Known for pyrotechnics and pulsating rock hits, the New York City-born rock group KISS formed in 1973. But the band is enjoying several anniversaries of late, including today (February 18), which is the 50th anniversary of the group’s debut self-titled LP, which itself includes party tracks like “Deuce,” “Black Diamond” and “Cold Gin.”
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To celebrate that accomplishment, we wanted to celebrate three songs from the band that are all rooted in celebration. Indeed, these three tracks from the face-painting rockers are their top party tracks. So, let’s explore the tunes here below.
[RELATED: American Songwriter January/February Cover Story: KISS Forever and Ever]
1. “Rock And Roll All Nite”
The clear No. 1 choice here. This song, which was released on the band’s 1975 album Dressed to Kill, is perhaps the party anthem. Like, globally. Not just when it comes to KISS. On it, the long-tongued bassist and lead vocalist Gene Simmons sings,
You show us everything you’ve got
You keep on dancin’ and the room gets hot
You drive us wild, we’ll drive you crazy
You say you wanna go for a spin
The party’s just begun, we’ll let you in
You drive us wild, we’ll drive you crazy
You keep on shoutin’, you keep on shoutin’
I wanna rock and roll all night and party every day
I wanna rock and roll all night and party every day
I wanna rock and roll all night and party every day
I wanna rock and roll all night and party every day
2. “Shout It Out Loud”
This song from the band’s 1976 album, Destroyer, is an invitation to let it all out. What do people want to do at parties? Cut loose and get a little time to shout out their feelings from the depths of their lungs. This song gives fans and music lovers to do just that. On it, guitarist and lead vocalist Paul Stanley sings,
Well the night’s begun and you want some fun
Do you think you’re gonna find it (find it)
You got to treat yourself like number one
Do you need to be reminded (need to be reminded)
It doesn’t matter what you do or say
Just forget the things that you’ve been told
We can’t do it any other way
Everybody’s got to rock n roll yay
Shout it, shout it, shout it out loud
Shout it, shout it, shout it out loud
3. “Love Gun”
From the band’s 1977 album of the same name, this track combines two seemingly unlike things in one quick title. Love and gun don’t go together, unless, of course, you’re KISS and you’re making an overtly sexual reference. The song, which combines the explosive with the intimate, is one perfect for a party and amorous feelings begin to fly like ammunition. On the song, Stanley sings,
I really love you, baby
I love what you’ve got
Let’s get together
We can get hot
No more tomorrow, baby
Time is today
Girl, I can make you feel
Okay
No place for hiding, baby
No place to run
You pull the trigger of my
Love gun (love gun)
Love gun
Love gun (love gun)
Love gun
Photo by Peter Cade/Central Press/Getty Images
