KISS is a band known for their over-the-top theatrics and hard-hitting rock anthems. But even the hottest flames can flicker, and for KISS, that often meant venturing into sonic territories far removed from their signature hard rock sound.
From disco to pop, metal to grunge, the band was eager to experiment, chasing trends and broadening their appeal. While these forays produced some unexpected gems, they also yielded a fair share of questionable tracks.
Even the band members themselves have been candid about their missteps, acknowledging albums that didn’t quite hit the mark. But which individual songs truly deserve the title of “worst”? Let’s dive into the depths of the KISS catalog and uncover the seven most questionable tracks.
7. “The Street Giveth and the Street Taketh Away” (Hot in the Shade, 1989)
The band’s 1989 album, Hot in the Shade, aimed to return the band to a stripped-down rock ‘n’ roll sound following the keyboard-heavy Crazy Nights. Despite producing the hit single “Forever”, the album suffers from being overly long and lacking focus.
“The Street Giveth and the Street Taketh Away” is a prime example of the album’s shortcomings. A strong riff is overshadowed by preachy lyrics and a blatant copy of David Bowie’s “Suffragette City” intro. This track represents the album’s struggle to find a solid direction.
6. “My Way” (Crazy Nights, 1987)
Paul Stanley deserves credit for revitalizing KISS in the mid-80s, transitioning the band from hard rock to a more commercially viable sound. Hits like “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” and “Heaven’s on Fire” showcased his ability to adapt to changing musical trends. However, his efforts to replicate Bon Jovi-style pop-rock on Crazy Nights were less successful.
While the album produced hits like the title track and “Turn on the Night”, songs like “My Way” went overboard with keyboards and strained vocals. This self-help anthem marked a point where Stanley’s attempts to reinvent KISS began to falter.
5. “It Never Goes Away” (Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions, 1997)
KISS’s attempt to reinvent themselves in the early 90s with the grunge-inspired Carnival of Souls was a mixed bag. While songs like “Master & Slave” and “Jungle” successfully blended the band’s signature style with heavier elements, the album also contained missteps.
“It Never Goes Away” is one such misstep. Clocking in at six minutes, the song’s turgid pace and Stanley’s strained vocals create a dreary atmosphere that doesn’t fit the band’s usual high-energy sound.
4. “Good Girl Gone Bad” (Crazy Nights, 1987)
On Crazy Nights, Gene Simmons mostly stuck to a straightforward rock sound on tracks like “Thief in the Night” and “No No No”. However, “Good Girl Gone Bad” is a departure from this approach.
The song’s generic mid-tempo style and overreliance on keyboards are a misstep. Even Simmons himself admitted the song was a weak imitation of bands like Bon Jovi and Poison, a far cry from the iconic KISS sound.
3. “Just a Boy” (Music from ‘The Elder’, 1981)
KISS’ ambitious foray into progressive rock with Music from ‘The Elder’ was a drastic departure from their hard rock roots. While the album has its moments, tracks like “Just a Boy” highlight its experimental nature.
Starchild’s vocal performance on this song is particularly jarring, blending falsetto with operatic elements in a way that clashes with the album’s overall tone. The track’s reliance on acoustic guitar and repetitive percussion also creates a sense of detachment from the band’s usual high-energy sound.
2. “Odyssey” (Music from ‘The Elder’, 1981)
“Odyssey” is the pinnacle of Music from ‘The Elder’‘s misguided attempt at a Broadway-inspired sound. Clocking in at twice the length of most tracks, it’s a clear standout as one of KISS’ worst songs.
Stanley himself admitted the song was a poor fit for his vocal style, contrasting sharply with the original version by Tony Powers.”Odyssey” serves as a stark reminder of the album’s experimental missteps and its disconnect from the band’s core identity.
1. “I Finally Found My Way” (Psycho Circus, 1998)
The reunion of the original KISS lineup for the 1996 tour failed to translate into a successful studio album with Psycho Circus. Internal tensions and alleged limitations placed on Peter Criss and Ace Frehley’s contributions marred the recording process.
In a misplaced effort to recapture the magic of “Beth” and “Hard Luck Woman”, the band handed lead vocals to Criss for “I Finally Found My Way”. Unfortunately, the resulting song is a bland and overly sweet piano ballad that falls far short of the emotional impact of its predecessors.