Description
Paul Stanley’s Soul Station – Now And Then – Double Vinyl Record
Paul Stanley’s Soul Station – Now and Then, released on March 19, 2021, is a heartfelt and meticulously crafted tribute to the golden era of soul and R&B music, led by Paul Stanley, best known as the iconic frontman of KISS. This project marked a dramatic stylistic departure from Stanley’s hard rock roots, showcasing his lifelong passion for classic soul — a genre that deeply influenced him long before he donned the famous Starchild makeup. With Now and Then, Stanley aimed not only to revisit the music he grew up on but also to honor the artists who originally made it, creating an album that blends respectful covers with original compositions steeped in the same sonic tradition.
The album features a mix of nine cover songs and five original tracks, all arranged with rich instrumentation, live horns, strings, and a lush, analog warmth that pays homage to the Motown, Philly soul, and Stax sound. The covers include classics like “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love” (The Spinners), “Let’s Stay Together” (Al Green), “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)” (The Temptations), and “Ooo Baby Baby” (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles). Stanley doesn’t attempt to radically reinterpret these songs — instead, he leans into their emotional core, delivering faithful, vocally sincere performances that showcase his admiration for the genre and its legacy. Backed by a large ensemble of seasoned musicians, dubbed Soul Station, the arrangements are vibrant and detailed, channeling the spirit of the original recordings while benefiting from contemporary production.
What’s especially surprising to many listeners is Stanley’s vocal transformation. Known for his powerful arena-rock voice, on Now and Then he reveals a smoother, more restrained delivery — emotive and nuanced, suited to the tenderness and romanticism of classic soul. While he may not match the falsetto purity of a Smokey Robinson or the silky smoothness of Marvin Gaye, Stanley brings a heartfelt sincerity that keeps the performances from feeling like mere pastiche. His vocal phrasing, attention to melodic lines, and dynamic control show a deep respect for the genre and its interpretive demands.
The album’s original songs — including tracks like “I, Oh I”, “Whenever You’re Ready (I’ll Be Here)”, and “Lorelei” — are arguably the most impressive aspect of Now and Then. Rather than feeling like filler, these compositions hold their own next to the well-loved classics. They’re built on the same musical DNA: infectious grooves, rich harmonies, lush string and horn arrangements, and lyrics centered on love, longing, and vulnerability. Stanley co-wrote these tracks to be stylistically indistinguishable from the vintage material, and in many cases, listeners unfamiliar with the originals might not even realize which songs are new. This ability to write convincingly in a retro idiom is one of the album’s great strengths.
In terms of production, Now and Then avoids over-processing or digital sheen, opting instead for a sound that feels analog, intimate, and warm. Recorded over several years, much of it pre-pandemic, the album benefited from the contributions of live players and real instruments, resulting in a depth and organic quality that gives the album emotional and sonic weight. The horn arrangements pop, the rhythm section is tight, and the vocal backing harmonies—often arranged in the style of classic doo-wop or Philly soul—are a particular highlight.
For Paul Stanley, Now and Then is more than a side project — it’s a labor of love, and his respect for the music shines through in every track. Rather than using his celebrity to coast on nostalgia, he dug deep into his influences and delivered something authentic and deeply personal. While some KISS fans may have been caught off guard by the genre pivot, many embraced it as an honest expression of musical roots and a testament to Stanley’s versatility as a performer.
In the broader landscape of rock legends experimenting with classic genres (think Rod Stewart’s Great American Songbook or Bob Dylan’s crooner albums), Now and Then stands out for its genuine affection and stylistic fidelity. It doesn’t aim to modernize or subvert — it simply seeks to celebrate. Whether you’re a longtime fan of soul or new to the genre through Stanley’s interpretation, Now and Then is a warm, groove-filled journey into the heart of classic R&B, powered by a surprising but convincing ambassador.
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
