Love Gun

Love Gun binds KISS’s flash and the strength of its songs with the least hesitation of all, on the band’s sixth album. Paul Stanley’s soaring melodies, Gene Simmons’ heavy presence, Ace Frehley’s cutting guitar and Peter Criss’s steady beat each function vividly — the drive of the golden era reaching one of its peaks. The push of the opener “I Stole Your Love,” the catchiness of “Christine Sixteen” and the commanding hook of the title track “Love Gun” plainly show KISS’s appeal as arena rock, while “Shock Me” gives Ace Frehley his first lead vocal and the playful “Plaster Caster” adds color. With all four members of the original lineup singing, the band’s character rings out at its most vivid here. The clean-handed choice to win on hooks and personality rather than excess staging feels great — a fulfilling record that concentrates early KISS’s appeal and fittingly caps the golden period.