After having 23 years of critiquing KISS for myself, and always looking forward to newer material, I must say this is a definate must-own CD for the die-hard original-KISS fan like myself. It's the last cohesive studio effort by the fab-four, and one that holds it's own through every new CD that has ever been made through this very day; thereby, it attains classic status. This is classic KISS, now with Ace on vocals--SHOCK ME rocks! Ace has been a quiet force in guiding the KISS sound since their first self-titled album; but now instead of writing songs for the others to sing, he takes the vocal helm with SHOCK ME; SHOCK ME would not have gone over the top if another member sang it, it is ACE's singing that boosts this debut to the outer limits! All the other songs have a place on this CD...they are your great, basic rockin' KISS tunes that have a hint of cheese (goofiness) in them that endear them to our hearts. KISS will always be the hottest band in the world--this album is what took them to their soared heights of popularity back in 1977, and it is what keeps them at that exact same heights to this very day! CHEERS!

Kiss' 1977 effort is well worth a first listen, and a second, and a third...actually, I have long since worn out my copies on cassette and vinyl. The album is not quite up to the standard they set with 'Destroyer', but then again, every band has one album that stands out as their best. I'd have to say that this is Kiss' second best, with the standout cuts 'I Stole Your Love', 'Love Gun', and 'Christine Sixteen', as well the song that introduced the world to Ace Frehley's voice: 'Shock Me'. If you are a rock fan (not necessarily a KISS fan, then this is one you should add to your collection as a reminder of the days when rock and roll was fun!

Love Gun was Kiss' 6th studio album in a 3-year period, an amazingly prolific output considering how many bands today release only one album during the same period. This is not only when the band was at the height of their popularity, but also when chinks started to show in their armor. Ace Frehley and Peter Criss not only wanted to leave the band but were also experiencing difficulties with drugs and alcohol. This is also when Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons' songwriting skills started to slip as this was their first studio album that wasn't strong from beginning to end.

There are several strong tracks here and most of them are on the first half of the album. "I Stole Your Love" is one of their best album openers and one of Stanley's heavier songs. "Christine Sixteen" was the first single and one of Simmons' poppier efforts at the time, definitely a prelude to much of the material that would grace his solo album released the following year. "Got Love For Sale" is a great rocker from Simmons. "Shock Me" would be Frehley's debut as a lead vocalist and features one of his best solos. "Plaster Caster", which was later featured on their MTV Unplugged album, and the title track, which features one of Simmons' best bass lines, are also strong tracks. After that, the album runs out of gas. "Tomorrow And Tonight" is an attempt at another great anthem ala "Rock And Roll All Nite" that doesn't catch fire. The tracks "Almost Human" and "Hooligan" are weak compared to their previous work. Finally, the last track "Then She Kissed Me" is arguably the worst of their cover tunes. Basically, it's a decent album with some great songs, but not among their best work.

The final studio album featuring the original lineup of KISS on every song is also one of their best efforts. "Love Gun" is drenched in the playfully raunchy, innuendo-laden style of rock that has always been a cornerstone of KISS' music. You need look no further than the title track to know what this album is all about.

Of all of the original lineup albums, this one features some of the best straightforward rock n' roll with a little boogie woogie thrown into the mix as well. It has no ballads, unless you consider the cover of "Then He Kissed Me" made famous by the Crystals in 1963 as one. KISS' version is entitled "Then She Kissed Me." While it's a bit different from the rest of the album, it's a wonderfully quirky cover that fits perfectly with the rest of this album's tracks.

The obvious standout tracks are "Love Gun" and "Christine Sixteen." Both songs have been included on KISS' playlists since they were released on this album. Other tracks of note include "Plaster Caster," "Tomorrow And Tonight," and the rocking "I Stole Your Love," which is a personal favorite of mine.

Also of note is the Peter Criss fronted "Hooligan" and the Ace Frehley classic, "Shock Me." Criss' tune is an exceptional entry in the KISS catalogue and I feel that his vocals are excellent. Frehley's vocals are okay on "Shock Me," but it's his guitar work that makes the song memorable.

As always, Gene Simmons' bass and vocals are steady, and the Demon crawls out of the pit once again on "Almost Human." The Starchild performs wonderfully as well, and Paul Stanley even shows us his bass chops on "Love Gun."

"Love Gun" is no "Destroyer," nor is it a better album than "Rock And Roll Over." It doesn't flow as strongly as those two albums do. However, the title track, "Christine Sixteen," "Shock Me," and "Hooligan" are four of the best tunes ever put out by the group.

You can't go wrong purchasing this album, especially if you're a fan of hard rock. For KISS fans, this album should be considered required listening. Highly recommended, as are all of the other albums featuring the original lineup.

Like a sister to "Rock and Roll Over" - "Love Gun" offers more blistering live in the studio rock. To me, the highlight here has to be "Shock Me" and not just because it's the first song Ace sings, but because of that SOLO! It's one of his best solos ever! But "Love Gun" "Christine Sixteen" "Got Love for Sale" and "I Stole Your Love" are all Kiss classics! One of Peter's best songs, "Hooligan" - which is even better live is found here. This album really showcases each of the four members very well. I know they started really battling each other at this point, but the music didn't suffer (yet). The only other thing I have to say is why oh why have they never played "Almost Human" live? That songs absolutley rips!!!