The 10 Best Kiss Songs of the 70s

KISS

If you’re a Kiss fan, you’ll know that the band has been rocking out for over 40 years now. For those who weren’t alive in the 70s, you’re in for a treat. These 10 songs will introduce you to some of their most popular material. From early classics like “Black Diamond” to later hits like “I Was Made For Lovin’ You”, each one will set your soul on fire and (may) make you turn up the volume until it’s your ears bleed. Kiss was instrumental in redefining rock and roll. They reinvented themselves with every album, every song, and every tour. They never played it safe. By embracing their many different styles, they have won the hearts of millions of fans over the years. If we said each song was a unique sonic experience, it would be an understatement. Kiss was a band that refused to be limited by one specific genre or musical style. Instead, they mixed up multiple genres in order to create their own sound.

10. “I Was Made For Lovin’ You”

We’ll start with our first classic track and “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” can still be heard regularly on the radio today. It was a big hit and is still a fan favorite. The track was co-written by Paul Stanley, Vini Poncia, and Desmond Child with Stanley on lead vocals. This track, softer rock than some of their music, helped Kiss solidify their reputation at the end of the ’70s. Its catchy melody and memorable lyrics put this firmly in the top ten.

9. ” Calling Dr. Love”

This track from 1976 showed the world that Kiss was not just a one-hit-wonder. “Calling Dr. Love” peaked at #16 in the US Billboard Hot 100. Gene Simmons writes and performs the track. Watching the video, you’ll notice Gene without his trademark makeup and sporting what can only be described as a ‘heavy sun tan’ which might be a bit of a shock for your senses! Unlike the song, it feels a little awkward but nevertheless, the track stands out as one of their best from the era.

8. “Hard Luck Woman”

Another track from the Rock and Roll Over album, Kiss moved away from their heavier sound with this song, which peaked at #15 in the US Billboard Hot 100. It was co-written by Paul Stanley with Peter Criss on lead vocals. You’d be forgiven for thinking this is more a Rod Stewart sound than “Kiss” but Criss does a great job at delivering an enigmatic sound for the track that is ‘just right for the melody.

7. “Rocket Ride”

This track is one of their live albums, Alive II. It peaked at #39 in the US Billboard Hot 100. The track is a haunting one, with Ace Frehley’s vocal acting as the centerpiece. He sings the chorus and then tells you “Baby wants it fast, baby wants a blast” which, like some other lyrics is probably a double entendre with an entirely different meaning 😉 it is, of course, one of the classic lyrics from Kiss.

6. “Shout It Out Loud”

“Shout It Out Loud” from 1976 is a great track from the Destroyer album. It peaked in the US Billboard Hot 100 at #31. The track is a throw-back to the older classic Kiss tracks from their first few albums. It is fairly simple and has a very catchy melody that will stay with you long after the track ends. It’s pretty short at just under 3 minutes but typical of the “made for radio” tracks of the day.

5. “Black Diamond”

If you want the definition of “Soft Rock”, just listen to this track! Written by Paul Stanley and performed by Stanley (at least in part) and Peter Criss who gives a great vocal performance and really brings the track to life. It makes the #5 slot in the list because it’s not only catchy and memorable, but it’s a true classic from Kiss.

4. “Hotter Than Hell”

This track from 1974, is another really catchy and memorable track from Kiss. The melody is simply perfect, and the lyrics show, once again, that Kiss is far from a one-trick pony. It is tracks like this that really helped define their sound. Probably the best track from the Hotter Than Hell album, you’ll no doubt enjoy the classic sound and flow of the music.

3. “God Of Thunder”

With Stanley composing and Simmons providing the vocals, this is yet another fine example of what would be considered a classic Kiss sound. Typical of the ’70s, it’s a classic “I’m gonna do what I want” a rock song that you just can’t help but enjoy. The track is featured on a few of Kiss’s live albums, but die-hard Kiss fans still count the original from the Destroyer album as the best version. Simmons certainly cements his position in this track with his perfect vocal performance, and the hard-driving and catchy melody is just the icing on the cake. You’ll no doubt enjoy this fine track.

2. “Deuce”

The track is a classic “I’m a rock and roll god” song performed in the classic Kiss style. The track is easily one of the best tracks on the album, and perhaps even one of Kiss’ best track ever released and, nearly made the number one spot on this list! The fact that this track has been covered by Lenny Kravitz, amongst others, shows you that it really is regarded as a classic. In fact, it’s a staple in many Kiss live shows to this day. Some fans probably think that it would have been better placed at #1. Whether you agree or not, this track is truly a great reminder of what made Kiss such an iconic band.

1. “Rock And Roll All Nite”

And so, we’ve arrived! Our number one Kiss song of the ‘70s is this absolutely outstanding, anthem of a song! Rock and Roll All Nite is a track that really boosted Kiss at the time. It’s something of a signature song and it has been performed many, many times throughout KISS’ career. It’s a timeless rock classic that defines the decade, and will always mean something special to everyone who enjoys rock music. It’s not hard to see why it won out over Deuce and the rest of the tracks on this list. It’s just that good!

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