NEW LP
New sealed copy. 2014 reissue.
Released in February 1974, Kiss introduced Kiss with a raw, no frills approach that leaned heavily on material developed during their pre band days as Wicked Lester. Written largely by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, the album was recorded quickly in New York, capturing a direct and energetic sound that reflected their early live sets. Tracks like “Strutter,” “Deuce,” and “Black Diamond” would go on to become core parts of the band’s identity on stage.
Despite the now iconic image and strong touring push, the album struggled commercially at first. Casablanca Records attempted to boost sales by adding “Kissin’ Time” to later pressings, though it only had a modest impact. Over time, however, the record steadily built an audience, eventually reaching gold certification and laying the foundation for the band’s breakthrough in the years that followed.
In hindsight, Kiss stands as a clear statement of intent. It is stripped back, riff driven, and rooted in the band’s early chemistry, before the larger than life production and commercial polish of later releases. While not an immediate success, it established the core sound and attitude that would define their rise.
TRACKLIST:
A1 Strutter
A2 Nothin' To Lose
A3 Firehouse
A4 Cold Gin
A5 Let Me Know
B1 Kissin' Time
B2 Deuce
B3 Love Theme From Kiss
B4 100,000 Years
B5 Black Diamond
