Unmasked
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Unmasked is an album by the American band KISS released in 1980. It is the group's 14th album (not counting compilations). At the time it was the last studio from the original lineup of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, although Criss actually had no involvement with the recording of the album. Anton Fig (uncredited) played all drums on the album.Leaf, David and Ken Sharp. KISS: Behind the Mask: The Official Authorized Biography, Warner Books, 2003. ISBN 0446530735
Although the album reached #35 on the U.S. Billboard chart and was certified gold, it marked a major departure musically for the band. The album was the group's most pop-oriented to date, and KISS fans have a love-hate relationship with Unmasked to this day. While some rate it as a misunderstood gem, others view it as another nail in the coffin of the classic KISS sound.
The band filmed a promotional video for "Shandi," with Peter Criss. It was the last time Criss appeared with KISS in any capacity until he performed with them at a KISS Convention on June 17, 1995. In the band's authorized biography, Criss revealed that he was the last one left in the band's dressing room after filming, and broke down crying.Leaf, David and Ken Sharp. KISS: Behind the Mask: The Official Authorized Biography, Warner Books, 2003. ISBN 0446530735
The promotional video for the song "Talk to Me" featured the debut of Eric Carr, who became the band's permanent drummer until his untimely death in 1991. The band would play a concert at the now defunted Palladium Theatre in New York to officially introduce Carr as Criss' permanent replacement in the band.
Track listing
- "Is That You?" (Gerard McMahon) – 3:55
- * Lead vocals - Paul Stanley
- "Shandi" (Paul Stanley, Vini Poncia) – 3:33
- * Lead vocals - Paul Stanley
- "Talk To Me" (Ace Frehley) – 4:00
- * Lead vocals - Ace Frehley
- "Naked City" (Gene Simmons, Bob Kulick, Peppi Castro, Poncia) – 3:49
- * Lead vocals - Gene Simmons
- "What Makes The World Go 'Round" (Stanley, Poncia) – 4:14
- * Lead vocals - Paul Stanley
- "Tomorrow" (Stanley, Poncia) – 3:16
- * Lead vocals - Paul Stanley
- "Two Sides of the Coin" (Frehley) – 3:15
- * Lead vocals - Ace Frehley
- "She's So European" (Simmons, Poncia) – 3:30
- * Lead vocals - Gene Simmons
- "Easy As It Seems" (Stanley, Poncia) – 3:24
- * Lead vocals - Paul Stanley
- "Torpedo Girl" (Frehley, Poncia) – 3:31
- * Lead vocals - Ace Frehley
- "You're All That I Want" (Simmons, Poncia) – 3:04
- * Lead vocals - Gene Simmons
Personnel
- Paul Stanley - vocals, rhythm guitar, bass guitar on track 6
- Ace Frehley - vocals, lead guitar, bass guitar on 3, 7, & 10
- Gene Simmons - vocals, bass guitar
- Peter Criss - drums (credited in album liner notes, but does not appear)
- Tom Harper - bass guitar on 2
- Anton Fig - drums
- Vini Poncia - producer, keyboards, backing vocals, percussion
- Holly Knight - keyboards on 2
Charts
Album - Billboard (North America)| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Pop Albums | 35 |
| Year | Single | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | "Shandi" | 47 |
Notes and references
External link
| KISS |
|---|
| Gene Simmons - Paul Stanley - Tommy Thayer - Eric Singer |
| Peter Criss - Ace Frehley - Eric Carr - Vinnie Vincent - Mark St. John - Bruce Kulick |
| Discography |
| Albums: Studio - Live - Compilation |
| Singles: "Rock and Roll All Nite" - "Detroit Rock City" - "Beth" - "Hard Luck Woman" - "I Was Made For Lovin' You" "Sure Know Something" - "A World Without Heroes" - "I Love It Loud" - "All Hell's Breakin' Loose" - "Forever" "God Gave Rock 'N Roll To You II" - "Psycho Circus" |
| Filmography: KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park |
| Related articles |
| Anton Fig - Bob Kulick - Band timeline - Wicked Lester |
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