Name: Unmasked by Kiss
Brand: Kiss
SKU: 060254706466
Price: 9.9 USD
Availability: OnlineOnly
Rating: 2 (77 reviews)

ALBUM

Kiss’ conscious decision to cross over from their hard rock roots to a radio-friendly pop sound didn’t sit well with their hardcore loyalists, who enjoyed the fire-breathing, blood-spurting theater of their live show but not the glossy harmonies and slick vocal effects that producer Vini Poncia brought to the group for their 1980 LP Unmasked. In retrospect, the smoothness here wasn't much of a stretch. Kiss always had one ear cocked to the memorable guitar riff and indestructible chorus. The addition of a few backup singers may tilt the balances ever so gently, but—the smooth glitzy groove of “Shandi” aside—much of Unmasked holds up as well as anything from the group’s prime 1973-77 period. “Tomorrow” is pure Paul Stanley firepower. “Is That You?” commands a thunderous rhythm. Ace Frehley’s “Talk to Me” and “Two Sides of the Coin” could’ve easily fit on his commendable solo album. The band may have been grappling for a public identity in a changing marketplace and a new decade, but their songs and performances here were up to their usual standards.

1. Is That You?

by Kiss

Primary Artist: Kiss; Main Performer
Composer: Gerard Mcmahon; Composer
Mixing: Jay Messina; Production
Producer: Vincent Poncia; Production
Studio Personnel: Jay Messina; Production
Composer Lyricist: Gerard Mcmahon; Other

2. Shandi

by Kiss

Primary Artist: Kiss; Main Performer
Bass Guitar: Gene Simmons; Performer
Drums: Peter Criss; Performer
Guitar: Paul Stanley
Ace Frehley; Performer
Performer: Paul Stanley
Ace Frehley
Gene Simmons
Peter Criss; Performer
Composer: Paul Stanley
Vincent Poncia; Composer
Mixing: Jay Messina; Production
Producer: Vincent Poncia; Production
Recording: Jay Messina; Production
Studio Personnel: Jay Messina; Production
Composer Lyricist: Paul Stanley
Vincent Poncia; Other

3. Talk To Me

by Kiss

Primary Artist: Kiss; Main Performer
Composer: Ace Frehley; Composer
Mixing: Jay Messina; Production
Producer: Vincent Poncia; Production
Recording: Jay Messina; Production
Studio Personnel: Jay Messina; Production
Composer Lyricist: Ace Frehley; Other

4. Naked City

by Kiss

Primary Artist: Kiss; Main Performer
Composer: Gene Simmons
Peppy Castro
Robert Kulick
Vincent Poncia; Composer
Mixing: Jay Messina; Production
Producer: Vincent Poncia; Production
Studio Personnel: Jay Messina; Production
Composer Lyricist: Peppy Castro
Gene Simmons
Vincent Poncia
Robert Kulick; Other