Description
Kiss – Peter Criss – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Kiss drummer Peter Criss’s self-titled debut solo album, released on September 18, 1978, stands out as one of the most unique projects within the band’s history. As part of an ambitious strategy, all four Kiss members released solo albums simultaneously, showcasing their individual musical tastes and talents. Criss’s record reveals his deep-rooted love for R&B, soul, and soft rock, diverging sharply from the hard rock and glam metal that defined Kiss’s collective sound.
Featuring tracks like You Matter to Me, Don’t You Let Me Dow, and Tossin’ and Turnin’, Criss’s album blends heartfelt ballads, groove-driven tracks, and pop sensibilities. While it received mixed reviews upon release, the album offered a candid glimpse into Criss’s personal influences and artistic aspirations beyond his work with Kiss.
By the late 1970s, Kiss was at the height of their fame, propelled by the success of albums like Destroyer (1976) and Alive! (1975). The decision to release solo albums was driven by both artistic and commercial motivations. The band aimed to demonstrate their versatility and alleviate internal tensions by giving each member the opportunity to shine individually.
For Peter Criss, this solo effort allowed him to delve into his love for genres like doo-wop, Motown, and classic pop, reflecting his early musical influences as a young drummer in Brooklyn. Criss worked with producer Vini Poncia, who would later produce Kiss’s Dynasty (1979) and Unmasked (1980). The album features contributions from talented session musicians, including guitarist Steve Lukather (of Toto fame) and keyboardist Richard Gerstein.
Musically, Peter Criss is a significant departure from the hard-hitting rock Kiss fans had come to expect. The album leans heavily into R&B and soul, with lush arrangements, melodic ballads, and groove-driven mid-tempo tracks. Criss’s raspy, emotional voice is front and center, lending authenticity to the album’s sentimental tone.
The production, guided by Poncia, is polished and smooth, with rich instrumental textures that include horns, strings, and soulful backing vocals. While some tracks carry a retro vibe reminiscent of the 1960s, others explore contemporary soft rock trends of the late 1970s.
Track Highlights
I’m Gonna Love You
Opening the album with a funky groove, this track combines a smooth rhythm section with soulful brass and backing vocals. It sets the tone for Criss’s exploration of R&B-inspired styles.
You Matter to Me
A standout track, this disco-influenced tune features a catchy melody and lush keyboard arrangements. Its polished production and infectious rhythm made it one of the album’s most accessible songs.
Tossin’ and Turnin’
A cover of Bobby Lewis’s 1961 hit, this upbeat track highlights Criss’s love for classic rock and roll. His raspy vocal delivery adds a raw edge to the nostalgic arrangement.
Don’t You Let Me Down
A tender ballad with a heartfelt vocal performance, this track reflects Criss’s introspective side. The gentle piano and soothing melody make it one of the album’s emotional highlights.
That’s the Kind of Sugar Papa Likes
A playful, upbeat track with a funky bassline and groovy horns, this song captures the lighthearted energy that permeates much of the album.
Easy Thing
A soulful ballad with orchestral flourishes, this track showcases Criss’s vulnerability and his ability to convey raw emotion through his vocals.
Rock Me, Baby
This bluesy, mid-tempo number combines sultry guitar riffs with Criss’s gritty vocal style. Its classic rock influences make it one of the album’s more familiar-sounding tracks.
Kiss the Girl Goodbye
A soft rock ballad with a wistful tone, this track features delicate acoustic guitar and reflective lyrics about love and loss.
Hooked on Rock ’n’ Roll
A nostalgic ode to Criss’s early days in music, this track celebrates the transformative power of rock and roll with a lively arrangement and sing-along chorus.
I Can’t Stop the Rain
Closing the album, this emotional ballad is one of its standout moments. With a powerful vocal performance and sweeping orchestration, it captures Criss’s reflective and soulful side.
Peter Criss is a deeply personal album, reflecting themes of love, heartbreak, resilience, and nostalgia. The lyrics often delve into introspection and sentimentality, showcasing a more vulnerable side of Criss that contrasts with Kiss’s larger-than-life persona. Songs like Don’t You Let Me Down and I Can’t Stop the Rain reveal his struggles and emotional depth, while tracks like Hooked on Rock ’n’ Roll celebrate his passion for music.
Upon its release, Peter Criss received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics and fans. Many Kiss fans, accustomed to the band’s bombastic rock sound, were caught off guard by the album’s softer, R&B-influenced style. While some appreciated its heartfelt approach and Criss’s soulful vocals, others criticized it for lacking the edge and energy of Kiss’s work.
Commercially, the album performed modestly, peaking at No. 43 on the Billboard 200. It did not achieve the same level of success as the solo albums by Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Ace Frehley, but it has since gained a cult following for its distinctiveness and emotional honesty.
While Peter Criss may not have been a commercial juggernaut, it remains an important chapter in the Kiss story. The album highlights Criss’s individuality and his influences, offering a rare glimpse into the more introspective and soulful side of the band’s “Catman.” Over the years, the record has been re-evaluated by fans and critics who appreciate its sincerity and its unique place in the Kiss catalog.
Peter Criss stands as a bold and personal statement from a drummer and vocalist seeking to step out of the shadow of his larger-than-life band. While its divergence from Kiss’s signature sound initially alienated some fans, the album offers a heartfelt exploration of Criss’s musical roots and emotional depth. Decades later, it remains a testament to his individuality and his contributions to one of rock’s most iconic bands. For listeners willing to embrace its soulful, R&B-infused vibe, Peter Criss offers an intriguing and rewarding experience.
An ambitious Solo project with 4 special records was released in 1978. Their 4 Solo albums were released simultaneously in one day. The record label apparently invested about $2.5 million on marketing and promotions for the solo project. For the USA market and vinyl pressing, LP’s featured a special jigsaw poster of each member that when you purchased all 4 solo LP’s connected together into one large poster or mural. Also included in the unique releases was a Kiss Army/merchandise order form, and custom inner photo sleeve showing all of the 4 releases.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
I’m Gonna Love You
You Matter To Me
Tossin’ And Turnin’
Don’t You Let Me Down
That’s The Kind Of Sugar Papa Likes
Easy Thing
Rock Me Baby
Kiss The Girl Goodbye
Hooked On Rock And Roll
I Can’t Stop The Rain
