Rock And Roll Over

During the 1970's, KISS established themselves as one of the hottest live acts with their pyrotechnics, stage costumes, Gene Simmon's blood spitting and fire breathing theatrics, ace Frehley's smoking Les Paul and Peter Criss's flaming drum riser. Because of their style and originality, KISS has been a big influence on many of today's heavy metal bands. The classic lineup of Stanley, Simmons, Frehley and Criss released their fifth studio album, "Rock And Roll Over" in 1976. The Gibson humbucking guitar buzz as well as that famous Pearl Drum sound make this album one of KISS's most electrifying and energetic albums. Every song on this album is about KISS's favorite subject: women. The first track is "I Want You". It begins with a 12 string acoustic guitar and then kicks into some vicious rhythm playing by Stanley. Frehley adds some string bending guitar fills and Stanley's vocals soar at full throttle. The flanger effect is used on guitar toward the end of the song. "Take Me" is another song by Stanley. It is very up-tempo with some quick guitar riffing and lots of chord changes. There's also some great lead guitar harmonies by Frehley and Stanley. The third track is "Dr. Love", with vocals by Simmons. This track has some cow bell percussion by Criss and a steady bass performance by Simmons. Frehley plays some blistering guitar leads with some phaser effects added to parts of the solo. Female vocalists are used on the chorus of "Dr. Love". "Ladies Room" has a classy guitar intro. Simmons sings this time, and Criss once again uses some cow bell percussion. "Baby Driver" marks the midway point of the album. Criss screams on this cut and keeps a steady beat on the hi-hat and floor tom, as well as the bass drum. Once again, Stanley provides some aggressive rhythm work and Frehley adds some quick guitar licks. Track six is "Love Em', Leave Em", a song about Simmon's one night stand with a groupie. There are some good drum rolls by Criss and the phaser effect is used once again on parts of the rhythm and lead guitar parts. "Mr. Speed" is an up beat track with some fancy guitar picking by Stanley and Frehley. Simmons sings the vocals and track eight, "See You In Your Dreams". Stanley helps sing on backup vocals and Frehley does some quick pull-offs and hammer-ons during the guitar solo. "Hard Luck Woman" is the second track sung by Peter Criss. It's a mid-tempo acoustic song that is very reminiscent of Rod Stewart's, "Maggie May". "Rock And Roll Over" closes with "Makin' Love". It has some acoustic overdubs and some fiery ax work by Frehley. Stanley provides some very powerful vocals and some fast guitar playing. Every song on "Rock And Roll Over" is well structured musically. Each guitar solo fits perfectly over the chord changes and bass lines. The phrasing of the vocals over the music is also well done. "Rock And Roll Over"? Not where KISS is concerned!