Description
Ace Frehley – Spaceman – 180 Gram Clear and Grape Half/Half Vinyl Records
Released on October 19, 2018, Spaceman marks Ace Frehley’s eighth solo studio album, continuing his streak of strong, no-frills hard rock records since his resurgence in the mid-2000s. Known as the original lead guitarist of KISS, Frehley embraces both his signature space-themed persona and the raw, riff-driven sound that made him one of rock’s most beloved guitarists. With a mix of catchy hooks, thick guitar tones, and autobiographical lyrics, Spaceman serves as a reminder that Ace Frehley still knows how to rock, decades after his early days with KISS.
Spaceman delivers exactly what fans expect—straightforward, blues-infused hard rock with heavy, melodic guitar solos. The production is clean but not overly polished, keeping the energy raw and the guitars front and center. Frehley plays all the guitar and bass parts himself, except for two tracks featuring Gene Simmons of KISS on bass—a significant moment, as it marked one of the few times the two had collaborated in years.
The album kicks off with Without You I’m Nothing, a track co-written with Gene Simmons that features a thick, grinding riff and classic rock swagger. It sets the tone for the album—gritty, anthemic, and unmistakably Ace. Another standout track, Rockin’ with the Boys, has been described as a spiritual successor to KISS’s Beth, with its melodic, sentimental lyrics about life on the road.
Elsewhere, Frehley delivers his signature mix of rock bravado and spacey themes. Mission to Mars is a high-energy track that blends classic Ace-style guitar licks with interstellar imagery, while Bronx Boy sees him reflecting on his tough upbringing in the Bronx, delivering one of the album’s grittiest, most attitude-filled performances.
One of the more surprising moments on the album is his cover of Eddie Money’s I Wanna Go Back, where Frehley swaps out the polished ‘80s pop-rock feel of the original for a rawer, bluesier take that adds a layer of nostalgia. While it’s a departure from the harder-edged material on the album, it fits well within Frehley’s storytelling approach, offering a reflective moment amid the rockers.
Spaceman isn’t overly complex—it’s Ace being Ace, singing about life, space, rock ‘n’ roll, and his personal journey. The album leans into his classic themes of freedom, resilience, and looking back on a life of excess and redemption, making it feel both autobiographical and celebratory.
Upon release, Spaceman received positive reviews from both fans and critics, praised for staying true to Ace’s signature sound without feeling like a nostalgia trip. While some noted that it doesn’t break new ground, it delivers exactly what longtime fans want—loud guitars, fun riffs, and Ace’s unmistakable personality shining through. The album debuted at No. 49 on the Billboard 200, proving that Frehley still had a dedicated fanbase eager to hear new material.
Spaceman stands as another solid entry in Ace Frehley’s solo catalog, offering a mix of high-energy rockers, space-themed fun, and introspective moments. It reinforces his status as one of rock’s great guitar heroes, proving that even after decades in the business, Ace still knows how to turn up the volume and let it rip.
45RPM 180G Clear & Grape Half/Half Vinyl + Download Card
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Without You I’m Nothing
Rockin’ With The Boys
Your Wish Is My Command
Bronx Boy
Pursuit Of Rock And Roll
I Wanna Go Back
Mission To Mars
Off My Back
Quantum Flux
