From: Brett Meyer

I have heard the new album about 15 times now. I got a copy from a source at a newspaper who had the advance copy. First off, everyone needs to have an idea where I'm coming from. I am a middle of the road kind of fan. I've been a fan since '76 and a mildly rabid collector for about 5 years. I like everything they've ever done. In fact, many of the albums that many fans hate I love. I am crazy about the new album. The first couple of listens were surprising. As I have listened more, I have grown to love many of the songs. At first I had no favorites. Now I have a few that I like as much or more than anything the band has ever done.

1. Psycho Circus-I like the verses and chorus on the title track. There is a lot going in in the song. It's catchy. This will do well on the mainstream rock chart. We know this will open the set at tour time. The drums are "Creatures" era with thunderous, Carr-esque beat and fills. A good choice for the first single. Only gripe-- Gene should have done the speaking portion (or all of their voices morphed together!) Anyway, a strong opening cut to lead off the album. ****

2. Within-Who says the Demon can't be heard on this album? This cut has the Demon vibe all over it. A COS leftover? Hardly. It sound like a fresh hard rock song to me. It has a cool melody and groove to it. I love the chorus. It sounds like 1 part "Elder" and 1 part "Dynasty". Probably won't be played live becuase it will be hard to duplicate, but I would like it in the set. One of my faves. ****

3. I Pledge Allegiance-I liked this cut from the first listen. Paul's vocals shred on this whole album. A new anthem. "Tomorrow and Tonight" it is not. This could be a Top 40 song. Great verses, bridge and chorus. Sounds like "Asylum" and "Crazy Nights" but better. They will play this live. Another favorite. ****

4. Into The Void-Ace is God! Many of the reviews say this sounds like Ace's solo stuff. I agree--1978 solo stuff! Great riff, vocals, and chorus. A good follow-up to shock me. Definite possibilities for an extended solo during the live show. Strong cut. ***

5. We Are One-Finally, a Top 40 single from Gene. This has "HIT" written all over it. A perfect crossover tune with a great melody and chorus that people will sing in their cars. Picture the MTV video--clips from the Reunion tour a la the Journey Frontiers video clip for "Faithfully". They won't play this live unless it's a hit on the radio. I hope they do play it live, though. A favorite. ****

6. You Wanted the Best-They are asking for bad reviews. I like the song because I'm a fan. Everyone but Gene sounds good on this cut. This could be the song in their TV commercial for the Psycho Circus action figures! This will be played live although it shouldn't be. It's peppy, though. Good try. **

7. Raise Your Pepsi...oops, I mean Glasses-I can see a soft drink company sponsoring the tour. This will be in the commercial. The verses are great. I think the chorus would be better with different lyrics. A good anthem, nonetheless. This will probably be a single but it will not hit. "Heaven's On Fire" was catchier and it didn't crack the top 40. Ditto for "Tears Are Falling". Anyway, they'll play it live. It may translate well. ***

8. Finally Found My Way-This is not a good follow-up to "Beth". Ezrin is all over this one. The harmony portion with Paul is the saving grace. I can't get into it. It's too lite (get it?) for a Top 40 release. A possible Adult Contemporary single / VH1 video. I hope they don't play this live, although they probably will. Peter's voice sounds good, though. *

9. Dreaming-This is mid-80's KISS spliced with COS. I like it. Not really single material, it would sound good live. Again, Paul's vocals are strong throughout the album. The lyrics and guitars stand out. ***

10. Journey of 1,000 Years-Gene's solo album mixed with "Elder". I like this song a lot. Great lyrics, verses, and chorus. Gene has a great ear for melody. This could be a cool live song. Another fave. ****

Overall, I think the album is a 4 out of 5 stars (5 star studio albums to me= KISS, Rock and Roll Over, Creatures, Revenge,) It is a different album. It will appeal to non-fans. If they release the correct songs as singles (We Are One, I Pledge Allegiance) it will stay on the charts. If not, it will be gone in about the same time they begin the tour. Radio is important for this album to succeed. I predict a Top 5 debut. I have a feeling the promotional campaign for this record will be unparalled in music history. Magazine covers, articles, radio, tv-->the carnival is about to begin. What a time to be a KISS fan.

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