock 'N' Roll Party be so painfully boring?
Another very popular band that would be mean and tough but is totally boring for me, typical American mediocre shit, music for children between 5 and 7 years old. 1 star is more than enough.
Without the makeup and theatrics as a distraction, it is really just straightforward 70's rock. Nothing special, but engaging with hook-y lyrics and the requisite sweet Rock-n-Roll love song (Beth) acting as a palate cleanser toward the end.
Detroid Rock City is a banger. I didn't really care for Great Expectations or Beth. Do You Love Me is too repetitive.
I recognize a few of the songs. Over all I enjoyed it listening to the whole album, but not my style. I think I have a lot of baggage around KISS. Not my type of band, as they have been very commercialized and associated with philosophies that are inconsistent with what I value. I would not put this on a favourite list.
Doesn't live up to the memory.
A difficult listen. 1-1-1
Das hat mich nun nicht besonders abgeholt. trotzdem super, dass ich endlich mal ein KISS-Album durchgehört habe. Was für einen Output hatten die bitte Mitte der 70er bis Anfang 80er?!:D
- Ich mag KISS - Ich mag die Outfits - Ich mag die Schminke - Ich mag das Feuer aus den Gitarren - Ich mag das Blutspucken - Ich mag das Feuer auf der Bühne - Ich mag den Exzess - Ich mag das Feuerspucken - Ich mag einfach diese ganze Show - Ist die Musik so anspruchsvoll wie die von Rush oder Yes oder Tool? Ganz sicher nicht. Aber ich kann "Citizan Kane" genau so genießen wie "Mad Max" und dabei funktionieren die Filme vollkommen unterschiedlich. KISS ist für mich Mad Max. Laut, bunt, breit und ganz viel Feuer. - Und ist das jetzt Ausverkauf? Weiß ich nicht. Ja kann man vielleicht so sehen, die haben schließlich Action Figuren von sich verkauft. Und haben auch die ein oder andere Mitgröhl-Hymne geschrieben. Aber Paul Stanley oder Gene Simmons haben aber auch nie den Anspruch geäußert Indipendent zu sein oder die große Kunst zu machen. Die haben einfach Bock den Leuten eine gute Zeit zu bereiten - und wenn man sich die Verkaufszahlen so anschaut haben sie das geschafft. Und sowas feier ich durchaus. - Bei mir lösen viele KISS Songs eine sehr gute Zeit aus! Ein paar davon sind auch auf diesem Album. - Manches finde ich aber auch ein bisschen langweilig. - Insgesamt bleib ich in Zukunft auch bei den Greatest Hits und trotzdem hat mir das Album gut gefallen. - Ich mag KISS - Und ich mag nun auch Destroyer Rating: 3,75-4/5
- Das Album ist, leider wie erwartet, trotz Bemühung mental entgegenzuwirken und tolerant zu sein, einfach durch meinen Kopf durchgerauscht. - Ich weiß nicht, was es bei KISS und mir ist. Ich hege keine Unsympathie gegenüber der Band. Ich finde nicht, dass das jetzt per se schlechte Musiker sind. Die Show, das Drumherum, die Inszenierung, das Image: Alles komplett fein für mich und irgendwie witzig (Liebe Alice Cooper, Gwar, Steel Panther, The Darkness etc). Ich finde deren Musik einfach nur belanglos und langweilig. - Wie schon vorher gesagt: Es ist für mich Schlager mit Nieten und Schminke. Weder überrascht mich die Musik in irgend einer Form (Ich weiß; das will sie auch nicht), noch holt mich deren good vibes, groovy party, rocknroll Ding auch nur ansatzweise ab. - Das ist auch alles. Es ist einfach ein Gefühlsding und die lassen mich seit Jahren einfach eiskalt. 2/5
Es war wirklich schwer für mich dieses Album durchzuhören. Das ist so ganz und gar nicht meins irgendwie.
Not the greatest lyricists. Good for dancing at a party or in a club.
I never know what to expect from a KISS album, but they always deliver what I need and nothing more than expected.
Meh.
I do listen to some glam metal, but the genre sure can create the some of the blandest brand of rock/metal.
Typical KISS album, loud party rock. Detroit Rock City and Shout it out loud were probably the most recognizable tracks off this album, although I have heard Beth before, their attempt at a ballad, it was ok but doesn't really fit with the rest of the album. Overall it was alright, it served its purpose at the time, to be loud and entertaining.
Listenable rock. Kiss has no instrumental or vocal talent but can put on a show.
Good fun, better than I would have expected.
This album did nothing for me. Kiss feels like I’m listening to a cover band at a dive bar
I forgot how great a song Shout It Out Loud was
Kiss had some pretty good records in the 70s but Destroyer is their best work from that decade. They toned down their horniness (slightly) and focused on just writing good songs. This is the first album where they sound at home in the studio and Bob Ezrin's production is top notch. Side One is four bangers in a row and for what it's worth, Great Expectations is in my top three Kiss tracks of all time. Beth is straight-up cringe, but as I've gotten older, I kind of weirdly love it (and Peter Criss's terrible singing).
A lot of extra sounds on this album, which I wasn't a huge fan of. The guitar and drum work is undeniably good, but the thing as a whole came off as kind of goofy.
Classic kiss. Every song is a jam.
Zu alt
Surprised me. Didn’t expect to like this one that much. But it was quite good. Not great, but good. Just some above average hard rock. 7/10 Top 3: 1. Detroit Rock City 2. Shout It Out Loud 3. King Of The Night Time World
Rock at its best
How these guys made it is a mystery. Such crap.
No
Perfect!
You probably didn't know this, Heath, but if you check the Grand Ballroom and see which group is booked there this evening, I think your tune may change a wee bit. Mini Kiss. The cover band. Yeah, I'm not with them. -Paul Blart Mall Cop 2 (2015)
This was more atmospheric than I was expecting. Unfortunately, the lackluster vocals and repetitive nature drag this album down, although it's still infectious enough to make you want to turn off your brain and rock out. Favorite track: King of the Night Time World
It was alright. Not overly memorable, not terrible. Maybe a little repetitive.
Destroyer is the first studio album by Kiss to be a massive sucess, the follow up to their commercial breakthrough Alive!, this re3ccord was supposed to prouve their are abable to produce a great album, and they did. The album was produce by Bob Erzin wich is one of the best rock producer of all times, we could see his great work especially in Beth and Great Expectations. I have to talk about the artowork, Kiss' album covers and thir general iconography, in lot du to their fantastic makeup and flamboyant style, but Kiss albums cover are some of the better looking in rock, and this one is by a mille the most beautifull and iconic. Kiss will always be a live act before a great stuido band, but i thinki they achieve great with this album, the things on wich we are suposed to juge a Kiss Album are: The energy, the riff and the power. They also manage to prouce they can do other type of rock, such as a ballad, with Beth, wich is one of their greatest sucess and their highest charting song in the US, sing by Drummer Peter Criss, Beth is on of the most beaytiful and good rock ballad of all time. Detroit rock city and Shout it out loud are the other sucess, most traditional Kiss like song, very agressive riff an strange intro in detroit rock city, but for both are very good i think, very solid arena rock songs. King of the Knight time world is a very good song, Stanley's vocals are the most good in the album i think and one of the best song in the album. In general i would said that the song sing by paul Stanley in this album are better than those by Gene Simmons, but he still have some good songs too, Like God of Thunder wich is one of the heavyer song in the album. Great expectation is the best song by Gene in the album for me. With the gospel singing, its cleraly one of their best in this reccord Flaming Youth, Sweet Pain and Do you love me? are allright, kiss was never know for their orignal choice of topics and those are decent songs, not very particular or original, but still good. In conclusion Destoyer is ceritified at 2 millions sales in the us, and still toay on of their most acclaim and suc esfull reccord, i think is their best in a lot of terms and it mark the debut of their massive assension toward the top of the moutain of Rock N Roll, paving the way for other glam metal, heavy metal and rock n roll artists for decades. Lot of people said they are overated, i agree, but before i accualy listen to thei albums, like Destoyer, Rock n roll Over, and their first 3 albums and i uderstand what make them so good, so no they are not overated they are on of the biggets rock band in the world.
It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be The last 3 full songs turn it from a dud to okay High 2
started off strong, but then became just a collection of perv-glam-rock. incoherent NNN
Cheesy
Some serviceable songs, but not really a Kiss fan.
Of I was 16 and drunk this would be great
In general too old/slow for my taste. 2/5
Kiss isn't the most technical or sophisticated band, but they're entertaining AF! This is definitely one of their best products.
2.2 per track. Had it not been for the a couple decent songs this would be rated even lower.
1 Star per song I liked on this album.
I had a tough time rating this one because on the one hand this was just awful, but on the other did make it through the whole thing. So on my new grading system it should get a 2 but it didn't have a single good song and some that were just terrible like "Beth" and "Great Expectations". First time listening to a Kiss album as they were never a band I took seriously because of the makeup and Pyrotechnics, that's the only reason people like them right? They're not very good and their only good song I'm aware of "Rockn roll all nite" isn't on this shit album so fuck it round down 1!
As I listened to the album, my tongue gradually grew longer, my face became painted, and flames began to shoot out around me in random directions. 5/5 - would listen again!
4.5/10
Lyrics seem to have been written by a 12 year old. A cliché of a rock album and ridiculous. Geared me up for the Spinal Tap sequel.
very decent album without any timeless hits
Beth is criminally underrated
Pretty solid early rock. Not bangers, but listenable and enjoyable.
So overrated
At their best, KISS are theatrical and fun. Not here - plain, average and sometimes cringey. Perhaps one track worth a listen.
very just ok
Man, came in expecting a lot, really let down. Weirdly muddy vocal mixing on a lot of the tracks, pretty boring writing, it really feels like the aesthetic is the most engaging thing going for them here.
3/5. Although, yes it can be very cheesy on most days, I would jam to this. The lyrics are so simple and the instrumentation isn't crazy as well but throwing this on at 11 really shows where Kiss are coming from. However, there are songs that go on too long despite only being less than 4 minutes long. The hits are great but not enough to bring this above a 3.