Kiss
Unmasked
[Mercury Remasters Series]
Rating: 0.8
Dear Kiss,
As a fan growing up, I never owned this album. I didn't know how bad
it was and, sadly, I wish I could have remained in those gorgeous
shadows for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, I listened to Unmasked
and became a much sadder man for the experience.
Why so bad? Well,
bringing Vini Poncia (producer of Dynasty) back for another go-round
wasn't so bright. Maybe he was an out of work in-law. Sure, you get him
a gig as a roadie and you keep him away from the console. But no, this
clown had to have a finger in the pie and together you created the
single nobody bought, "Shandi."
When this first stumbled out of my
speakers, I began to wonder why I was listening to a hit for the next
Journey reunion in 2006. The whole album suffers from the same coating
of pop and begins to feel less like Kiss and more an more like a car
full of guys who won't pull over and ask for directions back to rock and
roll.
Yours truly,
-Jason Josephes