From: Patrick Sullivan

I have to admit some of the other reviews made me think this album was really gonna suck. People need to lighten up a little bit! Psycho Circus is as good as or better than any album Kiss has ever done! I had an idea of what the songs sounded like before buying the album but nothing compares to actually taking the cd home and hearing it in all its glory. The best thing about Psycho Circus is that it doesn't sound dated. It's true to who they are. Like most other people I'd like to give an opinion of each song:

1)Psycho Circus- When I first heard this song I thought of the Creatures of the Night album. Best opening song and best show opener since Detroit Rock City! Hearing this followed by Deuce to start each show will throw the crowd into a frenzy! 5/5

2)Within- I liked COS so I'm glad this song made the album. The crunching guitar riff is really cool and Gene's vocals fit his demon persona.5/5

3)I Pledge Allegiance- Good tune, the lyrics could be a little better. "Rock and Roll" thrown in at the end is a nice touch.4/5

4)Into the Void- It's good to hear something new from Ace! This song is an example of Ace's "no bullshit, just play" attitude. He is the true musician of the band. The best thing about this song is it sounds laid back and like he's just having fun.4/5

5)We Are One- Interesting! Gene's very much in touch with the current music scene. If any song is a hit off this album it will be this one. The inflections in Gene's voice make the chorus very catchy. I like the whole idea behind the song and admire Gene's willingness to try something new.5/5

6)You Wanted the Best- After hearing Gene explain this song in Metal Edge the lyrics made more sense. Before that the lyrics seemed really retarded. Peter sounds great on this song, like he's really pissed off or something. The one song that is truly a group effort, the drumming and guitars are top notch.4/5

7)Raise Your Glasses- There are so many different opinions on this song. Even though it has a pop feel to it I think Paul makes it work. After hearing it a few times I couldn't get it out of my head. I like the lyrics and the attitude conveyed. The part where the lyrics overlap the chorus is really cool.5/5

8)I Finally Found My Way- This song doesn't do much for me. I think Peter should've sang "I Pledge Allegiance..." or something similar. Sounds kinda like Ezrin's collaborations with Alice Cooper but not as good.2/5

9)Dreamin- Paul can sing power ballads like nobody else! Yes it sounds similar to "18" by Alice Cooper.(It's interesting that two Alice Cooper-like songs are put back to back on the album. I'm sure Paul was aware of the similarities). Anyway, I like the 80's feel of this song. Of course, it's similar to "I Still Love You" and "A Million to One".5/5

10)Journey of 1,000 Years- Where the hell did this song come from? The oddest inclusion on a Kiss album ever. I think it's great! The beginning is definitely based upon "Rock Soldiers". Adding the guitar solo from "Psycho Circus" and the lyrics from "Within" is clever. It's hard to tell what this songs about. It could be about the approaching millenium, or it could be about the end of the album leading to a new beginning for Kiss. It's the perfect song to end the album!5/5

Overall, Psycho Circus is a strong album with great songs and a positive energy that Kiss hasn't had in quite some time. It's great just to have Ace,Paul,Peter and Gene on the same record together again. The songs are representative of every stage of the bands career, from "Kiss" all the way up to "Carnival of Souls"(with the exception of the "Dynasty" period). Looks like they'll be doing at least one more album for the movie soundtrack so we all have that to look forward to now. The upcoming tour is gonna kick ass, hopefully it'll be as successful as the last one. KISS RULES!!!!!!!!!

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