BJ: This one is a no brainer. I don’t like Monster very much at all. I’m not sure where Paul’s tremendous songwriting ability has gone but his songs on the last two albums, to me, sound forced and contrived. Like Sonic Boom my favorite song on Monster is the one Paul wrote and Eric sings. Rock and Roll Over is of course a classic seventies rock album. I love the fact that after the overblown production on Destroyer the band went back to basics with Eddie Kramer. Rock and Roll Over is really good all the way through, minus Baby Driver and I am not crazy about Makin’ Love. Mr. Speed is my favorite song on the album but I Want You is a close second. Gene’s songs on the record are all strong. The only thing that was missing was an Ace composition. This is a “duh” vote: Rock and Roll Over. Winner: Rock & Roll Over
AAron: I was very happy with Monster when it came out last year. I think it is modern KISS doing the best they can to represent the classic KISS sound, and they do that very well. KISS proves and continues to prove why, even in today’s age, they are still one of the best bands in the world. Even without Ace and Peter. I am totally cool with the fact that KISS continues on, and I am grateful that Gene and Paul have Eric and Tommy who are stellar musicians and they get what KISS is supposed to sound like. With that said you can never beat the real deal! As good as KISS is today they could never be as good as KISS in 1976, but then again, who can? Easily, Rock N Roll Over. Winner: Rock & Roll Over
Rich: I am not a huge fan of either of these albums although they do both contain some great tracks like Calling Dr. Love and I Want You from Rock and Roll Over and Hell or Hallelujah and Long Way Down off of Monster. The latter is certainly the best thing that the boys have done since 1990’s Revenge, proving that they’re not kaput just quite yet. These albums are from two very different eras and therefore, like most of these comparisons have very different sounds. Rock and Roll Over was one of the last KISS albums to join my collection and the high points to me had already been heard on the ridiculously over played Double Platinum. Monster represents to me a new era in which while KISS never changes their set list at least they are still producing new music that holds up to the immense back catalogue. Although not a favourite of mine, Monstergrows on me with each listen and in my score book would defeat amore than a few in this competition.
Wally: Well, well think I might just surprise some people here with my pick. I completely understand the impact and importance of Rock & Roll Over within the catalogue, The back to basics rock n roll sound that followed the overblown production of Destroyer. This was Kiss as they should be, straight no bull shit rock n roll. It’s an amazing album.