Description
Paul Stanley’s Soul Station – Now And Then – Compact Disc
Paul Stanley’s Soul Station – Now and Then (released September 2021) is less a side project and more a long-gestating passion statement. Known globally as the frontman of KISS, Stanley uses this album to step completely outside hard rock and into the classic ’60s and ’70s soul and R&B music that shaped him long before face paint and arena stages. Rather than reinterpret KISS material in a softer style, he commits fully to the genre — both vocally and stylistically.
The album is split between carefully chosen covers and a handful of original songs written in the spirit of Motown, Philly soul, and classic R&B. Backed by a large ensemble featuring horns, strings, background vocalists, and a tight rhythm section, Stanley embraces a lush, retro production style. The arrangements are full-bodied but not overproduced, built around live instrumentation rather than modern digital polish.
Covers include songs associated with artists like The Temptations, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, The Four Tops, and other soul staples. Tracks such as “Ooo Baby Baby,” “Tracks of My Tears,” and “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love” lean into smooth harmonies and melodic phrasing rather than vocal theatrics. Stanley’s voice — naturally higher-pitched and expressive — adapts surprisingly well to the material, emphasizing warmth and control over rock power.
The original compositions, including the title track “Now and Then,” aim to blend seamlessly alongside the classics. They reflect Stanley’s deep familiarity with the genre’s chord progressions, lyrical themes, and emotional tone — love, longing, devotion, and reflection. The production avoids irony; this isn’t a novelty record or a wink to nostalgia. It’s earnest and reverent.
Commercially, the album debuted in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart, signaling strong support from both KISS fans and soul enthusiasts curious about the crossover. Critically, it was received as a sincere and well-executed tribute rather than a vanity project.
Within Stanley’s career, Now and Then represents a personal full-circle moment. It reveals the musical foundation beneath his rock persona and demonstrates his versatility beyond hard rock theatrics. Rather than trying to reinvent himself, he honors the music that influenced him — stepping into it respectfully and delivering a polished, affectionate homage to classic soul.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Could It Be I’m Falling In Love
I Do
I, Oh I
Ooo Baby Baby
O-O-H Child
Save Me (From You)
Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
Whenever You’re Ready (I’m Here)
The Tracks Of My Tears
Let’s Stay Together
La-La — Means I Love You
Lorelei
You Are Everything
Baby I Need Your Loving
