Ace Frehley - 10,000 Volts Review:
1. 10,000 Volts.
I was sort of disappointed with this song - it is OK and I understand why other people dig it, but just not my jam personally especially for a first single.
2. Walking on the Moon
I dig this song. One of my faves on the album.
3. Cosmic Heart
My second favorite song on the album. Great riff and harmonies.
4. Cherry Medicine
I don't like this song much at all. Just has a modern rock style that I didn't dig when that stuff was popular.
5. Back In My Arms Again
I was excited about this song, because I dug the original demo. It is good and I am glad he redid it, but it does suffer a bit due to his age now singing it and the somewhat different music style of the musicians now playing it vs the original musicians on the demo. In other words, it should have been on an 80's Ace album. However I am glad that it now exists officially.
6. Fighting for Life
I know everyone is digging this song as maybe the best song on the album, but I am going to be the odd duck here. I much prefer the slow groove rocker or mid tempo songs in general than more faster type songs, but totally get why people are hyped about this one - it's a strong song, but just not something that I would lean towards to loving.
7. Blinded
This is the worst song on the album for me. Made even worse than they used blinded by science per the Thomas Dolby song. Just nothing about this that I like
8. Constantly Cute
I really like this song. Yes, cheesy as fuck - but it totally works.
9. Life of a Stranger
It is an interesting cover and is well done. It almost sounds like an Ozzy ballad.
10. Up in the Sky
I love this fucking song. It is just a great Ace Frehley songs period. Strong performances, groove and background harmonies. It just all comes together perfectly.
11. Stratosphere
Cool instrumental. I would have preferred something more like Fractured III, but I am not that big on instrumentals anyway with some exceptions. I love Genghis Khan for example.
My overall thoughts are that Ace has stepped it up here for the most part. I am not a fan really of Spaceman, so he clearly delivered above and beyond over that. This is not some massive decline despite what some on the FAQ would have you believe with the obvious agenda they have. Up In The Sky as I mentioned really is one of the strongest songs he has done in a while.
As for the complaint about the lyrics. You worship KISS - who may have the worst lyrics in rock history. So you are just looking like a fucking idiot if NOW you are all serious about lyrics. As if this is some deep heavy lyrics here:
Shock me, make me feel better
Shock me, put on your black leather
Shock me, we can come together
The lyrics and songwriting in general are entirely in keeping with Ace's songwriting history. I know Ace's limitation as a songwriter going in to all his albums. So people really shouldn't be complaining here.
Steve Brown has done a great job here and no, it doesn't sound like a Trixter album. I have listened to all of those and it isn't the same. People claiming that don't know what the fuck they are talking about.
My only issue with the production and this is more about my own preferences - they went for a more modern rock production style where as I would have preferred they went for a more classic rock sound or basically try to recapture the sound of the 78 album. It doesn't ruin the album for me, but if I was gonna produce the new Ace album - I would go for a 70's style album all the way.
Yes, Ace is older. He talks and sings a bit differently due to that age - but Ace still brings the charm that comes with his vocals. So I have no real issue there. He was never a great singer in a technical sense. Ultimately you know you are listening to the same Ace Frehley now as you did in years past. It isn't some major decline like say Paul Stanley.
All in all, my expectations were met and happily so. I knew I wasn't going to be loving all 11 songs, but that hopefully the highs would be high and the lows wouldn't be that bad. Ace should be proud of the album he has released and his fans should dig it for the most part if you have enjoyed his albums in varying degrees from 1987 to now.
If you have any questions or want further detail on anything - ask away.