KISS - KISS 40 Decades Of Decibells

I know what you’re saying---“Another Kiss compilation album? Really?” And I couldn’t agree more. As a die-hard Kiss fan, I own every studio album this group has put out. The live records, the compilations, the millennium collections, I have almost all of them as well. So when I heard that the group was putting out a two disc set that contained a track from every record they ever released, I told myself there was no need for me, or any die-hard fan, to own this. However, once I got a hold of the discs, I realized that may not be a true statement.

For the first time ever, Kiss has assembled some of their rare and hard to get songs, along with some of their most beloved hits, all in one location. Tracks like “Nothing Can Keep Me From You” and “Down On Your Knees” are not owned by most fans (except the aforementioned die-hards).The rare live version of “Room Service” was previously only available on You Wanted The Best, You Got The Best, a limited edition live compilation. And I am not even sure what album the live version of “Crazy Nights” is from, but I certainly don’t have it. Upon further investigation, this may not be a bad compilation to own.

The rarest collectible of this two-disc set is the previously unreleased “Reputation,” a Gene Simmons sung demo from the late 70s. This song was most likely going to be featured on Gene’s solo album. A lot of the melody was eventually used on “Radioactive,” the lead track to Gene’s solo disc. And while one unreleased demo may not be enough for the hardcore fans to run out and own this compilation, it is still a very cool inclusion for those of us that love hearing the old demos. If the demos featured on the box set were not enough, “Reputation” is a brilliant one that can be added to the collection.

If you’re a fan of KISS that doesn’t own everything they’ve done or if you are looking to have a great collection of some of the best KISS songs around, then Kiss 40 is a great set for you to own. There is plenty here for casual fans and there may be just enough for the long time lovers to climb aboard as well. If you’ve been yearning for some KISS, or if you are looking to relearn some of their greatest moments, get yourself a copy of Kiss 40.

Ryo’s Rating: 9 Guitars

Track Listing

Disc One:

Nothing To Lose

Let Me Go Rock And Roll

C’Mon And Love Me

Rock And Roll All Nite (Live)

God Of Thunder (Demo)

Beth

Hard Luck Woman

Reputation (Demo)

Christine Sixteen

Shout It Out Live (Live)

Strutter ’78

You Matter To Me

Radioactive

New York Groove

Hold Me Touch Me

I Was Made For Lovin’ You

Shandi

A World Without Heroes

I Love It Loud

Down On Your Knees

Lick It Up

Heaven’s On Fire

Disc Two:

Tears Are Falling

Reason To Live

Let’s Put The X In Sex

Forever

God Gave Rock And Roll To You II

Unholy (Live)

Do You Love Me (Live Unplugged)

Room Service (Live)

Jungle

Psycho Circus

Nothing Can Keep Me From You

Detroit Rock City (Live)

Deuce (Live)

Firehouse (Live)

Modern Day Delilah

Cold Gin (Live)

Crazy, Crazy Nights (Live)

Hell Or Hallelujah