Paul Stanley’s Critique of Kiss’ ‘Unmasked’ Album and Cover Art
Paul Stanley, the iconic frontman of Kiss, has never held back when it comes to expressing his disdain for the band’s 1980 album, Unmasked. This record marked the second and final entry of Kiss’ pop-disco phase, a period that received considerable criticism from fans and critics alike. Recently, Stanley revealed that his discontent extends beyond the music itself to the album’s cover art.
The Unmasked Cover Art: A Closer Look
In a promotional video for Kiss’ newly revamped website—where fans can earn exclusive patches by completing various online challenges—Stanley and his longtime bandmate Gene Simmons discussed the controversial artwork of Unmasked. The cover, created by artist Victor Stabin, features a comic book-inspired design that portrays a curious reporter attempting to snap photos of the band without their signature stage makeup. This theme starkly contrasts with the band’s efforts in the ’70s to maintain their mysterious persona.
Stanley’s Strong Opinions
When addressing the cover during the video, Stanley candidly stated, “When I saw the cover I said, ‘Hey I have to go on record and say this cover sucks.'” His opinion was evidently not shared by all, as he was outvoted on the decision. Simmons, who has a known affinity for comic books, expressed some regret about the choice, saying, “Yeah, unfortunately, I thought, ‘ahh, that’s so cool.’
Potential Improvements
Looking back after 46 years, Simmons suggested a simple yet effective enhancement to the cover art. He recalled a panel where the band appeared to be removing their makeup, only to reveal the same makeup underneath. “That became its own kind of iconic thing,” Simmons noted. “I still like that one, maybe that could have been the cover.”
Paul Stanley’s Discontent with ‘Unmasked’
Stanley’s critiques of Unmasked are not new. In the band’s 2005 book, Kiss: Behind the Mask, he made his feelings abundantly clear: “I think Unmasked is a pretty crappy album. It’s wimpy.” Despite its lackluster performance in the United States, where it barely scratched the Top 50, the album’s lead single, “Shandi,” found considerable success overseas, reaching the Top 5 in Australia.
The Aftermath of Success
The sudden popularity of “Shandi” led to what Stanley termed a “Kissmania” in Australia, with crowds of fans eagerly following the band as they sold out shows. Reflecting on this whirlwind experience, Stanley shared in the photo book for Kiss’ farewell tour from 2019-2023, “It reached the point where I was asking that we not have any more parties, because literally every night the promoter threw a party for us.”
Conclusion
Paul Stanley’s candid remarks about Unmasked and its cover art highlight the complexities and challenges faced by artists navigating shifts in style and audience expectations. While the album may have garnered some commercial success in certain markets, Stanley’s enduring critique serves as a reminder of the artistic integrity that he and his bandmates have always aimed to uphold.
FAQs
What is Paul Stanley’s opinion on the album ‘Unmasked’?
Paul Stanley has openly criticized Unmasked, referring to it as a “pretty crappy album” and describing it as “wimpy.”
Who designed the cover art for ‘Unmasked’?
The cover art for Unmasked was designed by artist Victor Stabin, featuring a comic book style that tells the story of a reporter attempting to photograph the band without their makeup.
What was the commercial performance of ‘Unmasked’?
While Unmasked only reached the Top 50 in the United States, its lead single “Shandi” was a significant hit in other countries, particularly reaching the Top 5 in Australia.
Did the band experience success in Australia after ‘Unmasked’?
Yes, the success of “Shandi” led to a wave of popularity in Australia, where the band experienced significant fanfare and sold-out shows.
