11 Underrated Kiss Songs: Must-Hear Tracks

Hey there, music enthusiasts and fellow DJs! It’s TBone here from Level Tunes, and today I’ve got something special for you. As a DJ and an avid music fan, I’ve always been fascinated by the iconic band Kiss, known for their electric performances and unforgettable anthems.

But beyond their chart-toppers, there lies a treasure trove of underrated gems that often don’t get the spotlight they deserve. So, I decided to dive deep and curate a list of 11 underrated Kiss songs.

These tracks, though less known, showcase the band’s versatility and raw energy. I’m excited to share these hidden jewels with you, not just to pay homage to Kiss but to enrich your playlists with some truly remarkable tunes that you might have missed.

Let’s rock and roll all night with these lesser-known but equally spectacular Kiss classics!

Here are the underrated Kiss songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Kiss Songs

Underrated Kiss songs in a list format:

1. “Goin’ Blind”

From the album “Hotter Than Hell” (1974), released under Casablanca Records, “Goin’ Blind” is a standout track that demonstrates Kiss’s ability to blend hard rock with emotive storytelling. Written by Gene Simmons and Stephen Coronel, this song is a departure from their usual high-energy style, showcasing a more melodic and softer side. The song’s poignant lyrics, combined with Simmons’ gravelly vocals, create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. I chose this song because it illustrates the band’s range and ability to create deeply moving music. It’s a must-listen for those who appreciate the softer side of hard rock.

2. “Mr. Speed”

Featured on the album “Rock and Roll Over” (1976) under Casablanca Records, “Mr. Speed” is a gem written by Paul Stanley and Sean Delaney. This song is a perfect blend of catchy riffs and infectious chorus, showcasing Stanley’s flair for crafting memorable rock anthems. The energetic guitar work and driving beat make it an irresistible track that often gets overshadowed by the album’s more famous songs. I included “Mr. Speed” for its quintessential Kiss sound – it’s a song that deserves more recognition for its rock ‘n’ roll spirit.

3. “Hard Luck Woman”

“Hard Luck Woman,” from the album “Rock and Roll Over” (1976), is another Casablanca Records release. Written by Paul Stanley as an attempt to create another “Beth,” it features Peter Criss on lead vocals, delivering a softer, more folk-rock sound. The song’s acoustic style and Criss’s raspy, heartfelt delivery make it a standout track. I chose this song for its departure from Kiss’s typical hard rock sound, showcasing their versatility and Criss’s vocal prowess.

4. “Charisma”

“Charisma,” from the album “Dynasty” (1979), released under Casablanca Records, is a unique track credited to Gene Simmons and Howard Marks. This song stands out for its disco-influenced sound, a testament to the band’s adaptability to the changing music landscape of the late ’70s. Simmons’ deep vocals paired with the groovy beat create a catchy and memorable song. I picked “Charisma” because it shows how Kiss could successfully experiment with different genres while maintaining their rock essence.

5. “Sure Know Something”

Off their 1979 album “Dynasty,” released by Casablanca Records, “Sure Know Something” is a Paul Stanley and Vini Poncia creation. This song offers a perfect mix of disco and rock, with Stanley’s expressive vocals and a melodious chorus. Its sophisticated production and layered sound make it stand out. I included this song for its fusion of styles, proving that Kiss could masterfully blend rock with the emerging disco trend.

6. “Magic Touch”

Also from “Dynasty” (1979), “Magic Touch” is another Paul Stanley masterpiece. This track is often overlooked but features some of the best guitar work in the Kiss catalog. Its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, combined with Stanley’s powerful vocals, make it a classic rock tune. I chose “Magic Touch” for its energetic vibe and exemplary musicianship, showcasing the band’s ability to create catchy yet intricate rock music.

7. “Dark Light”

Featured on the concept album “Music from ‘The Elder'” (1981) under Casablanca Records, “Dark Light” is written by Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Anton Fig, and Lou Reed. This song is a rare treat, highlighting Frehley’s guitar skills and unique vocal style. Its heavier sound and complex composition set it apart from the rest of the album. I selected “Dark Light” for its distinct sound and the rare combination of talents that brought it to life, offering a different side of Kiss.

8. “Saint and Sinner”

From the album “Creatures of the Night” (1982), released by Casablanca Records, “Saint and Sinner” is a track penned by Gene Simmons and Mikel Japp. This song delivers a powerful mix of hard-hitting drums and gritty vocals. Its heavy and dark tone is a return to the band’s hard rock roots. I included “Saint and Sinner” for its raw energy and as a representation of the band’s return to a heavier sound in the early ’80s.

9. “Under the Gun”

“Under the Gun,” from the album “Animalize” (1984), released under Mercury Records, is a fast-paced track written by Paul Stanley, Eric Carr, and Desmond Child. Known for its rapid-fire guitar riffs and pounding drums, this song is a high-energy rock anthem. It showcases the band’s ability to create exhilarating and fast-tempo tracks. I chose “Under the Gun” for its adrenaline-pumping sound and as an example of Kiss’s more aggressive rock style in the mid-80s.

10. “Thief in the Night”

This track is from the album “Crazy Nights” (1987), released by Mercury Records. Written by Gene Simmons and Mitch Weissman, “Thief in the Night” offers a blend of melodic hooks and hard rock. The song features Simmons’s distinctive vocals and a catchy chorus, making it an underrated but powerful track. I included this song for its combination of melody and hard rock, showcasing the band’s knack for creating songs that are both catchy and powerful.

11. “Silver Spoon”

Last but not least, “Silver Spoon” from the album “Hot in the Shade” (1989), released by Mercury Records, is a Paul Stanley and Vini Poncia creation. This song stands out for its harmonious blend of rock and pop elements. Its memorable chorus and melodic verses show Kiss’s ability to evolve with the times while retaining their rock roots. I chose “Silver Spoon” for its catchy melody and as an example of the band’s late ’80s sound, where they successfully integrated pop elements into their rock formula.

Fun Facts: Underrated Kiss Songs

1. “Goin’ Blind”

• Fact: Originally titled “Little Lady,” this song was first penned by Gene Simmons and Stephen Coronel during their time in the band Wicked Lester, before Kiss was formed. The transformation of the song over time reflects the evolution of Simmons’ songwriting style.

2. “Mr. Speed”

• Fact: The co-writer of “Mr. Speed,” Sean Delaney, was often referred to as the “Fifth Member of Kiss.” His influence extended beyond songwriting to choreography and stage design, playing a crucial role in shaping the band’s iconic live performances.

3. “Hard Luck Woman”

• Fact: Paul Stanley originally wrote “Hard Luck Woman” with the intention of giving it to Rod Stewart, believing its style suited Stewart’s raspy vocal quality. However, after hearing Peter Criss sing it, the band decided to keep it for themselves.

4. “Charisma”

• Fact: “Charisma” is one of the few Kiss songs where Gene Simmons explores philosophical themes. The song questions the nature of charisma, delving into deeper concepts than the band’s typical subject matter of rock and roll lifestyle and romance.

5. “Sure Know Something”

• Fact: This song demonstrated Kiss’s ability to adapt to the disco era without losing their rock identity. Its success in blending genres is evident in its reception, as it became a hit in several countries and showcased the band’s versatility.

6. “Magic Touch”

• Fact: Despite being a fan favorite, “Magic Touch” was never performed live by Kiss until their 2019 “End of the Road” world tour. This late live debut is a testament to the song’s enduring appeal among the Kiss fanbase.

7. “Dark Light”

• Fact: The involvement of Lou Reed, legendary frontman of The Velvet Underground, in co-writing “Dark Light” added a unique touch to the song. Reed’s influence is evident in the song’s more sophisticated lyrical content.

8. “Saint and Sinner”

• Fact: “Saint and Sinner” is notable for its heavy and dark tone, marking a return to Kiss’s harder rock roots. This shift was partly a response to the changing musical landscape and the band’s desire to reaffirm their rock credentials in the early ’80s.

9. “Under the Gun”

• Fact: “Under the Gun” features some of the most rapid-fire guitar work in Kiss’s discography, showcasing the band’s technical skill and ability to produce high-energy rock anthems, a contrast to their more theatrical and performance-oriented pieces.

10. “Thief in the Night”

• Fact: Interestingly, “Thief in the Night” was previously recorded by Wendy O. Williams on her album “WOW,” which Gene Simmons produced. Simmons’s version with Kiss brought a different energy to the song, highlighting the band’s adaptability.

11. “Silver Spoon”

• Fact: The song’s blend of pop and rock elements was indicative of the musical trends of the late ’80s. “Silver Spoon” demonstrated Kiss’s ability to evolve with the times, incorporating more mainstream pop sounds while maintaining their rock essence.

And there you have it, fellow rock enthusiasts! A journey through the lesser-known corners of Kiss’s vast musical landscape. These underrated tracks not only highlight the band’s versatility but also their depth as artists. Remember, great music often lies beyond the hits. Keep exploring and rock on!

Thanks for reading.

TBone