Part 40 of my series of Kiss reviews, leading up to the release of Monster! 

KISS – The Very Best Of (Universal, 2002)

My 1 star review is not based on the music. Clearly, these are all classic songs, each of which needs to be included on a Kiss hits CD. Rather my 1 star is based on what this CD represents.

The Very Best Of was the first release by Universal after Kiss’ contract was over. They could then release as many hits albums as they wanted, with no new material required, and they have. Many more times albums like this came out, some better than others, and most better than this.

No liner notes, no input from the band, and a tracklist that is largely repeated on CDs such as Greatest Hits and Greatest KISS. At least this CD was in chronological order and not scattershot like the previous two that I mentioned. It was also nice to finally see “Forever” on a hits CD as that was a huge hit for the non-makeup version of the band. Weird thing though, the then-current Kiss never played that one live.  It was nice that “New York Groove” (an Ace solo track) is on here, as well as “Lick It Up” which were being played live by the band at that time.

Otherwise, this CD was unnessesary then, and is very unnessesary now. As mentioned, at the time there were plenty of similar Kiss hits discs out, and now there are literally at least a dozen. This one stands out in no way anymore.

1/5 star. For diehards who have to own everything, or newbies only.

1. Strutter

2. Deuce

3. Got To Choose

4. Hotter Than Hell

5. C’Mon And Love Me

6. Rock And Roll All Nite (live)

7. Detroit Rock City

8. Shout It Out Loud

9. Beth

10. I Want You

11. Calling Dr. Love

12. Hard Luck Woman

13. I Stole Your Love

14. Christine Sixteen

15. Love Gun

16. New York Groove

17. I Was Made For Loving You

18. I Love It Loud

19. Lick It Up

20. Forever

21. God Gave Rock ‘N’ Roll To You II