PAUL STANLEY - Live To Win

Posted: 10/11/06

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Contemporary Hard Rock

Released: 10/24/06

Label URL: www.universalmusic.com

Artist URL: www.paulstanley.com

1/2

While most KISS fans might cite Alive or Destroyer as the albums that turned them into KISS fans, my obsession with KISS began in 1984 with the release of Animalize.  The mix of sexually tinged lyrics, rebellion, catchy choruses, fire-power, and the band's life is a party mentality pulled me in like no other band had before.  By 1984, KISS' heyday had passed and I was the subject of ridicule in my college dormitory, but that added to their appeal - I liked something that no one else around me did.  Clearly, I knew better than those lemmings did, and my against the grain mentality has defined me ever since.

As hard as it is for me to believe, it's been twenty-six years since I first became a member of their army.  Things have changed over the years and to me, KISS is less of a priority to Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.  While we can depend on KISS DVD's and greatest hits tours without Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, a new KISS album seems unlikely.   KISS' main men have had a desire, however, to release solo material.  Despite the failure of Gene's Asshole solo cd a few years back, Paul is up for the challenge of working outside of KISS with Live To Win.

Prior to its completion, the early word was that Live To Win found Paul writing in a contemporary direction with songs that would focus on strong choruses.  Having had the opportunity to hear Live To Win, I can confirm that the initial reports were dead on.  The ten songs capture a more introspective side of Paul.  While Paul's vocals are as distinctive as always, the 'party' and 'heavy metal' KISS vibe have been replaced by contemporary arrangements, swish-swish instrumentation and production.  The title track and "Lift" are probably the most modern.  The static, detuned, plodding instrumental style and Paul's phrasing on the verses are in line with current trends.  While "Lift" is contemporary throughout, the chorus found on "Live To Win" is totally 80s.  Traditional songs do exist too - most notably the sensitive ballads "Loving You Without You Now," "Everytime I See You Around" and "Second To None" and the rockin' "Bulletproof."  "Wake Up Screaming" is the song that could find Paul a new audience though.  This emotive song spotlights a magnificent arrangement and production and has hit single written all over it.  Despite it's slight techno vibe, Paul comes off natural and comfortable in this new arena, and I think it would lend itself to being a song that could be set to a striking video.  "It's Not Me" is my second choice.  While it contains many of the same qualities, it's a peppier track that melds contemporary rock with everything that Paul has learned in the 70s and 80s about writing a hooky chorus.

The Bloody Truth:  For those looking for the next KISS album, you can forget it.  Live To Win finds Paul in a different headspace.  The thing that makes Live To Win work is Paul's knack for writing lyrical hooks and refrains and his top-notch vocal delivery.  Interestingly, the guitars and drums are way down in the mix.  The mix spotlights Paul vocals on almost every track and in my opinion that's a good thing for fans that might complain about Paul's concentration on contemporary instrumentation.  While many artists have failed as they cross into contemporary musical territory, Paul has done a respectable job.  His vocals are as strong as ever, he's brought along enough 80s hooks and energy to make the contemporary vibe enjoyable, and he's still creative.  Sure, I'd love him to release something with the Creatures Of The Night aura but given the fact that this is a venture outside of KISS, I must say that Paul has delivered a solid contemporary release.  Of course finding KISS fans that are open-minded enough to accept the modern direction is going to be a challenge.