Review Summary: You want his album if you like a classic hard rock record. Its sound quality is great, but not to great, and the material is strong. Recomended tracks:
"Lick It Up"
"Gimme More"
"Fits Like A Glove"
1983 was a year of desparation for KISS. You know the story - This classic american hard rock band that supplied us with the seminal party tunes of the 70's was at a career low. Its a shame that an album like the preceding "Creatures Of The Night" couldn't properly resurrect them. The only option was basically to join a trend of music they themselves created, shed their stage costumes, and hope for the best...
..."Lick It Up" did just that.
I cannot stress how overlooked KISS's 80's work is: there are some very low points, but enough good moments to turn in a respectable performance. This album has alot to do with that. "Exciter" is a very decent opening song, and its message is clear: Paul Stanely will be doing most of the driving for this album. "All Hell's Breaking Loose", "Lick It Up" and the most underrated KISS song of all time (besides Mr. Speed) "Gimme More" = total Hell Yes! moments. This also may be Gene's strongest effort in this decade. "Young And Wasted" and "Fits Like A Glove" are total heavy metal, while "Not For The Innocent" and "Dance All Over Your Face" use a little more of a classic KISS groove to affect the listener. These guys are on top of their game.
"Gimme More" is just very polished Motorhead, "'Young And Wasted" is just Judas Priest without the dueling guitars. This album is classic metal. There is a pop influence to this record though. "A Million To One" is slightly drab and plodding, but is by no means a bad song, "And On The 8th Day" is the only clinker. Its just terrible. But the blazing "Fits Like A Glove" will put you back in your place. An AMAZING song! The most metallic song on this record. The real highlight is the title track. This song is the most classic sounding KISS track. No flashy solos, no synthesizers, just pure hard rock. Damn good song. Damn good. Pay close attention to "Exciter", because the nest two albums open up with the same track. This is not true, but it is. Confused?
