i LOVE this album! it really means a lot to me, since I discovered KISS shortly before it came out. I remember counting down the days with my best friend, we were like 7 years old! I know it would’ve been much better with Ace but it is what it is and Tommy nailed it. After all he’s playing a character, The Spaceman. It’s his job to sound like The Spaceman. There are many great tunes and it is a classic KISS album, time will tell. Monster is much better tho, boomers be mad at me for this!
I like you. I've watched a couple of your reviews. First off, I love to see someone your age be a Kiss fan (I'm 58). I also appreciate your points of view and how concise you are. For the most part, I agree with you. I think I am the only fan alive that wasn't insulted by Tommy's "Aceisms." I took them as tribute, not rip-off as most people did. So, I loved this album and I wish it could have happened years earlier. It seems like it took the band their whole career to get back to sounding like vintage, cheesy Kiss, which was my favorite version.
We could have a Sean Blumenshine drinking game......watch his Kiss album reviews and down a shot every time he says "needs more bass". We'd all be passed out!
Hey man. Since you’re done with the Kiss albums. I would honestly like to see you review other 70s bands like Aerosmith for example, as for their case I haven’t really seen a proper good review of their early albums. Would make my day.
Hot and Cold is my favorite song on the album, it's a smoking rhythm guitar riff, insanely catchy chorus, and an explosive guitar solo. I never understood why that song isn't more popular.
i still really like this album, i thought there never would never be another album again. My Walmart had the KISS corner. I bought everything. I even have the purple vinyl album. I still play it to this day
Great review! I'm maybe a year or two younger than you and I had that same excitement about this being my first new KISS album. Just like you I got to see them for the first time in 2009 also. It was a pretty awesome year to be a KISS fan, especially a young one. Nowadays I never listen to the record but this review reminded me of the good aspects it had.
The Space man and the Cat man are not only the guitar player and the drum player... They are Ace and Peter. They should find other characters to carry on the Kisstory. Like they've done for Eric Carr and Vinnie .
Props to Tommy Thayer & Eric Singer !! All they've done for the last 20 years, under a firestorm of criticism, is remained professional, taken the high road, contributed mightly to Kiss, showed up every day, And Kicked Ass !! Hats off the Thayer & Singer !! 🍻👍🎸🥁
This is what really really bothers me. The notion of "musical superiority" rooted in some god-awful archaic value of technical proficiency. For whatever skill the new guys possess, they lack a fundamental *feel* that gives the original guys their personality and style. Eric Singer has no swing, Tommy Thayer has no sneer. It's too academic and precise... and uh, excuse me, KISS ain't *ever* been academic or precise. This album is a convoluted exercise to replicate the stylistic feel of the original line-up and fails under the weight of its own pretension. I've said it before and again and again and yet again: there is KISS and there is "Kiss".
@@madbrotherward First of all, they can hardly be considered "new guys". Eric has been in the band for 24 years and Tommy for 18, longer than both Ace and Peter. Second, they lack no feel. Tommy and Eric are professionals that excel at their jobs as musicians, they do everything right. I've seen several Kiss shows with this lineup and have never been disappointed. As for Sonic Boom, there is a couple of dud songs on the album that I don't care for but overall, it does a great job at recapturing that 70's feel.
@@SeanBlumenshine Much tighter. Just watch the reunion years. And yes, it did sound that bad live. Of course it was something to see because of the setlist alone. If they would have put Tommy in before they asked Ace, it would have went over better.
I'm a KISS fan since I was a kid. They were my first favorite band. ALIVE! and Destroyer was my 1st exposure to their music. I bought RARO and Love Gun the day they were released. My 1st ever concert was Alive 2 tour at Madison Square Garden in 1977 when I was 11. I wanted to see RARO the year before, but my mom said I was too young to go. I saw the Dynasty tour in 1979 and the Reunion tour in 1996 as well. Ace was always my favorite. He inspired me to start playing guitar which I still enjoy doing to this day. KISS without Ace was never something I was very interested in, but I completely understand Paul and Gene's handling of the bands legacy. Being in a band isn't always as easy and fun as people might think. When so called "fans" say a band should retire for whatever reason I have to laugh at their ignorance. Fans can take a band's work or leave it, but they shouldn't judge what thet don't know about first hand. Keeping a band together is far more difficult than the average fan realizes. More power to KISS and any other band who has the fortitude and the fan base to carry on, regardless of how many original or "classic" members are still involved. Thank you Sean for this series of videos. It's been quite a trip down memory lane.
"I completely understand Paul and Gene's handling of the bands legacy" ................ 😆 They flushed the "legacy", integrity, and reputation of the band down the toilet after the "Farewell Tour". Simply having different members in the band was never a problem btw.
@@twikirobot6897 - Nonsense ! There was NO attempt to deceive anyone on The 2000 Farewell Tour. They thought that was it. They just couldn't handle touring with Ace & Peter anymore and their RIDICULOUS unprofessionalism. ( Never any issues with Tommy, Eric, Bruce or Eric ). Thank God KISS Soildered on with Tommy & Eric. Ace is kicking Ass right now himself !! He's tearing it up ! Why ?? WHY ?? ... SOBRIETY.
Two things....... Why is sonic boom not available on popular music download sites like iTunes? I did not see a kiss and Aerosmith, headlining tour. That’s why I was surprised to hear him say that Peter Chris had re-join the band? I did not know that happened.
@@SeanBlumenshine Got it. As you point out, seems like another missed marketing opportunity for them. I understand if you want to give exclusive rights to Walmart when the product launches as a co-branding idea. However, after the first year you should open that up to mass distribution. Now it’s just become the unknown album. WalMart is not continuing to promote this album. I went on their website it’s nearly impossible to find. Anyway what I thought was really fascinating is when you said Peter Chris had re-join to kiss after ace left. I had no idea about that! Interesting.
Sonic Boom is a very good album with a few throwback 70s songs but most of the songs sound like Psycho Circus leftovers but thats a good thing in my opinion..I like this album more than most of their 80s albums, and I also prefer Psycho Circus over this because that album atleast had a theme and much better song writing..Plus I feel Kevin Valentine compared to Psycho Circus, plays better than Eric Singer but I understand Singer was playing somewhat like Peter Criss but its still good.. Sonic Boom yes I Agree has catchy songs and lots of old hints of Kiss which I love! Russian Roulette is my favorite song here ,this album blows away Monster ! In my top 10 Kiss albums!Great review Sean!
Ace was also the one who told Peter that he was making less money though its basically aces fault peter wasn't making more money it was most likely weighing on him through out the tour
4:28 Actually KISS hasn’t owned their publishing rights since 1988. They sold it to HoriPro Entertainment when their tax shelter went under. They had no choice, it was either that or go broke. Universal owns their masters When a song is licensed the masters holder/publishing rights holder makes the money. Normally that would be Universal studios/HoriPro. Since KISS doesn’t own publishing they have to pay the fee to re-record their songs. So why bother? So remember how I said the masters holder gets a chunk of the money? KISS put out sonic boom through their own label, KISS records. So they have the masters for sonic boom and the re-recorded material. It was a way to make money off of their catalogue, which they make very little/next to nothing off of. In fact, Sonic Boom is really the only part of their catalogue that they own. Monster was put out through Universal. Therefore Universal owns the Masters on it.
I cherish yours as well. Although I don't actually remember sending you this but that does sound like me. I remember us geeking out more about Heroin Diaries and Saints of Los Angeles.
Hey Sean and fans, I know u will hate me for this, but Tommy Thayer is an amazing guitar player. Go back and listen to his band black and blue. Gene produced 2 of black and blue albums Yes , ace is amazing but if u love albums like creatures of the night, tommy is a much heavier guitar player. Give him. A break
Well Said !! Tommy's a Solid Guitar Player and a Consumate Professional !! Listen to Sonic Boom & Monster ! Damn Good Albums. I like ALL the KISS Lineups. Tommy & Eric are Far More Professional & Reliable than Ace & Peter. Good for You. Couldn't agree more !
Modern Day Delilah is a great song and it features Paul singing falsetto again. there are some other nice songs, but over all it seems very "paint by numbers" song writing and playing. totally agree about the solos being Ace solos just frankensteined together. 2009 was a great time. I bought meet and greet tickets and got to watch the '09 show from the front row. Holy #$%#$ that's a night I'll never forget! Eric was a super power house on drums and having them right there, 3 feet away from you, took the concert experience to a whole new level. I kind of understand why some have reservations about Tommy in spaceman outfit, but that night showed us he belonged. The whole night he was smiling and having a ball...he's totally born to play the part. When he smiles and has fun, it makes the audience do the same.
I did the same thing at a Walmart in Cleveland Ohio. I showed up right at midnight and no album, so I had them go in the back and bring it out. We both have a good story about it.
Peter played with and had pictures with Tommy whilst Tommy was wearing the Spaceman make up. Ace played with and had pictures with Eric whilst Eric was wearing the Catman make up. Why have more conviction than Ace and Peter do? Kiss is so much better with Eric and Tommy. And fun again. Again?? It's been 20 years.
They tried creating new characters during the Creatures of The Night tour. It wasn’t well received, so that’s probably why they’ve never done it again. Because Paul associates it with failure.
Modern Day Delilah is awesome and should be listened to at painfully high volume! I don't remember the rest of the songs because they are not memorable. It is remarkable that Kiss can carry on with Tommy and Eric wearing Ace and Peters makeup respectively. It goes to show you that Kiss is a brand just as much as a band and they have fans now that weren't even born when Ace and Peter were in the band, the first AND second time!
Wow! I love that bass tone!! I thought Gene always had a killer tone! This is a Gene Simmons album, in my opinion. Russian Roulette is my favorite, but I think Yes I Know, Animal and Hot or Cold are all killer tracks. Other than MDD, All For The Glory and Say Yeah, I think Paul strikes out.
On one hand I can understand why fans would be pissed with Eric and Tommy taking over Peter and ace's makeup. But on the other hand how many Batman's have there been since the 1989 film (6).
Hey young man ! So good to see someone like you doing good reviews about Kiss ! Keep it up & any chance doing reviews on Alice Cooper albums...for us older folk ?
this was the first KISS album i got the day it was released so i used to like this album a lot and still enjoy it every now and then but it SCREAMS for a producer some of the songs kinda feel like demos (which many of them were) a producer would have put the songs better together and made them work harder.. this album with a decent producer would have been kick ass! but still it has some great moments. and this is actually the highest-charting KISS album to date!
I sit on the makeup issue pretty much along the same lines as you. It will never NOT be odd, but honestly KISS could have given them new characters and not lost a beat. The makeup today is a stage presentation for the show, but the band mostly do interviews unmasked and are not in character anymore. So selling the characters when they were masked is no longer a factor on any discernable level like Paul and Gene like to suggest it still is. Newer generations go for the show, which is what KISS has essentially lived off of since 1996. I don't consider them a studio band after the reunion started because the majority of everything they do is based on 70's nostalgia. Adding the piano for Eric to fake play like the Paul Lynne Halloween special back in 1976 is not only jumping the shark, it's detonating it. For myself, I have not seen a KISS show in person since the original Farewell tour. That was my farewell and I have no regrets. Everything they do at this stage is pretty static because they all stand still and let the stage and digitized vocals carry the show. I'll watch that on UA-cam and think, " Eh... its bright and loud" but its not a band performing and firing on all cylinders like the old days. Nor should it with the lead vocalists tacking 70 years of age. But people react too much to the bombs and lights and give that credit to the band. KISS was always a physical band on stage with Gene prowling the stage as the Demon , Ace's smoking guitar, and Paul running a marathon. Even in the 80's and early 90's they stayed really active on stage. But now its mostly the stage doing the show. For me, their hiding in plain sight. With regards to the album, Sonic Boom, I can honestly say the first listen I was pretty disappointed. I was so accustom to Paul having a few songs with catchy hooks, I found this record completely devoid of that. And when it comes to shamefully falling on the sword of copying another artist, I thought Paul made a bad decision to have Tommy sing lyrics mimicking Ace's thematic songs. It took away any opportunity for Tommy to be an individual in the band and express something about himself musically or otherwise. The fact that Paul uses that so much for himself says how little he thinks of Tommy as a musician. To not even allow the man to say something artistically is just really lowballing it in my book. Eric played the cliché drummer-sings-Peter's role and Gene kind of slept walked through his songs like he use to in the 80's. I didn't feel any artistic stretching here. They all played within a very generic bubble of unoriginal chord structures and tired anthemic sounding tunes that wanted to be more than what they had the energy to create. The whole album had a "been there-done that" expression to it and I don't feel like they played like they had skin in the game. As it turns out they didn't. Walmart owned the whole thing, so maybe that played a role in what they cranked out, so Paul never had to feel like he was giving away better material than what he needed to. I've always found that most artists, KISS included, often created their best work when they felt the heat of needing to make something good. Survival is an interesting tool for artists. I think it makes them get more in tune with their musical instincts and play from a real place that creates original pieces of work. An album like this required no effort, because there was no risk involved. And I think the album the public got speaks to that loud and clear.
I gave this album a listen again. My initial reaction negative when I first bought it was a bit jaded as I’m one of those a bit miffed about Tommy wearing Ace’s make up. I have their entire catalogue and this album stands with the others. Not their best, but not bad at all.
I went to Walmart at midnight and they had to go get my copy, too. You're wrong about the album, though. It's a great album, while a little cheese heavy.
Want to know my take on Tommy and Eric wearing the makeup? It's been over 20 years. People need to get over it and move on. Ace and Peter are the ones to blame in this situation as they are the ones who sold it. Kiss is just using what they already own and why wouldn't they? Clearly it's worked and it has sold. Tommy and Eric have been playing the parts faithfully for quite some time and have more than earned their spot in the band.
Isn't it ironic that they wanted to do "Destroyer 2" in "Psycho Circus" and "Rock And Roll Over 2" in "Sonic Boom"? haha Anyways, not a great album but first time in a while where the members play what they are supposed to play and it shows on how honest it sounds. "Say Yeah" and "Modern Day Delilah" are really memorable tracks, Eric is a great fit for this new KISS, I just don't like Thayer at all, no personality in his playing, not that he has to develop one, but I don't see him as a person that brings something innovative to the table.
It can hardly be considered a "new Kiss" when this has been the lineup for about 20 years now. It's the longest lasting lineup actually. And if Thayer wasn't a solid guitar player, he wouldn't be in Kiss for 18+ years.
Probably not. I briefly talk about the Alives in some of the studio album videos but I don't think I'd have enough to say about any particular one to justify a video. Maybe I'll do a complete overview and talk about all of them in one video.
@@SeanBlumenshine oh damn. I was hoping you'd do them. It seems there's be a LOT to say a out each track. Like Alive for example. How each song compares with the original. The solos. There are so many more of them than on the studio's. The drum solo. Paul's stage raps..
It's quite bizarre after 45+ yrs and putting out albums all this time they never found a formula. Never! They experimented so much over the years they exhausted all ideas. Brought in songwriters because they didn't know how to keep with the times. It boggles the mind. This band should have hit after hit. It took from Beth to Forever to even get close to a number one spot! They would never allow another member other than Gene and Paul to put out a single that ever does better than them on a vocal. They learned the hard way from Beth. Notice it has never been done since? Eric Carr should have sang more as well. They new he had a great voice w rasp that everyone loves. Their egos couldn't handle that. Plus, they knew all the fans loved Eric and didn't want any spotlight taken away even for a moment. They had to let him sing Black Diamond. It was a staple song from Alive! Fans would tip cars if not..lol He did a great job with it. Tommy was made to do Ace licks because it brought back that 70s era KISS magical sound. All Tommy's leads sounds like Ace is playing. He does a great job.
@@PozerAdultRacingTeam - Well it is very good musically. Heavy Rock. I like it a lot. It sounds like Heavy KISS Rock in the 21st Century, which is what it is. I could see you saying they lost their way with The Elder & Unmasked ( which are ok ). Not with SB & M. Unplugged is Great. KISS proving they're a Solid Rock Group, being stripped down to just acoustic guitars
the make up thing is played out. I dont despise it and get mad like some of the die hard fans, i think its silly and redundant - give eric and tommy their own make up or just take it off. However, it is what it is. Sonic Boom is ok. It isn't outstanding and its not terrible. Its crazy cheesy but when are they not? ( you are right, Never enough sounds like slide it in by whitesnake to me too) i always found it feels a little too much like trying to do a 70s era album. a solid if unremarkable album The re-recordings are ok actually and while it doesnt have eric carr and his thunderous drums on the respective songs it is pretty good and i do actually listen to it as a CD in its own right.
Good album. One of those you can listen entirely. But there is something about the quality of the sound that I dont like. Anyway, better than expected. Not like Monster, is really awful
Does the record hold up as a great KISS album? Yes! After they decided to put on the make up again, I never expected them to make another decent album, because the whole reunion was all about the money. Getting rid of Ace and especially Peter was the best that could happen to them. They re-discovered how much fun it can be to be in a band. And it shows. The energy is there, even Gene is fully committed. To me Sonic Boom has an atmosphere that resembles Love Gun and Rock and Roll Over. Musically the Revenge line up was their best, but Sonic Boom came as...well, a sonic boom.
Tommy is a good guitar player. However, all he does is copy Ace. And im not talking about a live situation where he HAS to copy Ace's leads. On the studio albums he has recorded with KISS it seams he try's to sound EXACTLY like Ace. Maybe Gene/Paul tell him to? If that's the case i wish they'd let him cut loose with his own style. His Black n Blue style guitar playing was not as "Ace like"
@@joeclifford1774 Smooth , fluent, and polished may be true. But that's not the true sound of KISS. Ace has said in many interviews his style is sometimes sloppy. But you cant deny his playing on all the classic KISS albums. Thats what makes ACE........ACE. Ill take ACE'S style over polished and smooth all the time. Thats why ACE is a legend and Tommy(although good) will always be known as a replacement member. Even Sean said this albums leads are too "ACE-like.
@@markmedina5543 There is no "true sound of Kiss", it has changed many times with the different line up changes. Ace was great for his time, that doesn't mean the other guitarists that came after him aren't just as great. I'll take Bruce and Tommy over Ace any day honestly. The precision they bring to the table is unmatched.
Sounds cheap. Forced. Lame. "Modern Day Delilah" is pretty good.....the rest is terrible. The re-recordings were vomit inducing. 2/10 00/10 [re-recordings]
"Say yeah" is "867-5309" "I just wanna" is "summertime blues" and I agree that the one song sounds like whitesnake. Not poison. Related but not..... Metallica "hero of the day" is Fleetwood macs "hold on to me" and I mean law suit close
I thoroughly enjoy this album. "Stand" is one of the greatest songs in KISS' catalogue. Cheese and KISS have always gone hand in hand.
I've been a kiss fan most of my life and I'm 52 now.i like sonic boom alot. Thanks for reviewing.
Sonic Boom & Monster are Both Solid Albums !
Good format, good camera presence, well paced narrative.
That's a very sexy photo...
i LOVE this album! it really means a lot to me, since I discovered KISS shortly before it came out. I remember counting down the days with my best friend, we were like 7 years old! I know it would’ve been much better with Ace but it is what it is and Tommy nailed it. After all he’s playing a character, The Spaceman. It’s his job to sound like The Spaceman. There are many great tunes and it is a classic KISS album, time will tell. Monster is much better tho, boomers be mad at me for this!
Cool Story !
I like you. I've watched a couple of your reviews. First off, I love to see someone your age be a Kiss fan (I'm 58). I also appreciate your points of view and how concise you are. For the most part, I agree with you. I think I am the only fan alive that wasn't insulted by Tommy's "Aceisms." I took them as tribute, not rip-off as most people did. So, I loved this album and I wish it could have happened years earlier. It seems like it took the band their whole career to get back to sounding like vintage, cheesy Kiss, which was my favorite version.
We could have a Sean Blumenshine drinking game......watch his Kiss album reviews and down a shot every time he says "needs more bass". We'd all be passed out!
Hey man. Since you’re done with the Kiss albums. I would honestly like to see you review other 70s bands like Aerosmith for example, as for their case I haven’t really seen a proper good review of their early albums. Would make my day.
Hot and Cold is my favorite song on the album, it's a smoking rhythm guitar riff, insanely catchy chorus, and an explosive guitar solo. I never understood why that song isn't more popular.
i still really like this album, i thought there never would never be another album again. My Walmart had the KISS corner. I bought everything. I even have the purple vinyl album. I still play it to this day
Hold onto that record. The vinyl edition is super valuable. I wish I had one.
@@joshuawright8990 i know makes me wish i bought all of the variant colors
Great review! I'm maybe a year or two younger than you and I had that same excitement about this being my first new KISS album. Just like you I got to see them for the first time in 2009 also. It was a pretty awesome year to be a KISS fan, especially a young one. Nowadays I never listen to the record but this review reminded me of the good aspects it had.
The Space man and the Cat man are not only the guitar player and the drum player... They are Ace and Peter. They should find other characters to carry on the Kisstory. Like they've done for Eric Carr and Vinnie .
Props to Tommy Thayer & Eric Singer !! All they've done for the last 20 years, under a firestorm of criticism, is remained professional, taken the high road, contributed mightly to Kiss, showed up every day, And Kicked Ass !! Hats off the Thayer & Singer !! 🍻👍🎸🥁
I have been a giant kiss fan since the early 80s. Modern Day Delilah might be one of my favorite Kiss songs of all time. It is absolutely fantastic.
Did you see them with Ace and Peter? Tommy and Eric are on another level. I was against it until I saw them live.
I've only seen the current lineup.
This is what really really bothers me. The notion of "musical superiority" rooted in some god-awful archaic value of technical proficiency. For whatever skill the new guys possess, they lack a fundamental *feel* that gives the original guys their personality and style. Eric Singer has no swing, Tommy Thayer has no sneer. It's too academic and precise... and uh, excuse me, KISS ain't *ever* been academic or precise. This album is a convoluted exercise to replicate the stylistic feel of the original line-up and fails under the weight of its own pretension. I've said it before and again and again and yet again: there is KISS and there is "Kiss".
@@madbrotherward First of all, they can hardly be considered "new guys". Eric has been in the band for 24 years and Tommy for 18, longer than both Ace and Peter. Second, they lack no feel. Tommy and Eric are professionals that excel at their jobs as musicians, they do everything right. I've seen several Kiss shows with this lineup and have never been disappointed. As for Sonic Boom, there is a couple of dud songs on the album that I don't care for but overall, it does a great job at recapturing that 70's feel.
@@smhfc1984 Why would I replace Gene? Peter and Ace weren't all that during the reunion years.
@@SeanBlumenshine Much tighter. Just watch the reunion years. And yes, it did sound that bad live. Of course it was something to see because of the setlist alone. If they would have put Tommy in before they asked Ace, it would have went over better.
Gene & Paul the two biggest azz hats in Rock-n-Roll
( 70's KISS Fan Forever )
I'm a KISS fan since I was a kid. They were my first favorite band. ALIVE! and Destroyer was my 1st exposure to their music. I bought RARO and Love Gun the day they were released. My 1st ever concert was Alive 2 tour at Madison Square Garden in 1977 when I was 11. I wanted to see RARO the year before, but my mom said I was too young to go. I saw the Dynasty tour in 1979 and the Reunion tour in 1996 as well.
Ace was always my favorite. He inspired me to start playing guitar which I still enjoy doing to this day. KISS without Ace was never something I was very interested in, but I completely understand Paul and Gene's handling of the bands legacy. Being in a band isn't always as easy and fun as people might think. When so called "fans" say a band should retire for whatever reason I have to laugh at their ignorance. Fans can take a band's work or leave it, but they shouldn't judge what thet don't know about first hand. Keeping a band together is far more difficult than the average fan realizes. More power to KISS and any other band who has the fortitude and the fan base to carry on, regardless of how many original or "classic" members are still involved.
Thank you Sean for this series of videos. It's been quite a trip down memory lane.
Awesome !! I saw them @ MSG in '79 & '96 also...
Paul named his son after you ! 🙂👍
"I completely understand Paul and Gene's handling of the bands legacy"
................ 😆
They flushed the "legacy", integrity, and reputation of the band down the toilet after the "Farewell Tour".
Simply having different members in the band was never a problem btw.
@@twikirobot6897 - Nonsense !
There was NO attempt to deceive anyone on The 2000 Farewell Tour. They thought that was it. They just couldn't handle touring with Ace & Peter anymore and their RIDICULOUS unprofessionalism.
( Never any issues with Tommy, Eric, Bruce or Eric ). Thank God KISS Soildered on with Tommy & Eric. Ace is kicking Ass right now himself !! He's tearing it up ! Why ?? WHY ?? ... SOBRIETY.
@@twikirobot6897 Clearly you've missed my point. Your assessment of their "integrity" is irrelevant. KISS' legacy is perseverance.
Two things....... Why is sonic boom not available on popular music download sites like iTunes?
I did not see a kiss and Aerosmith, headlining tour. That’s why I was surprised to hear him say that Peter Chris had re-join the band? I did not know that happened.
I think it has to do with it being a Walmart exclusive.
@@SeanBlumenshine Got it. As you point out, seems like another missed marketing opportunity for them. I understand if you want to give exclusive rights to Walmart when the product launches as a co-branding idea. However, after the first year you should open that up to mass distribution. Now it’s just become the unknown album. WalMart is not continuing to promote this album. I went on their website it’s nearly impossible to find.
Anyway what I thought was really fascinating is when you said Peter Chris had re-join to kiss after ace left. I had no idea about that! Interesting.
Want to blame anyone? blame Ace and Peter...they sold the make-up rights. They didn't care, why should you???
At one time Ace said that he leases his makeup rights to Gene and Paul, he also said that Peter sold his. Not sure how true that is though.
Peter sold it. Ace licensed it.
@@nickydee569 umm WRONG...only the Acetards think this...he sold the rights...sorry
Excellent review! Truly enjoyed it and I did get to enjoy serious laughs 😄
Tommy will always be the new guy
You're too hung up on a past, that doesn't exist anymore
Sonic Boom is a very good album with a few throwback 70s songs but most of the songs sound like Psycho Circus leftovers but thats a good thing in my opinion..I like this album more than most of their 80s albums, and I also prefer Psycho Circus over this because that album atleast had a theme and much better song writing..Plus I feel Kevin Valentine compared to Psycho Circus, plays better than Eric Singer but I understand Singer was playing somewhat like Peter Criss but its still good.. Sonic Boom yes I Agree has catchy songs and lots of old hints of Kiss which I love! Russian Roulette is my favorite song here ,this album blows away Monster ! In my top 10 Kiss albums!Great review Sean!
This is such a great album that unfortunately many don't give a chance because it is Tommy and Eric.
Ace was also the one who told Peter that he was making less money though its basically aces fault peter wasn't making more money it was most likely weighing on him through out the tour
4:28 Actually KISS hasn’t owned their publishing rights since 1988. They sold it to HoriPro Entertainment when their tax shelter went under. They had no choice, it was either that or go broke.
Universal owns their masters
When a song is licensed the masters holder/publishing rights holder makes the money. Normally that would be Universal studios/HoriPro.
Since KISS doesn’t own publishing they have to pay the fee to re-record their songs.
So why bother?
So remember how I said the masters holder gets a chunk of the money? KISS put out sonic boom through their own label, KISS records. So they have the masters for sonic boom and the re-recorded material.
It was a way to make money off of their catalogue, which they make very little/next to nothing off of.
In fact, Sonic Boom is really the only part of their catalogue that they own. Monster was put out through Universal. Therefore Universal owns the Masters on it.
Super nice review again, its very nicely down, lot of fun to watch your videos.
Still love this album. Probably cuz you sent it to me and I cherish your friendship.
I cherish yours as well. Although I don't actually remember sending you this but that does sound like me. I remember us geeking out more about Heroin Diaries and Saints of Los Angeles.
All For The Glory should have been played the moment the Tour came out.
Hey Sean and fans,
I know u will hate me for this, but Tommy Thayer is an amazing guitar player.
Go back and listen to his band black and blue. Gene produced 2 of black and blue albums
Yes , ace is amazing but if u love albums like creatures of the night, tommy is a much heavier guitar player.
Give him. A break
I love Tommy and think he's very talented.
Well Said !! Tommy's a Solid Guitar Player and a Consumate Professional !!
Listen to Sonic Boom & Monster ! Damn Good Albums. I like ALL the KISS Lineups. Tommy & Eric are Far More Professional & Reliable than Ace & Peter. Good for You. Couldn't agree more !
This is my favorite KISS album
10:53 that is the most adorable story. That’s a true Kiss fan.
Peter and Ace were lucky to get another chance.
gene and paul needed them just as much or the reunion wouldn't have happened.
Kiss was just limping along until the reunion happened.
Gene and Paul were lucky they got them back for any time at all so that they could sell out Tiger Stadium that wouldn't have been possible otherwise
Modern Day Delilah is a great song and it features Paul singing falsetto again. there are some other nice songs, but over all it seems very "paint by numbers" song writing and playing. totally agree about the solos being Ace solos just frankensteined together.
2009 was a great time. I bought meet and greet tickets and got to watch the '09 show from the front row. Holy #$%#$ that's a night I'll never forget! Eric was a super power house on drums and having them right there, 3 feet away from you, took the concert experience to a whole new level.
I kind of understand why some have reservations about Tommy in spaceman outfit, but that night showed us he belonged. The whole night he was smiling and having a ball...he's totally born to play the part. When he smiles and has fun, it makes the audience do the same.
I did the same thing at a Walmart in Cleveland Ohio. I showed up right at midnight and no album, so I had them go in the back and bring it out. We both have a good story about it.
Peter played with and had pictures with Tommy whilst Tommy was wearing the Spaceman make up.
Ace played with and had pictures with Eric whilst Eric was wearing the Catman make up.
Why have more conviction than Ace and Peter do? Kiss is so much better with Eric and Tommy. And fun again. Again?? It's been 20 years.
They tried creating new characters during the Creatures of The Night tour. It wasn’t well received, so that’s probably why they’ve never done it again. Because Paul associates it with failure.
The only new makeup idea that didn’t go well was vinnie’s (because it was really weird). Eric’s fox was spectacularly received.
@@thecollector4332 Doesn’t matter. Paul associated it with failure.
6:44 Which is funny because Poison’s “Nothing but a Good Time,” copies the opening riff of Deuce.
Modern Day Delilah is awesome and should be listened to at painfully high volume! I don't remember the rest of the songs because they are not memorable. It is remarkable that Kiss can carry on with Tommy and Eric wearing Ace and Peters makeup respectively. It goes to show you that Kiss is a brand just as much as a band and they have fans now that weren't even born when Ace and Peter were in the band, the first AND second time!
Not Ace and Peter's makeup anymore. Other than that, I agree.
Wow! I love that bass tone!! I thought Gene always had a killer tone! This is a Gene Simmons album, in my opinion. Russian Roulette is my favorite, but I think Yes I Know, Animal and Hot or Cold are all killer tracks. Other than MDD, All For The Glory and Say Yeah, I think Paul strikes out.
My fav kiss album
On one hand I can understand why fans would be pissed with Eric and Tommy taking over Peter and ace's makeup. But on the other hand how many Batman's have there been since the 1989 film (6).
I love Stand as well!
Great review Sean!
Hey young man ! So good to see someone like you doing good reviews about Kiss ! Keep it up & any chance doing reviews on Alice Cooper albums...for us older folk ?
this was the first KISS album i got the day it was released so i used to like this album a lot and still enjoy it every now and then but it SCREAMS for a producer some of the songs kinda feel like demos (which many of them were) a producer would have put the songs better together and made them work harder.. this album with a decent producer would have been kick ass! but still it has some great moments.
and this is actually the highest-charting KISS album to date!
I was a freshman in high school seeing them for the first time in Austin Texas for the Alive 35/Sonic Boom Tour. December 4
Best band all time
I sit on the makeup issue pretty much along the same lines as you. It will never NOT be odd, but honestly KISS could have given them new characters and not lost a beat. The makeup today is a stage presentation for the show, but the band mostly do interviews unmasked and are not in character anymore. So selling the characters when they were masked is no longer a factor on any discernable level like Paul and Gene like to suggest it still is. Newer generations go for the show, which is what KISS has essentially lived off of since 1996. I don't consider them a studio band after the reunion started because the majority of everything they do is based on 70's nostalgia. Adding the piano for Eric to fake play like the Paul Lynne Halloween special back in 1976 is not only jumping the shark, it's detonating it.
For myself, I have not seen a KISS show in person since the original Farewell tour. That was my farewell and I have no regrets. Everything they do at this stage is pretty static because they all stand still and let the stage and digitized vocals carry the show. I'll watch that on UA-cam and think, " Eh... its bright and loud" but its not a band performing and firing on all cylinders like the old days. Nor should it with the lead vocalists tacking 70 years of age. But people react too much to the bombs and lights and give that credit to the band. KISS was always a physical band on stage with Gene prowling the stage as the Demon , Ace's smoking guitar, and Paul running a marathon. Even in the 80's and early 90's they stayed really active on stage. But now its mostly the stage doing the show. For me, their hiding in plain sight.
With regards to the album, Sonic Boom, I can honestly say the first listen I was pretty disappointed. I was so accustom to Paul having a few songs with catchy hooks, I found this record completely devoid of that. And when it comes to shamefully falling on the sword of copying another artist, I thought Paul made a bad decision to have Tommy sing lyrics mimicking Ace's thematic songs. It took away any opportunity for Tommy to be an individual in the band and express something about himself musically or otherwise. The fact that Paul uses that so much for himself says how little he thinks of Tommy as a musician. To not even allow the man to say something artistically is just really lowballing it in my book.
Eric played the cliché drummer-sings-Peter's role and Gene kind of slept walked through his songs like he use to in the 80's. I didn't feel any artistic stretching here. They all played within a very generic bubble of unoriginal chord structures and tired anthemic sounding tunes that wanted to be more than what they had the energy to create. The whole album had a "been there-done that" expression to it and I don't feel like they played like they had skin in the game. As it turns out they didn't. Walmart owned the whole thing, so maybe that played a role in what they cranked out, so Paul never had to feel like he was giving away better material than what he needed to.
I've always found that most artists, KISS included, often created their best work when they felt the heat of needing to make something good. Survival is an interesting tool for artists. I think it makes them get more in tune with their musical instincts and play from a real place that creates original pieces of work. An album like this required no effort, because there was no risk involved. And I think the album the public got speaks to that loud and clear.
Hot and cold is also a demo and on hhot and cold is a Vinnie solo it was written in 83
I gave this album a listen again. My initial reaction negative when I first bought it was a bit jaded as I’m one of those a bit miffed about Tommy wearing Ace’s make up. I have their entire catalogue and this album stands with the others. Not their best, but not bad at all.
Top 10 kiss album 4 me
I went to Walmart at midnight and they had to go get my copy, too. You're wrong about the album, though. It's a great album, while a little cheese heavy.
I would be cool if they drop the makeup again.
This is a great album. All of Gene's songs are old songs from as far back as the mid 80's. Paul's voice is giving out at this point which is so sad.
Want to know my take on Tommy and Eric wearing the makeup? It's been over 20 years. People need to get over it and move on. Ace and Peter are the ones to blame in this situation as they are the ones who sold it. Kiss is just using what they already own and why wouldn't they? Clearly it's worked and it has sold. Tommy and Eric have been playing the parts faithfully for quite some time and have more than earned their spot in the band.
Couldn't agree more. Tommy & Eric did Nothing. Except be super professional, reliable and solid musically. KISS wouldn't exist without Tommy & Eric.
Awesome review.
Any plans to review the KISSology sets?
Not really. But it might be cool.
Enjoy these reviews a lot, man.
Isn't it ironic that they wanted to do "Destroyer 2" in "Psycho Circus" and "Rock And Roll Over 2" in "Sonic Boom"? haha
Anyways, not a great album but first time in a while where the members play what they are supposed to play and it shows on how honest it sounds.
"Say Yeah" and "Modern Day Delilah" are really memorable tracks, Eric is a great fit for this new KISS, I just don't like Thayer at all, no personality in his playing, not that he has to develop one, but I don't see him as a person that brings something innovative to the table.
It can hardly be considered a "new Kiss" when this has been the lineup for about 20 years now. It's the longest lasting lineup actually. And if Thayer wasn't a solid guitar player, he wouldn't be in Kiss for 18+ years.
Great review! Will you review KISS live albums after you finish Monster?
Probably not. I briefly talk about the Alives in some of the studio album videos but I don't think I'd have enough to say about any particular one to justify a video. Maybe I'll do a complete overview and talk about all of them in one video.
@@SeanBlumenshine oh damn. I was hoping you'd do them. It seems there's be a LOT to say a out each track. Like Alive for example. How each song compares with the original. The solos. There are so many more of them than on the studio's. The drum solo. Paul's stage raps..
@The Man I'm actually gonna do the Selena Gomez catalogue, thank you very much
It's quite bizarre after 45+ yrs and putting out albums all this time they never found a formula. Never! They experimented so much over the years they exhausted all ideas. Brought in songwriters because they didn't know how to keep with the times. It boggles the mind. This band should have hit after hit. It took from Beth to Forever to even get close to a number one spot! They would never allow another member other than Gene and Paul to put out a single that ever does better than them on a vocal. They learned the hard way from Beth. Notice it has never been done since? Eric Carr should have sang more as well. They new he had a great voice w rasp that everyone loves. Their egos couldn't handle that. Plus, they knew all the fans loved Eric and didn't want any spotlight taken away even for a moment. They had to let him sing Black Diamond. It was a staple song from Alive! Fans would tip cars if not..lol He did a great job with it. Tommy was made to do Ace licks because it brought back that 70s era KISS magical sound. All Tommy's leads sounds like Ace is playing. He does a great job.
What About The 7 11Big Gulp Cups That Came Out Promting Sonic Boom That Was Throwback To76 78
u are awesome dude love your reviews and u aew a great kiss fan and a cute one too
I was listening to it the other day and got more enjoyment out of the DVD and Klassics cd that came with the album.
That's because you didn't give it a chance... Its a Fine Album !
@@elvisparker4691 I'm afraid I did,KISS had kind of lost their musical way by then.
@@elvisparker4691 Maybe it's because I am more into classic KISS than the newer ones. I haven't been excited about a KISS album was Unplugged.
@@PozerAdultRacingTeam - Well it is very good musically. Heavy Rock. I like it a lot. It sounds like Heavy KISS Rock in the 21st Century, which is what it is. I could see you saying they lost their way with The Elder & Unmasked ( which are ok ). Not with SB & M. Unplugged is Great. KISS proving they're a Solid Rock Group, being stripped down to just acoustic guitars
Well after giving it another listen it wasn't that bad,just different. Still a far cry from Destroyer.
Who is currently your fav band member? Past n present...
As a kid, it was Ace. As I got older, it became Paul.
Decent album. I liked it better than Monster.
Sonic Boom is ok, i like it better than the awful Monster. My fav is Russian Roulette
Agree 100%
the make up thing is played out. I dont despise it and get mad like some of the die hard fans, i think its silly and redundant - give eric and tommy their own make up or just take it off.
However, it is what it is. Sonic Boom is ok. It isn't outstanding and its not terrible. Its crazy cheesy but when are they not? ( you are right, Never enough sounds like slide it in by whitesnake to me too) i always found it feels a little too much like trying to do a 70s era album. a solid if unremarkable album
The re-recordings are ok actually and while it doesnt have eric carr and his thunderous drums on the respective songs it is pretty good and i do actually listen to it as a CD in its own right.
Good album. One of those you can listen entirely. But there is something about the quality of the sound that I dont like. Anyway, better than expected. Not like Monster, is really awful
I tried to like it but it just doesn’t grab me.
bring back ace and peter
Sonic Boom was a So So Album, Better than Hit In The Shade, but it's far from a Creatures Of The Night!
Biblically furious!😆
Russian roulette is a old demo
Always had mixed emotions about this album, I agree good but not great!
Does the record hold up as a great KISS album? Yes! After they decided to put on the make up again, I never expected them to make another decent album, because the whole reunion was all about the money. Getting rid of Ace and especially Peter was the best that could happen to them. They re-discovered how much fun it can be to be in a band. And it shows. The energy is there, even Gene is fully committed. To me Sonic Boom has an atmosphere that resembles Love Gun and Rock and Roll Over. Musically the Revenge line up was their best, but Sonic Boom came as...well, a sonic boom.
Pro from IRAQ😀
Tommy is a good guitar player. However, all he does is copy Ace. And im not talking about a live situation where he HAS to copy Ace's leads. On the studio albums he has recorded with KISS it seams he try's to sound EXACTLY like Ace. Maybe Gene/Paul tell him to? If that's the case i wish they'd let him cut loose with his own style. His Black n Blue style guitar playing was not as "Ace like"
Tommy is smooth, fluent, and polished. Ace has always been sloppy and all over the place. That's not the same.
@@joeclifford1774 Smooth , fluent, and polished may be true. But that's not the true sound of KISS. Ace has said in many interviews his style is sometimes sloppy. But you cant deny his playing on all the classic KISS albums. Thats what makes ACE........ACE. Ill take ACE'S style over polished and smooth all the time. Thats why ACE is a legend and Tommy(although good) will always be known as a replacement member. Even Sean said this albums leads are too "ACE-like.
@@markmedina5543 There is no "true sound of Kiss", it has changed many times with the different line up changes. Ace was great for his time, that doesn't mean the other guitarists that came after him aren't just as great. I'll take Bruce and Tommy over Ace any day honestly. The precision they bring to the table is unmatched.
@@joeclifford1774 apples and oranges. take care.
Michael Buble, the son of a bitch! 😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆
I think Eric and Tommy should not wear makeup. Only gene and Paul have make up. No need for the other guys
I never brought Alive 4.
Me neither. The only few Kiss albums I don't have were Revenge, Asylum, Alive 4 & Killers.
@@elvisparker4691 I have Killers on cassette. Totally awesome.
@@PozerAdultRacingTeam - Cool ! 👍🎸...
Would you say the Album is... Killer ... ahem ??
BTW, What's Gears '73 ?
Pantera ? Cobra ? Barchetta ?
KISS:Killers on cassette
Gears 73 is my Transformers user name.
The worst album I ever heard by Kiss,the only song I liked was Dr.Love by them and it didn't even sound like the real Kiss
some good tunes but not the best
Sounds cheap. Forced. Lame.
"Modern Day Delilah" is pretty good.....the rest is terrible.
The re-recordings were vomit inducing.
2/10
00/10 [re-recordings]
You're WAY too Harsh...
KISS puts out damn good music
Couldn't disagree more. I'm an animal, when lightning strikes, say yeah...all great songs!
@@joeclifford1774 - Its a Good, maybe Great Album !!
That album sucked
They put out more mediocre filler than any band ever.....even the last few setlists are 4 good songs...the rest is cringe af drivel
The album is utter garbage. Monster was a good album though.
"Say yeah" is "867-5309" "I just wanna" is "summertime blues" and I agree that the one song sounds like whitesnake. Not poison.
Related but not.....
Metallica "hero of the day" is Fleetwood macs "hold on to me" and I mean law suit close