Peter Criss - One for All
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Free Music Notes for One for All
Free Music Review: Peter's most satisfyingly-realized musical offering
Hit: 3 Stars
Lots of reviewers like to throw their credentials out there as they review this release, so I figured that's a good way to start as well:
1) I am as hard-core a Kiss fan as they come, having joined the ranks of the Kiss Army in 1976 upon the release of "Destroyer."
2) I am a professional musician, having earned a PhD in composition as well as being a percussionist.
There! Now that that's out of the way, my opinion shouldn't matter any more than anyone ELSE'S out there. Because ultimately, you'll decide on your own whether on not you think "One For All" is a worthwhile CD. As far as I'm concerned, I think this is a touching and honest release from Peter, perhaps the most codified collection of songs he's ever released. A few particulars:
1) Peter's singing: he's not all over the place in terms of intonation...far from it. I think Peter has a good ear, and his vocal performance is solid and heartfelt. Sometimes the timbre of Peter's voice is a little flat, without any of the interesting throatiness of Paul or the growling quality of Gene. And, much of the time he sings from his throat, which can make him sound strained in higher registers. But he really explores his low voice on the album, especially on the great Sondheim cover "Send in the Clowns." If you accuse Peter of being out of tune, you need to level the same accusation at singers from John Lennon to Janis Joplin.
2) Peter's drumming: I've never understood complaints about Peter's drumming, from other fans or from Gene. Look, if Pete needed someone to pound a cardboard box to keep him on-tempo during the recording of "Rock & Roll Over," then how could he play all those concerts WITHOUT that? I know that he deliberately sabotaged tempos during the "Dynasty" tour, but every time - EVERY. TIME. - I've heard him with Kiss, he's rock-solid. The same goes for his new CD, which is filled with interesting syncopations and creative beats that fit the songs so well...up to and including some tasty brush work. Is he Eric Singer, or Eric Carr? Nope. Why should he be? His sound is all "Peter Criss," and that's honesty at its finest.
3) Peter's producing: I really think ALL professional musicians should work with a producer...even Paul Stanley. An extra set of ears in the studio is just a good idea, in the same way that having someone else proofread a paper is a good idea. It's a different perspective, and how can that hurt? Having said that, I think the delicate sounds on this disc are well-conceived and clear. There are a few studio tricks - Pete's psychedelic vocals on "Space Ace," or the rain on "Whisper" - but otherwise the instruments are allowed to just sound like themselves. This is especially true of Pete's drums, which (thankfully!) lack the amplified trigger sound of recent Kiss releases and instead are tuneful and wooden; he also makes some great cymbal choices.
4) Pete's songwriting: to just read the lyric sheet, the songs seem a little trite, often something I find a particular weakness of Peter's. But he consistently works with Mike McLaughlin, and upon HEARING the lyrics within the structure of the songs, they are beautiful and honest. The arrangements are tight, and a few interesting harmonic choices pop up now & then to keep the music from falling into a 3-chord monotony.
If I had to compare this release to anything, it certainly wouldn't be Kiss. Kiss has always been a unique collection of four individuals, all of whom contribute to the sound of the band. Depending on the lineup and band effort, this has resulted in either some of the greatest rock & roll ever, or vapid verse/chorus anthems with musical inventiveness so insignificant it can't even be charted. Individually, each original member of Kiss does what he does best: Paul records sparkling pop rock and radio-friendly ballads, Ace delivers hard-driving rock with monster riffs, Gene goes all over the map with ballsy crunch and McCartney-esque triflings, and Peter...well, Peter lets his voice flow over smooth R&B with a little swing & rock thrown in for good measure. "One For All" sounds more like an Elvis Costello/Burt Bacharach collaboration, with perhaps a little late-60s Moody Blues/Procol Harum thrown in. I wish folks would detach Pete from his Catman persona and give this album a chance...just as I hope Kiss fans will understand that this music is Peter unencumbered by the rules and dictates of his former bandmates. He is stronger for it.
Free Music Review: The long wait is finally over and...
Hit: 3 Stars
...this isn't very good.
I've been a life-long KISS fan. As a matter of fact, in 1978, Peter's solo album was my favorite. There are at least four unheralded ballads on that '78 release. I even went so far as to order the huge button from the merchandise order form included with each of the four KISS solo records. Peter's first album after KISS, Out Of Control, was also a favorite of mine, but after that, it all got murky.
One For All was never to be a rocker. It was widely known that Peter Criss was doing a "ballad" album. Fine. But this is, at times, painful to listen to.
Peter's voice is all over the place. Call it emotion, call it what you will, his vocal performance on this record is horrible. Musically speaking, there are a few great moments. They are few and far between though. And Peter's drumming is lackluster at best. But for me, it's just how badly he sings these songs that shocked me the most. I could easily buy into the "emotion" arguement here, but c'mon...on every track?
Maybe next time he'll bring in an outside producer? I believe strongly that if he had worked with another set of ears and someone with other ideas, this could have been great.
Buy it and judge for yourself, but be aware that this is a very slow, plodding and difficult recording to get through in one sitting.
Free Music Review: More Purrs than Meowing...
Hit: 3 Stars
If you are a Peter Criss fan, it's worth having just for your collection. Overall, it's good. Be aware, though, if you're looking for Dirty Livin' or Tossin and Turnin', you won't find it here. This album is more Easy Thing and Hard Luck Woman, with a splash of Bobby Darin thrown in for good measure. 'What Difference a Day Makes'is one of my favorite songs, and Peter did a nice job with it. It's jazzy, a little bluesy in some places and is nearly all slower(with a few really good)ballads. A very sweet album. No big balls or thundering drums on this one. The only thing holding it back from really shining is the production quality. It could have been a bit more polished.Free Music Review: Peter Criss gives us more of his soft side
Hit: 3 Stars
If anyone is hoping for anything KISS like or more like "Cat #1" will be dissapointed. Peter gives us more mellow music on this one, sort of like "Out Of Control". There are some pretty good songs on it "All For One","Does'nt Get Better Than This","Falling all Over Again" and "Space Ace" all have a certain charm to them. Sample the album before you buy but I see nothing wrong with giving support to 1/4 of the Hottest Band in the WORLD!!!!!!Free Music Review: Team Player
Hit: 3 Stars
I think Peter is at his best as a contributor...as part of a band, working with a team...getting feedback on his creative ideas. This is the best situation for most musicians in my view. Peter needed a producer on this one. A few of the songs on this record are ok, but thats it.
I'll always remember Peter in KISS singing Black Diamond, Nothin to Lose, Baby Driver, Hard Luck Woman, and Beth. The classics can't be matched.