Pasted from a Facebook post. I am NOT the "I" in the following text. I confess I have not listened to the entire Music from The Elder album.
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Here is a ranking of KISS's albums, including both studio and live albums, based on critical reception, fan sentiment, and overall impact.
The list covers all 20 studio albums and 13 live albums (excluding bootlegs and instant live releases). Rankings are subjective and reflect a blend of musical quality, historical significance, and cultural influence. From best to worst:
1. Alive! (1975, Live) - Defined KISS as a live act, saved their career, and set the template for live albums. Iconic tracks like "Rock and Roll All Nite" shine.
2. Destroyer (1976, Studio) - Polished production by Bob Ezrin, with hits like "Detroit Rock City" and "Beth." A career peak.
3. Kiss (1974, Studio) - Raw, energetic debut with classics like "Strutter" and "Deuce." Pure hard rock essence.
4. Alive II (1977, Live) - Captures KISS at their theatrical peak, with powerful renditions of "Love Gun" and "Shout It Out Loud." Includes studio tracks like "Rocket Ride."
5. Love Gun (1977, Studio) - Strong songwriting with "I Stole Your Love" and "Shock Me." Ace Frehley's vocal debut adds depth.
6. Rock and Roll Over (1976, Studio) - Lean, raw follow-up to Destroyer. Highlights include "Calling Dr. Love" and "Hard Luck Woman."
7. Dressed to Kill (1975, Studio) - Short but punchy, with "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "C'mon and Love Me." Early KISS at its best.
8. Hotter Than Hell (1974, Studio) - Gritty, underrated gem with "Let Me Go, Rock 'n' Roll" and "Parasite." Production is rough but authentic.
9. Creatures of the Night (1982, Studio) - Heavy return to form with Vinnie Vincent's edge. "I Love It Loud" and title track stand out.
10. Lick It Up (1983, Studio) - First unmasked album, revitalized KISS with "Lick It Up" and "All Hell's Breakin' Loose."
11. Revenge (1992, Studio) - Dark, heavy, and modern for the '90s. "God Gave Rock 'n' Roll to You II" and "Unholy" are highlights.
12. Ace Frehley (1978, Solo/Studio) - Best of the 1978 solo albums. "New York Groove" and "Rip It Out" showcase Ace's style.
13. Paul Stanley (1978, Solo/Studio) - Polished, melodic rock with "Tonight You Belong to Me." True to Stanley's vision.
14. Alive III (1993, Live) - Solid unmasked-era live album with "Creatures of the Night" and "Detroit Rock City." Lacks the magic of earlier live records.
15. Dynasty (1979, Studio) - Disco-infused but catchy. "I Was Made for Lovin' You" is a global hit, though Ace's tracks steal the show.
16. Animalize (1984, Studio) - Commercial success with "Heaven's on Fire." Solid but lacks depth.
17. Unplugged (1996, Live) - Acoustic set with reunion vibes. "Beth" and "Comin' Home" shine, but later tracks weaken.
18. Asylum (1985, Studio) - Flashy '80s rock with "Tears Are Falling." Fun but formulaic.
19. Sonic Boom (2009, Studio) - Strong late-career effort with "Modern Day Delilah." Nods to classic KISS sound.
20. Kiss Symphony: Alive IV (2003, Live) - Ambitious orchestral live album. "Beth" and "Forever" work well, but pacing drags.
21. Monster (2012, Studio) - Heavy but uneven. "Hell or Hallelujah" is a standout, but lacks consistency.
22. Crazy Nights (1987, Studio) - Polished '80s pop-metal. "Crazy Crazy Nights" is catchy, but the album feels dated.
23. Hot in the Shade (1989, Studio) - Bloated with filler, though "Forever" is a strong ballad.
24. Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions (1997, Studio) - Grunge experiment that feels forced. "Jungle" is decent but out of place.
25. Psycho Circus (1998, Studio) - Reunion album with original lineup, but ghost musicians dilute authenticity. "Psycho Circus" is solid.
26. Gene Simmons (1978, Solo/Studio) - Eclectic but unfocused. "Radioactive" is the highlight, but many tracks flop.
27. Unmasked (1980, Studio) - Pop-heavy and lightweight. "Shandi" is catchy, but the album lacks KISS's edge.
28. Music from "The Elder" (1981, Studio) - Ambitious concept album that misfires. "A World Without Heroes" has moments, but it's divisive.
29. Peter Criss (1978, Solo/Studio) - Weakest solo album. R&B and ballads don't suit Criss's style.
30. Alive! The Millennium Concert (2006, Live) - Decent reunion-era set, but Peter Criss's drumming feels sluggish.
31. Kiss Rocks Vegas (2016, Live) - Modern lineup with a solid setlist, but lacks the spark of earlier live albums.
32. Animalize Live Uncensored (1985, Live) - High-energy '80s live set, but overshadowed by stronger live releases.
33. Off the Soundboard: Live in Virginia Beach (2022, Live) - Late-career live album, competent but unremarkable.
This ranking prioritizes the classic '70s era for its raw energy and cultural impact, with live albums like Alive! and Alive II standing out for capturing KISS's legendary stage presence. Later albums are judged on consistency and how well they fit KISS's identity.
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