Gene's first solo album away from KISS since 1977 is a very mixed bag. Some tracks are absolute killers, others are just awful.
1. SWEET AND DIRTY LOVE
Track 1 is a revamp of an unreleased song from the 70s and it sounds like it. That is not a criticism as it is a good song and a great pacy opener.
7/10
2. FIRESTARTER
A cover of the Prodigy hit. Very similar to the original, except without the annoying British accent and a fair bit heavier, less dance. I really like this song.
8/10
3. WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION
Fast and heavy number that is a bit out of place with most of the other material on this album. Nonetheless, it adds to the diversity and is a solid number.
7/10
4. WAITING FOR THE MORNING LIGHT
A perfect example of why Gene should stay away from slow songs. He has never really done them well with KISS and this does nothing to improve that record. Skip to track 5 ASAP !
2/10
5. BEAUTIFUL
AAAARRGGHH !!!! It's getting worse ! Makes the previous song sound like a classic ! Absolutely dreadful ! SKIP !!!!
1/10
6. ASSHOLE
PHEW that's better. A catchy number that is reminiscent of "Teenage Dirtbag" by Wheatus. Only the lame lyrics prevent it from scoring higher.
7/10
7. NOW THAT YOU'RE GONE
We're back in the slow tempo garb again. This one is slightly more tolerable than the previous two, but still not that enjoyable.
4/10
8. WHATEVER TURNS YOU ON
One of the better songs on the record. Reminds me of Robbie Williams a little. Very cool lyrics and a catchy melody. Good effort.
8/10
9. DOG
My personal favorite song on the album. Once you hear this song you just can't get it out of your head. Sticks to your subconsience like gum on your shoe. An instant pop rock classic ! A-OOOH indeed !
9/10
10. BLACK TONGUE
A collaboration with the late Frank Zappa and it even features a few vocals from him. Heavier than most of the other music on the album, it kind of grinds along. Really like this one.
8/10
11. CARNIVAL OF SOULS
Obviously a leftover from KISS' COS album. Heaviest song on here, maybe with the exception of track 3. Good song, although not that well placed on the album.
7/10
12. IF I HAD A GUN
Another of Gene's mellow songs, although this one is different. It's actually really listenable and didn't make me lunge full tilt for the SKIP button on the CD player. The only good ballad on the whole record in my opinion.
7/10
13. 1,000 DREAMS
Another ghastly ballad to finish things off. A shame that somebody famous for being the "God Of Thunder" resorts to such meager offerings so often. I guess that's the whole purpose of doing a solo album.
3/10
So overall a solid effort from the Demon. Some real catchy pop rock stuff unfortunately drowned out by a few too many ordinary slow numbers. I like a good power ballad as much as the next guy, but the song has to be half decent. Some of these are woeful !
Gene has stated there will be a box set of 100 of his best demo's coming sometime in 2006. Let's hope it's full of the hard rock stuff and not too many "slowies" !!!!
