Unmasked
Studio album by Kiss
Released	May 20, 1980
Recorded	January–February 1980
Genre	Rock/Pop
Length	39:46
Label	Casablanca
Producer	Vini Poncia
Professional reviews
All Music Guide link Pitchfork (0.8/10) link Rolling Stone (unfavorable) link
Kiss chronology
Dynasty (1979) Unmasked (1980) Music From "The Elder" (1981)

Unmasked is an album by the American band Kiss released in 1980. It is the group's 14th album (not counting compilations). At the time it was the last studio album from the original lineup of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, although Criss actually had no involvement with the recording of the album. Anton Fig (uncredited) played all drums on the album. This album marked one departures for Kiss:This was the first album since "Love Gun" (not counting solos) to not feature all members on vocals.^[1] Image File history File links This image is the cover of an album or single. ... A studio album is a collection of previously unreleased, studio-recorded tracks by a recording artist. ... Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in 1972 (see 1972 in music). ... is the 140th day of the year (141st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Rock is a form of popular music, usually featuring vocals (often with vocal harmony), electric guitars, and a strong back beat; other instruments, such as the saxophone, are common in some styles, however saxophones have been omitted from newer subgenres of rock music since the 90s. ... For other uses, see Pop music (disambiguation). ... In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. ... This article is about Casablanca, the record label. ... In the music industry, a record producer (or music producer) has many roles, among them controlling the recording sessions, coaching and guiding the musicians, organizing and scheduling production budget and resources, and supervising the recording, mixing and mastering processes. ... Vini Poncia (b. ... The All Music Guide (AMG) is a metadata database about music, owned by All Media Guide. ... Image File history File links 2_stars. ... Pitchfork Media, usually known simply as Pitchfork and occasionally shortened to P4K or pfork,[1] is a United States-based daily Internet publication devoted to music criticism and commentary, music news, and artist interviews. ... This article is about the magazine. ... Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in 1972 (see 1972 in music). ... Singles from Dynasty Released: May 1979 Released: 1979 Released: 1979 Dynasty is a studio album by the American hard rock band Kiss. ... Alternate cover Japan only full Obi album cover Music from The Elder is a 1981 concept album released by the American hard rock band Kiss. ... Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in 1972 (see 1972 in music). ... Chaim Witz (חיים וויץ), (born August 25, 1949 in Haifa, Israel), better known by his stage name Gene Simmons, is an Israeli-American hard rock bass guitarist and vocalist. ... This article is about the metal musician. ... Paul Daniel Frehley (born April 27, 1951[1]), better known as Ace Frehley, is an American guitarist best known as a founding member and lead guitarist for the rock band Kiss. ... Peter Criss (born George Peter John Criscuola--pronounced Chris-cola-- on December 20, 1945), is an American musician best known as co-founder, drummer, vocalist for the rock band KISS. Peter Criss established the cat character for his KISS persona. ...

Although the album reached #35 on the U.S. Billboard chart and was certified gold, it marked a major departure musically for the band. The album was the group's most pop-oriented to date, and Kiss fans have a love-hate relationship with Unmasked to this day. While some rate it as a misunderstood gem, others view it as another nail in the coffin of the classic Kiss sound. For other uses, see United States (disambiguation) and US (disambiguation). ... Billboard can refer to: Billboard magazine Billboard (advertising) Billboard antenna In 3D computer graphics, to billboard is to rotate an object so that it faces the viewer. ...

The band filmed a promotional video for "Shandi," with Peter Criss. It was the last time Criss appeared with Kiss in any capacity until he performed with them at a Kiss Convention on June 17, 1995. In the band's authorized biography, Criss revealed that he was the last one left in the band's dressing room after filming, and broke down crying.^[1] is the 168th day of the year (169th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ...

A lip-synched German television performance of "Talk to Me" and "She's So European" featured the debut of Eric Carr, who became the band's permanent drummer until his death in 1991. The band would play a concert at the now defunct Palladium Theatre in New York to officially introduce Carr as Criss' permanent replacement in the band. Paul Charles Caravello (July 12, 1950 - November 24, 1991), better known as Eric Carr, was an American musician, best known as drummer for the rock band Kiss. ... Inside Scotiabank Place, 2006 Scotiabank Place (Place Banque Scotia in French) is an arena in Ottawa, Ontario and home to the NHLs Ottawa Senators. ... This article is about the state. ...

It was certified Gold on July 30, 1980, when it sold 500,000 copies It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with RIAA certification. ...

Track listing

1. "Is That You?" (Gerard McMahon) – 3:55
   • Lead vocals - Paul Stanley
2. "Shandi" (Paul Stanley, Vini Poncia) – 3:33
   • Lead vocals - Paul Stanley
3. "Talk To Me" (Ace Frehley) – 4:00
   • Lead vocals - Ace Frehley

Kiss lip-synchs "Talk to Me" during a German television appearance with Eric Carr.

4. "Naked City" (Gene Simmons, Bob Kulick, Peppi Castro, Poncia) – 3:49
   • Lead vocals - Gene Simmons
5. "What Makes The World Go 'Round" (Stanley, Poncia) – 4:14
   • Lead vocals - Paul Stanley
6. "Tomorrow" (Stanley, Poncia) – 3:16
   • Lead vocals - Paul Stanley
7. "Two Sides of the Coin" (Frehley) – 3:15
   • Lead vocals - Ace Frehley
8. "She's So European" (Simmons, Poncia) – 3:30
   • Lead vocals - Gene Simmons
9. "Easy As It Seems" (Stanley, Poncia) – 3:24
   • Lead vocals - Paul Stanley
10. "Torpedo Girl" (Frehley, Poncia) – 3:31
    • Lead vocals - Ace Frehley
11. "You're All That I Want" (Simmons, Poncia) – 3:04
    • Lead vocals - Gene Simmons

Shandi is a song by the American hardrock band KISS. Released on their 1980 album Unmasked, the song would prove to be a big hit in Australia where it reached #10 on the Australian charts. ... This article is about the metal musician. ... Vini Poncia (b. ... Paul Daniel Frehley (born April 27, 1951[1]), better known as Ace Frehley, is an American guitarist best known as a founding member and lead guitarist for the rock band Kiss. ... Image File history File links Talk_to_me_1980. ... Image File history File links Talk_to_me_1980. ... Paul Charles Caravello (July 12, 1950 - November 24, 1991), better known as Eric Carr, was an American musician, best known as drummer for the rock band Kiss. ... Chaim Witz (חיים וויץ), (born August 25, 1949 in Haifa, Israel), better known by his stage name Gene Simmons, is an Israeli-American hard rock bass guitarist and vocalist. ... Bob Kulick is an American guitarist best known for his studio work with KISS. He is the older brother of former KISS lead guitarist Bruce Kulick, and was the one to suggest KISS hire him. ...

Personnel

• Paul Stanley - vocals, rhythm guitar, bass guitar on "Tomorrow"
• Ace Frehley - vocals, lead guitar, bass guitar on "Talk to Me", "Two Sides of the Coin", & "Torpedo Girl"
• Gene Simmons - vocals, bass guitar
• Peter Criss - drums (credited in album liner notes, but does not appear)

with This article is about the metal musician. ... For other uses, see Singer (disambiguation). ... An electric guitar is a type of guitar that uses pickups to convert the vibration of its steel-cored strings into electrical current, which is then amplified. ... A sunburst-colored Precision Bass The electric bass guitar (or electric bass) is a bass stringed instrument played with the fingers by plucking, slapping, popping or using a pick. ... Paul Daniel Frehley (born April 27, 1951[1]), better known as Ace Frehley, is an American guitarist best known as a founding member and lead guitarist for the rock band Kiss. ... Lead guitar refers to a role within a band, that provides melody or melodic material, as opposed to the rhythm of the rhythm guitar, bass, and drums. ... A sunburst-colored Precision Bass The electric bass guitar (or electric bass) is a bass stringed instrument played with the fingers by plucking, slapping, popping or using a pick. ... Chaim Witz (חיים וויץ), (born August 25, 1949 in Haifa, Israel), better known by his stage name Gene Simmons, is an Israeli-American hard rock bass guitarist and vocalist. ... Peter Criss (born George Peter John Criscuola--pronounced Chris-cola-- on December 20, 1945), is an American musician best known as co-founder, drummer, vocalist for the rock band KISS. Peter Criss established the cat character for his KISS persona. ... A drum kit (or drum set or trap set) is a collection of drums, cymbals and sometimes other percussion instruments, such as a cowbell, wood block or tambourines, arranged for convenience playing by a single drummer. ...

• Tom Harper - bass guitar on "Shandi"
• Anton Fig - drums (uncredited)
• Vini Poncia - producer, keyboards, backing vocals, percussion
• Holly Knight - keyboards on "Shandi"

Anton Fig is a top session drummer noted for his work as the drummer for David Lettermans house band. ... Vini Poncia (b. ... In the music industry, a record producer (or music producer) has many roles, among them controlling the recording sessions, coaching and guiding the musicians, organizing and scheduling production budget and resources, and supervising the recording, mixing and mastering processes. ... Piano, a well-known instance of keyboard instruments A keyboard instrument is any musical instrument played using a musical keyboard. ... A backup vocalist is a vocalist that sings in harmony with the lead vocalist, with other backup vocalists, or alone but in the background of a song. ... Percussion instruments are played by being struck, shaken, rubbed or scraped. ... Holly Knight is a songwriter, vocalist and musician, who has written some of the biggest hits in pop and rock music. ...

Charts

Album - Billboard (North America) Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry. ...

Singles - Billboard (United States) Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry. ...

Singles - Billboard (Australia) Billboard can refer to: Billboard magazine Billboard (advertising) Billboard antenna In 3D computer graphics, to billboard is to rotate an object so that it faces the viewer. ...

Singles - Billboard (Austria) Billboard can refer to: Billboard magazine Billboard (advertising) Billboard antenna In 3D computer graphics, to billboard is to rotate an object so that it faces the viewer. ...

Singles - Billboard (Canada) Billboard can refer to: Billboard magazine Billboard (advertising) Billboard antenna In 3D computer graphics, to billboard is to rotate an object so that it faces the viewer. ...

Singles - Billboard (Germany) Billboard can refer to: Billboard magazine Billboard (advertising) Billboard antenna In 3D computer graphics, to billboard is to rotate an object so that it faces the viewer. ...

Singles - Billboard (Holland) Billboard can refer to: Billboard magazine Billboard (advertising) Billboard antenna In 3D computer graphics, to billboard is to rotate an object so that it faces the viewer. ...

Singles - Billboard (Norway) Billboard can refer to: Billboard magazine Billboard (advertising) Billboard antenna In 3D computer graphics, to billboard is to rotate an object so that it faces the viewer. ...

Singles - Billboard (New Zealand) Billboard can refer to: Billboard magazine Billboard (advertising) Billboard antenna In 3D computer graphics, to billboard is to rotate an object so that it faces the viewer. ...

Singles - Billboard (Switzerland) Billboard can refer to: Billboard magazine Billboard (advertising) Billboard antenna In 3D computer graphics, to billboard is to rotate an object so that it faces the viewer. ...

Notes and references

External links

• Kiss FAQ - Unmasked