Description
Kiss – Rock And Roll Over – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Kiss’s Rock and Roll Over, released on November 11, 1976, is the band’s fifth studio album and a return to their raw, hard-hitting rock roots after the more polished, experimental approach of its predecessor, Destroyer. Produced by Eddie Kramer, the album captures the explosive energy of Kiss’s live performances with its stripped-down production and anthemic songwriting. Packed with fan-favorites like Calling Dr. Love and Hard Luck Woman, Rock and Roll Over became one of the band’s defining records during their 1970s heyday.
The album reached No. 11 on the Billboard 200 and achieved platinum certification shortly after its release. With its iconic artwork and high-octane tracks, Rock and Roll Over exemplifies Kiss’s signature blend of hard rock, glam, and swagger.
By 1976, Kiss had firmly established themselves as one of the biggest rock acts in the world, fueled by the success of their double live album, Alive! (1975), and their studio follow-up, Destroyer (1976). While Destroyer had pushed the band into more experimental territory, incorporating orchestration and elaborate production techniques under the guidance of producer Bob Ezrin, Rock and Roll Over was conceived as a back-to-basics record, designed to capture the raw energy that fans loved about their live shows.
To achieve this, Kiss teamed up with Eddie Kramer, known for his work with Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix, and recorded the album at the Nanuet Star Theatre in upstate New York. The theater’s stage was transformed into a makeshift recording studio to replicate the acoustics and energy of a live performance.
Rock and Roll Over leans heavily into Kiss’s hard rock and glam rock roots, with an emphasis on driving riffs, punchy rhythms, and memorable hooks. The album strips away the layered production of Destroyer in favor of a rawer, more direct sound. Gene Simmons’s basslines and Peter Criss’s drumming provide a powerful rhythmic foundation, while Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley’s guitars deliver gritty riffs and soaring solos.
Kramer’s production emphasizes the band’s chemistry and showcases the individual strengths of each member. The result is an album that feels visceral and immediate, with a timeless rock-and-roll spirit.
Track Highlights
I Want You
Opening the album with an acoustic intro that quickly builds into a blistering hard rock anthem, I Want You is a dynamic showcase for Paul Stanley’s powerful vocals and Ace Frehley’s fiery guitar work.
Take Me
A high-energy rocker with suggestive lyrics, this track exemplifies the band’s swagger and knack for crafting infectious, riff-driven songs.
Calling Dr. Love
One of Gene Simmons’s signature songs, Calling Dr. Love features a memorable groove and cheeky lyrics. It became one of the album’s biggest hits and a staple of the band’s live set.
Ladies Room
A classic Simmons track dripping with humor and sleaze, Ladies Room pairs a catchy riff with a stomping rhythm, capturing the band’s mischievous spirit.
Baby Driver
Peter Criss takes the lead on this bluesy, hard-hitting track. His raspy vocals and pounding drums drive the song, giving it a gritty, rebellious edge.
Love ’Em and Leave ’Em
Another Simmons-penned number, this song features playful lyrics about his rock-star lifestyle and a driving rhythm that keeps the energy high.
Mr. Speed
A standout deep cut, Mr. Speed showcases Stanley’s knack for combining glam rock swagger with sharp, melodic songwriting. Ace Frehley’s guitar solo adds an extra layer of energy.
See You in Your Dreams
A quirky track with a pop-rock vibe, this Simmons composition balances catchy hooks with raw energy. Simmons later re-recorded the song for his 1978 solo album.
Hard Luck Woman
Written by Paul Stanley and sung by Peter Criss, this tender acoustic ballad was originally intended for Rod Stewart. With its folk-inspired melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song became a hit and showcased the band’s softer side.
Makin’ Love
Closing the album with a bang, Makin’ Love is a hard-driving rocker that features Stanley’s impassioned vocals and one of Frehley’s most electrifying solos.
Rock and Roll Over explores the hedonistic and rebellious themes that defined Kiss’s image during the 1970s. The lyrics focus on love, lust, and rock-and-roll lifestyle, delivered with a mix of humor, bravado, and sincerity. Tracks like Calling Dr. Love and Love ’Em and Leave ’Em embody the band’s playful, larger-than-life personas, while songs like Hard Luck Woman and Baby Driver reveal a more introspective and emotional side.
Rock and Roll Over was a commercial and critical success upon its release. Fans and critics praised its return to a rawer, live-oriented sound, and the album produced two hit singles: Hard Luck Woman (which reached No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100) and Calling Dr. Love. The album’s success further cemented Kiss’s status as one of the biggest rock bands of the era.
Rock and Roll Over has remained a fan favorite, often celebrated for its high-energy tracks and straightforward rock-and-roll ethos. Many of its songs continue to appear in the band’s live performances, demonstrating the album’s enduring appeal.
Rock and Roll Over captures Kiss at the height of their 1970s glory, embodying the raw energy and theatricality that made them icons. The album’s iconic cover art, designed by Michael Doret, has become one of the most recognizable images in rock history, contributing to Kiss’s legendary visual identity.
The album also helped solidify the band’s reputation as masters of arena rock, with its anthemic songs designed to electrify live audiences. Its influence can be heard in the work of countless hard rock and glam metal bands that emerged in the 1980s.
Rock and Roll Over is a quintessential Kiss album that encapsulates everything fans love about the band: high-energy rock anthems, catchy melodies, and larger-than-life personalities. By returning to a rawer, more immediate sound, the album captures the essence of Kiss’s live performances and their status as rock-and-roll legends. Decades later, it remains a cornerstone of their discography and a testament to their ability to balance bombast with musical craftsmanship.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
I Want You
Take Me
Calling Dr. Love
Ladies Room
Baby Driver
Love ‘Em And Leave ‘Em
Mr. Speed
See You In Your Dreams
Hard Luck Woman
Makin’ Love
