Complete Track Listing:
1. Modern Day Delilah
2. Russian Roulette
3. Never Enough
4. Yes I Know (Nobody's Perfect)
5. Stand
6. Hot And Cold
7. All For The Glory
8. Danger Us
9. I'm An Animal
10. When Lightening Strikes
11. Say Yeah
In the ten years since Kiss released Psycho Circus, the band's history has almost repeated itself note for note. Original members Peter Criss (drums) and Ace Frehley (lead guitar) have both been fired. Again. Paul Stanley took up painting and went on a solo tour, something he also did in 1989, although back then without the benefit of an album. Gene Simmons went Hollywood, as he did back in the mid 80's. The band toured almost ever year since Psycho Circus was released, albeit with drummer Eric Singer, who was with the band before Criss rejoined in 1996, and former Black N' Blue guitarist Tommy Thayer. Stanley liked the was the new incarnation of the band sounded on the road and wanted to hear how they would sound in the studio. The results, unfortunately, are less a sonic boom or more like a sonic whimper.
The lead single and first track, "Modern Day Delilah", is straight out of the Kiss playbook of maybe 1988. I've looked over my copies of Crazy Nights and Hot In the Shade thinking this was a remake, but apparently it's an original song. As both Paul and Gene always do when promoting a new album, Destroyer, Love Gun and Rock And Roll Over were mentioned often, however "Delilah" contains none of the simple blood and guts rock and roll from those albums and sounds like every other overproduced Kiss song ever. Thayer, however, does lay down at least an energetic solo to an otherwise completely forgettable tune.
Gene's first song on the album, "Russian Roulette", doesn't fare much better, although it does resemble an outtake from Creatures of The Night, which is (at least) a step up from the previous song. Gene's voice, and Paul's for that matter, sound much the same as they always have, and on this track, you can hear a band comfortable in their own skins and with their roles within the band.
"Yes I Know (Nobody's Perfect)" is probably the closest this album ever gets to sounding like the Kiss of the 1970's. Instead of copying an idea like "Detroit Rock City" or "Calling Dr. Love" they go for a "Christine Sixteen"- type vibe, which sort of works, but there was nothing all that great about "Christine Sixteen" in the first place. "Stand" features Paul and Gene exchanging lines during the verses, and while I've always thought it's something they should do more of, its a shame they picked such a poor song to revisit the idea. Thayer, again, does his best with some nice, dare I say, Ace-like guitar work, but the song is such a mishmash of styles it never seems to come together into a complete song.
"All For The Glory" features a lead vocal by Singer and "When Lightening Strikes" features Thayer on lead vocals, a first for both on a Kiss album. "Lightening", in particular, doesn't sound just like a copy of an Ace-style song, but more like something from Thayer's old band, Black N' Blue. (It sort of reminds me of "Without Love" or "Chains Around Heaven") "Glory" may be the heaviest song on the album and one of the few which captures a bit of the magic of the band's early 'stand up for yourself'-type manta songs.
The album ends with "Yeah Yeah" which is another Paul song along the lines of "Let's Put The X In Sex", which sounded cool in 1988, but not so much now. Stanley produced the album on his own, and it's surprising, at least after the goodness of his solo album from a years ago, how his contributions are the weakest of the bunch. Although to be honest, except for Thayer's lead guitar work and Gene's "Yes I Know" and "Russian Roulette", there's not much in the way of strong material at all.
The 411: I've purchased every Kiss album ever released, even the solo releases by Criss and Frehley's Comet. Although some have been underwhelming, I've never been completely disappointed with any of them. This is easily the most disappointing album the band has ever released, (yes, even more so than Music From The Elder) and I have to wonder if it hadn't been for the deal with Wal-Mart, would the band have even bothered? Thayer seems to be the only one motivated on every song, and a Kiss without a motivated Gene (only on occasion on this album) and Paul (not so much at all) isn't a very interesting Kiss.
you wrote the 1st negative sonic boom review I have read online.
Posted By: guest (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 12:18 AM
Seems like when you start out the review negative with "now owned by Wal-Mart", the CD never had a chance. I also own every KISS cd, and think this is the best CD since Creatures....to each his own I guess
Posted By: guest (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 01:05 AM
I might be alone on this, but I think Paul and Gene need to lower their egos and get Criss and Frehley back, even if Singer and Thayer are better musicians. It just doesnt sound the same. Final word, no Ace and Peter=who cares
Posted By: noprize (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 02:59 AM
Thats a cruel review!I downloaded most of Sonic Boom thinking it was going to be shitty,,and as a fuck you to Simmons and Stanley!But you know what???I actually found myself liking it!I was listening to most of Sonic Boom at work on my MP3 player.Its a great(not spectacular)album,with some great songs!'Delilah',All For The Glory','Yeah,Yeah are some kick-ass tunes.Like i said,,its a great album and i would give it a 7 out of 10!
Posted By: jimmyspin (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 03:33 AM
Well thats the first bad review ive seen on this album, it has scored just about universal rave reviews, kerang 9/10 classic rock 10/10 metal hammer 9/10 rock years 10/10 grapevine 9/10 are all these people idiots? or are you just a sad old BORE sorry stonedeaf old bore even rolling stone like it, to me its kiss better than they have been for 28 years since the awsome creatures. wish i was paul or gene you bet you do.
Posted By: gary sorber (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 06:31 AM
This actually is not the first bad review I've read (online or in print). If Kiss were trying to recapture that "sound of the '70's" they failed miserably with this slab of childhood-revisited-by-force rock and roll.
While not the best Kiss has offered, it's not all bad - just get past the stereotypically bad lyrics and simplistic arrangements and there is rock and roll under the make up covered surface.
Posted By: Anthony Tyler (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 08:52 AM
I don't think you wanted to like this record from the get-go. Whether you would like to consider it contrived or simply focused on achieving and old familiar vibe, this is an album fans of 70's KISS can embrace. 4.25/5 *s in my opinion.
Posted By: Guest#5545 (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 09:20 AM
The Cd just falls flat. Sounds corny, forced, but nothing great going here and definately not like 1970's KISS
Posted By: Dissapointing (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 09:28 AM
I'm a life long KISS Army member; and I totally disagree with your assessment of the new album. It's the first time in years I've been excited about a new KISS album and more importantly, its the first album in years that lives up to my expectations. You need to either clean out your ears or listen to it again.
Posted By: Alan (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 09:30 AM
"..they go for a 'Christine Sixteen'- type vibe, which sort of works, but there was nothing all that great about 'Christine Sixteen' in the first place." Yeah,..um,...done reading this review right there.
Posted By: guest (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 10:05 AM
I am a an honest kiss fan, just because gene says it sounds like destroyer doesnt make it so. I make up my own mind and am not afraid to tell the truth. When i heard modern dd, I thought great more 80s ear pain from my fav band. Then I heard the rest of sonic and was completly blown away. this us undoubtedly the best album since love gun. Im not sure what cd you were listening to but I have read at least 10 reviews and spoken to many kiss fans online and in person and all say pretty much the same thing. So to all you kiss fans and non kiss fans alike I say dont listen to gene and paul or this moron, listen to the cd for yourself, I am sure you will be plesantly surprised as was I
Posted By: destroyer (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Simmons said once..."If you like the new album, put it away. If not, play it a thousand times...you'll like it."
As has been said...'to each his own.'
Posted By: Eugenio (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 11:41 AM
This album truly is a great one despite those who want to hate it because there's no Ace or Peter. The musicianship is much stronger than any other KISS album ever. There's not a bad song on the album. Buy it and listen to it yourself and decide.
Posted By: Randy (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 11:50 AM
KISS sucks.. plain and simple. Money grubbing morons who shell out half assed crap their "fans' go for. Gene could crap in a bag and they would buy it and he knows it. That's the sad part!
Posted By: joe (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Kiss will never get the credit they deserve.
Just because of the makeup. That makeup was the most interesting thing going on in the 70's. Who were they really? Could someone catch them w/o it.
Kiss did what they started out to do. They ruled the rock world and they did it without radio.
Screw the haters! KISS FOREVER!
Posted By: Guest#0858 (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 12:54 PM
That review is totally whack and the only bad one I have seen. This is a GOOD album. You're just mad Emerson, Lake and Palmer didn't do a new album.
Posted By: rodney (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 01:06 PM
The songs are good, but in my opinion, "Yes, I know ..." is the stand out track and closest to the sound I think they were aiming for and talking up. Actually, there is a Road Runner/Label interview of Paul saying that Gene was encouraged to rediscover his 'classic' writing style of old and hit it with "Yes, I know ..." I agree.
They should have used this song as the bench mark and measured all song ideas against it before adding them to the album. This could have been a much better album in my opinion with more time and more "Yes, I know ..." type songs. PS The ACC Toronto concert was great!
The rest of the album on first listening doesn't hit me as classic Kiss.
Posted By: Guest#8772 (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 02:05 PM
Just bought it. Completely agree. it sounds like it was recorded in Paul's tool shed.
Posted By: d2drums (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 03:33 PM
A lot of people expect too much from everything. They get their hopes up only to be marred by something silly. First thing I did this morning was go out and by Sonic Boom, I got more then I expected, Which is a pleasant surprise these days. 2 cd's and a dvd for 12 bucks. If you got your hopes up and was disappointed, pass the disk on so some one else can enjoy it.
Posted By: Lok (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 04:36 PM
This reviewer is obviously not a Kiss Fan! His comment about "As disappointing as The Elder" says it all.
This is a good album, not their best but good nonetheless.
8 out of 10 stars in my eyes.
Posted By: CJ (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 04:46 PM
Unfortunately, I believe KISS's best days are behind them. (Nothing comes close to the magical '75 -'77 era)
While this CD is the best they have done in the last 20 years! (I'd rather have semi-classic KISS than no KISS at all!)
It has a few minor similarities to some '76-77 stuff as well as a major early 80's CREATURES sound to it, with a bit of HOT IN THE SHADE thrown in.
I think there are some good riffs, and decent vocals in there and most all the songs are catchy (even if very cheesy.)
But I appreciate the offer KISS has given their fans. Sonic Boom is a great new CD for them, but it does feel "forced" and not natural. It's hard to re-capture your youth and energy. Good try and I'll enjoy the CD. (It may end up being the last real studio album we ever see.)
Posted By: Bob (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 04:57 PM
ps...one other thing, nothing touches the classic line-up. Ace and Peter helped define the sound. They are truly missed.
Posted By: Bob (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 04:59 PM
Your review is correct. This is a huge dissapointment to KISS fans. It is almost as embarrassing as Paul's last solo album. Gene and Paul needed to put away their massive egos, hire Eddie Kramer and give the fans what they really wanted: The Best. This cd sounds like a mash-up of Carnival of Souls and Psycho Circus. Paul's voice is shot and the overall absence of his fire and soul is missing. Their is no great songwriting or musicianship either. It is a sonic thud. Ace Frehley's Anomaly is better and more classic KISS than Sonic Boom.
Posted By: C. Kuhn (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 05:12 PM
@rOdney..you made me lol with the ELP comment. . . you listen to ELP, not me. . .
Posted By: dynadin (Registered) on October 06, 2009 at 05:36 PM
Say what you will but the fact that there are so many comments (both good and bad) just goes to show you can love ‘em or hate ‘em but ya can’t ignore ‘em! In this age of give out as little as you can get the fans to pay for, it’s nice to see a group willing to give out more than the minimum and at a price anyone can afford. I quit buying CDs when the average price went past $15 for a single CD but Sonic Boom has all that I could wish for! A bunch of great new songs, All their best old hits (for the younger people that are just getting Kissed!) A Live DVD and a Song list with Lyrics! What other group has managed to put that much in a single package? and if any even come close I’ll bet the price will be twice as much! Congrats Kiss for the Nomination to the R&R HOF no matter who ends up inducted the Band as a whole deserves to be there!
Kiss Rocks Forever!
Posted By: Patrick (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 06:21 PM
Eddie Kramer wasn't that great kids, sorry. As a recording musician of many years, I found the record quite pleasing, all the over-production was gone, replaced with four guys doing what they do well: playing simple rock & roll. I was particularly thrilled with the rerecorded "Klassics" disc- just stripped down, no B.S. rock performances done well. If you don't think it sounds "as good as the classic stuff", perhaps it is due to nostalgia... all those old memories get lost in nostalgia often. This is the first negative review I've read as well... hmmmm...
Posted By: Polarisband.com (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 07:04 PM
KISS! Holy fuck!!! How pathetic that people still follow this infantile shit all these years. Grow up motherfuckers, and lead your generation in evolving to a better place than this awful shit would suggest. Who gives a fuck if this guy hates it, it's shit.
Posted By: Sad (Guest) on October 06, 2009 at 07:29 PM
just bought it....and I like it.....glad I didn't rely on your review...$12.00 for a new cd that sounds good,15 Klassic Kiss songs, and a bonus DVD....helluva deal...
Posted By: Todd (Guest) on October 07, 2009 at 05:13 AM
You can say all you want...but, I just read that KISS will be entering the charts at Number 1...for the first time in their careers. So, that means two things: either 1) it's the end of the world of rock and roll, or 2)KISS actually hypnotized thousands of people to buy their album against their will.
You just wish your favorite rock band could have the same effect on you....what? You have no favorite band? That is because all of them are forgettable. KISS clearly rules.
Posted By: Brooke (Guest) on October 08, 2009 at 12:34 PM
How can you people not have seen
I gave it a 3.5 uout of 10. There's 2 good songs and 3 halfway decent songs. But the lyrics make it un-listenable. "Danger You... Danger Me... Danger US?" That's not even Spinal Tap worthy!
several other negative reviews? They're pretty much everywhere.
Oh yeah... the moderators on Kiss message boards delete any links to negative reviews.
Posted By: Trashy (Guest) on October 08, 2009 at 04:52 PM
I never liked Kiss, but listened to exactly 37 seconds of the above sample. Instrumentally it actually impressed me (based on my expectations, which granted were pretty low) but when those lyrics kicked in.... whoa man. Talk about simplistic, mind numbing, sophomoric, juvenile, uninspired bullshit. Oh wait, it was inspired. By the check Wal-Mart cut them.
Posted By: James (Registered) (Guest) on October 09, 2009 at 01:05 AM
To paraphrase something Ace once said, "When I left KISS, the band got a musical vasectomy." "Sonic Boom" just proves that point. "Anomaly" is much closer to the classic KISS sound.
Posted By: Guest (Guest) on October 10, 2009 at 06:09 PM
I totally disagree with this review. I truly believe that this CD is outstanding! i would give it an 8 out of a 10. To say that Modern Day Delilah is forgettable is just crazy! That song is much better than any of the garbage on Rock Radio today! Yes, I'm a KISS fan, but I know good music when I hear it. This is one of the few negative reviews I've read, and there's a reason for that! It's because the album is outstanding!
Posted By: Steve (Guest) on October 11, 2009 at 06:20 PM
The review is bogus and is based on the author's prejudice against Gene and Paul probably because Peter and ACe are no longer in the band.
Ace's album, Anomaly, shows why he is no longer in the band. He's more interested is putting his lame writing out than writing good songs that actually have someone singing the vocals who doesn't need a bucket to carry the tune (easily observed by the need for digital recording and the constant "effects" added to his vocals).
Ace was a great contributor to a great band, but is a shell of his old self. Thayer shows Thayey can play Ace's style better than Ace these days.....
As for Sonic Boom.... It's a great album with some great vocals, great bass playing, great drumming, and great lead and rhythm and lead guitar playing... Yes the lyrics are not that of a rhodes scholar, but to be honest anyone who listens to good rock 'n roll for intellectual stimulation or political statements is a complete and utter MORON!!!
Posted By: John Daux (Guest) on October 11, 2009 at 08:14 PM
This is simply a tired, flat and poor release. Its never going to be a Kiss classic. If this all they can do, its time to wipe that greaspaint off their faces and go home. There is nothing new, no energy here. Now listen to Ace's new release, Anomaly, that just rocks. If you can only afford one cd, Buy Ace's - if you can afford 2, buy Ace's and anything other than Sonic Whimper.
Posted By: Deadstar (Guest) on October 17, 2009 at 03:39 AM
I can't believe this guy wrote this article. "Worse than the Elder?"...are u kidding me? Saw Kiss for the first time in 1979 and have never looked back. What other band has been around this long and can still debut at number 1? Never Enough...track 3 is my favorite song on the CD. If you like KISS, you will like it. If you don't like KISS, don't. See you at the next sold-out KISS concert.
Posted By: Jeff (Guest) on October 17, 2009 at 04:48 AM
I disagree. I really like the album. Review = epic fail. Go listen ti some more Miley Cyrus or Pink.
Posted By: wick (Guest) on October 19, 2009 at 03:17 PM
Well, the cd started good, then it started to get boring. I own every cd and saw them in Ottawa in 96' (Great b-day present). The music sounds good, production is alright. This cd would have been perfect after Crazy Nights. The one thing that truely impressed me was Paul's voice...awesome, ageless. I appreciate that they tried to go old school..pardon the pun.
Posted By: JoeB1Kenobi (Guest) on February 09, 2010 at 11:22 PM
Did someone say Gene was selling his shit in plastic bags? Where and how much? Seriously, I love the KISS songs from the late 70s/early 80s. And then I couldn't get into music they did after that. I like Sonic Boom very much. I figure that's because for my ears it sounds pretty much like a return to their earlier work. There are some riffs straight out of their work from the late 70s. I'm happy. A lot of fans are happy. Most of the reviewers (except for this site) are happy. KISS are probably happy, too. This ain't about solving world peace or crafting sublime musical compositions. It's rock n' roll dudes! So let's rock!
Posted By: Gav Stab (Guest) on February 26, 2010 at 10:11 PM
Man, I'm a die-hard Kiss fan, but I agree with you....this album is old. If you're real fans, you shoud admit it.
Posted By: Criss (Guest) on May 01, 2010 at 07:18 AM
I remember my first kiss album "Love Gun" I thought it was the greatest thing since ice cream. I listened to kiss through the rest of the 70's. In my opinion that's where they should have stopped. After Peter Criss and Ace Frehley left the band I was done.
Kiss became like "Puff The Magic Dragon" to me in the 80's. It was time to grow up and listen to big boy music. They just seemed to be a phoney gimic. I really do not want to imagine what this new album sounds like. I think kiss best days are far behind them and they should have burried it in the 70's.
Anyway, thanks for the memories and songs I jammed to in the 70's.
Posted By: klink31 (Guest) on June 08, 2010 at 05:16 AM
I kinda agree, but Modern day delilah is the best track for me.Stand completely sucks. The songs are like pop-rock singing about believing in you self they're all happy and stuff. I wish they'd get back to their roots and write something decent like black diamond, deuce, cold gin, 100 000 years, hotter than hell, firehouse, creatures of the night, ladies in waiting, Detroit rock city - All great songs, id give Sonic Boom 5/10
Posted By: Adam (Guest) on June 25, 2010 at 09:43 AM
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