KISS' PAUL STANLEY: The First 'Review' Of New Solo Album Posted Online

Keith Leroux of KissAsylum.com has issued the following report:

"Last Tuesday I received one of the best KISSmas gifts ever! Paul Stanley himself played me his new CD! Wow, just typing that line makes me laugh. If you had told me back in '78 when I was listening to his first solo record, that Paul would personally play me his next solo record before it was released, even at 11 years old I would have thought you were crazy. I also would have been more interested in hearing Gene's [Simmons] next solo release. Not that I did not like Paul, but I was a Gene fanatic and back in '78 I would have probably liked 'Asshole' too. Funny how things happen in life, how you change when you grow up and realize that not all things that were important to you as a kid are so important anymore! I still smile at the fire and blood but now 38 years old I need a little more to impress me. Not much more, I just want to know you put a little effort into the project, a little substance beneath the smoke and mirrors. You do that and I'll cut you some slack.

"Twenty seconds into the first track of Paul's new CD and it was obvious that no slack-cutting was needed here. Paul put a lot of effort into this one. A whole lot of effort, a whole lot of heart & soul and a whole lot of pride! I was listening to an unmastered CD on an OK stereo system and it rocked! The sound hits you instantly! This is a top-notch recording sonically but not too polished or over produced. All the musicians are on top of their game. The first two tracks caught me off guard. Dare I say, a modern Paul Stanley sound. I don't know how else to describe it.

"The first track in particular reminds me of a movie sound track song with a big powerful chorus that just makes you want to get up and save the world. Midway through the CD it's obvious that Paul came to play, that he took this project very seriously. A few songs do remind me of his '78 release and there are a couple in the 'Forever' vein with a beautiful lush sound. Vocally, Paul sounds more like his early days to me. From beginning to end, I kept waiting for a filler track that never appeared.

"When the CD finished I congratulated Paul on a great effort. An effort, which yes, impressed me! This had nothing to do with the fact that the legend was standing maybe a foot away from me the entire time I listened intently to the CD and everything to do with the fact that Paul Stanley was focused and intent on delivering a product that he was proud of. Imagine that, don't worry about the money, don't worry about the critics, just be true to yourself! What a concept!"

Joining Stanley on his new solo album are session drummer Victor Indrizzo, guitarist Corky James, former MARILYN MANSON and current ROB ZOMBIE guitarist John 5, former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick (who plays bass on a few songs) and noted string arranger David Campbell. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Wake Up Screaming", "Second to None" and "Live to Win". An early 2006 release is expected.