Being a lifelong KISS fan, I was actually half-hearted prior to checking out Ace's latest. Like the Beatles (yeah, I went there), the output of each member's solo career has been pale in comparison to what they accomplish as a group. Now, Ace has had the most prolific solo career outside of KISS, and yes his three post-KISS outings have had some definite highlights. But the last effort was 15 years ago, and his contribution to the last KISS reunion album was little more than a "Rocket Ride" sequel.
But, let us not forget Ace had what most fans consider the best of the 1978 solo collection- so the potential is there. How did he fare?
Pretty well, actually. To his credit, Ace brought out long-time collaborator and nearly flawless drummer, Anton Fig. Keeps it tight. And Ace's production value I would call top notch. When the riffs are dirty, they sound dirty. And Ace has also musically created a stellar batch of riff-rockers. "Foxy & Free", "Sister" and "Genghis Khan" are all almost perfect for the auto commute from work to the bar.
Where Ace lacks, and this is nothing new, are his vocals. Some vocalists have a non-ability coolness about them: Ozzy, Bon, Brian Johnson, but I've rarely felt like that with Ace. I always just hear him talking and emphasizing sentences on the wrong word. Also, Ace could stand to hire a writer. Sometimes, he says very trite and cliché rock anthem sex stuff and other times it doesn't make much sense at all. "Genghis Khan" is primarily an awesome rock instrumental, but Ace decides to throw a wrench in the jam by repeating "So long, Genghis Khan / Now you're gone, so hold on" What the fuck are you holding on to?
Another complaint is when Ace goes rogue. Tries out some new styles that he hasn't before. "A Little Below The Angels" is some kind of "Mama, I'm Coming Home" reflexive prayer ballad, that even includes his daughter on vocals. Totally doesn't work and sounds like he's apologizing to us for singing it while he's singing it. "Change The World" fares better, and while it's not an Eric Clapton cover, it kind of feels like some glossy 80s Clapton production.
Still, Ace resurrects some of his trusty strongholds. First- with another '70s glam cover. While I generally distrust a new version of something as famous and as previously-covered as Sweet's "Fox On The Run", Ace pretty much nails this. His vocals are tight and snarly and it's all true to form. Also up as a sequel is the fourth installment of Ace's instrumental "Fractured..." series, which have always expanded on the root feeling of Ace's "Rock Bottom" intro and built on it in quite prog-rocky. This one may be my least favorite of the four, but I've always held them in some regard.
In the end, this should serve as a perfect audition tape to get Ace a slot in the next rock supergroup. Ted Nugent can take a backseat. Get Ace up with a dynamic singer with a thought inside his head, and Ace could rival KISS' newest output. (3 of 5 stars)
But, let us not forget Ace had what most fans consider the best of the 1978 solo collection- so the potential is there. How did he fare?
Pretty well, actually. To his credit, Ace brought out long-time collaborator and nearly flawless drummer, Anton Fig. Keeps it tight. And Ace's production value I would call top notch. When the riffs are dirty, they sound dirty. And Ace has also musically created a stellar batch of riff-rockers. "Foxy & Free", "Sister" and "Genghis Khan" are all almost perfect for the auto commute from work to the bar.
Where Ace lacks, and this is nothing new, are his vocals. Some vocalists have a non-ability coolness about them: Ozzy, Bon, Brian Johnson, but I've rarely felt like that with Ace. I always just hear him talking and emphasizing sentences on the wrong word. Also, Ace could stand to hire a writer. Sometimes, he says very trite and cliché rock anthem sex stuff and other times it doesn't make much sense at all. "Genghis Khan" is primarily an awesome rock instrumental, but Ace decides to throw a wrench in the jam by repeating "So long, Genghis Khan / Now you're gone, so hold on" What the fuck are you holding on to?
Another complaint is when Ace goes rogue. Tries out some new styles that he hasn't before. "A Little Below The Angels" is some kind of "Mama, I'm Coming Home" reflexive prayer ballad, that even includes his daughter on vocals. Totally doesn't work and sounds like he's apologizing to us for singing it while he's singing it. "Change The World" fares better, and while it's not an Eric Clapton cover, it kind of feels like some glossy 80s Clapton production.
Still, Ace resurrects some of his trusty strongholds. First- with another '70s glam cover. While I generally distrust a new version of something as famous and as previously-covered as Sweet's "Fox On The Run", Ace pretty much nails this. His vocals are tight and snarly and it's all true to form. Also up as a sequel is the fourth installment of Ace's instrumental "Fractured..." series, which have always expanded on the root feeling of Ace's "Rock Bottom" intro and built on it in quite prog-rocky. This one may be my least favorite of the four, but I've always held them in some regard.
In the end, this should serve as a perfect audition tape to get Ace a slot in the next rock supergroup. Ted Nugent can take a backseat. Get Ace up with a dynamic singer with a thought inside his head, and Ace could rival KISS' newest output. (3 of 5 stars)
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