Hotter Than Hell Songs Ranked
Hotter than Hell is the second studio album by American hard rock band Kiss, released on October 22, 1974, by Casablanca Records. It was certified gold on June 23, 1977, having shipped 500,000 copies. The album was re-released in 1997 in a remastered version. It peaked on the Billboard 200 charts at No. 100, without the benefit of a hit single. Many of the album’s songs are live staples for the band, including “Parasite”, “Hotter Than Hell”, “Let Me Go, Rock ‘n’ Roll” and “Watchin’ You”. The production team of Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise, who had produced the group’s first album, was again chosen for the follow-up. The pair had just relocated to Los Angeles, and Kiss made the trek to the west coast to commence recording, the first the band had done outside their native state of New York. The band members, all hailing from New York City, immediately developed a dislike for their new surroundings. Paul Stanley’s guitar was stolen on his first day in Los Angeles. The working title for the album was The Harder They Come. Here are all of Hotter Than Hell songs ranked.
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10. All the Way
“This is one of those songs that contains lyrics that aren’t really too serious. I mean, hearing Gene sing things like, “You keep talking to your mother and father/ One of these days you’re gonna push me all the way!”, or however the lyric goes, shows that while Kiss can be heavy, they aren’t neccessarily stiff or dark.”
9. Mainline
“The second-longest song on the album, at just a few seconds shorter than “Got To Choose”. I got a kick outta hearin’ Gene sing “I’m needin’ some lovin’/ I’m hot like an oven/ It’s so true”. Actually, this song works well, in contrast to the darker shades of the lyrics in “Watchin’ You”.”
8. Comin’ Home
“A melodic anthem with a catchy guitar riff, however, surprisingly, I don’t recall a solo in this one! *gasp* Aw well, this two and a half minute rocker is still great.”
See more: Kiss Albums Ranked
7. Watchin’ You
“What a song! We got ourselves a sexy, heavy riff and some interesting lyrics, not to mention more of Ace’s great guitar soloing. I love how at the end, they slightly change the lyric and sing, “Everybody else is here, watchin’ us!”.
6. Strange Ways
“A super-heavy riff rocker that’s a really good way to end the album. Peter Criss’s voice is perfect for the song, I just how soulful he sings the lyrics, especially when he sings, “So you can realize/ That I can set you free!”. And Ace Frehley provides an outstandingly superb Jimi Hendrix-esque guitar solo. Such an awesome song with that F-minor groove!”
5. Got to Choose
“Great riff with a cool groove and the Kiss-styled blues influence. Actually, even though this is the opener, this is the longest song on the album, and at only 3:54! Really good way to start off the album.”
See more: Kiss Songs Ranked
4. Goin’ Blind
“A redo from Gene and Paul’s Wicked Lester days. A haunting ballad-style song that I tend to think of as a “half-ballad”. It has the feel of one, but is a bit more potent than your typical ballad. I always get such a strange image when I hear Gene sing, “But you’re sixteen and I’m ninety-three”.”
3. Hotter Than Hell
“Another nice riff-rocker, and actually, this is a song about rejection that I don’t mind hearing! Love the transition riff, it adds the heaviness to this one, and Ace’s slow-motion blazing solo does, as well.”
2. Parasite
“Love that riff! Peter Criss puts in some wicked drumming, Gene’s vocal performance is high-quality, and Ace’s stunning guitar soloing will leave you wanting more! Absolute rocker!”
1. Let Me Go, Rock and Roll
“At only 2:14, one would never think that so much incredible guitar work could be displayed in this anthem. An underrated, if short, Kiss gem that should definitely be enjoyed by your ears.”