Dynasty

Kiss: Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley (vocals, guitar); Gene Simmons (vocals, bass); Peter Criss (vocals, drums).
Recorded at Electric Lady Studios and Record Plant, New York, New York. Includes liner notes by Robert V. Conte.
For many of the faithful, DYNASTY marks a turning point in the Kiss story. Their first release after the members' solo albums, it was their last outing with drummer Peter Criss (he was on the cover of UNMASKED, but not the tracks within), and Ace Frehley's departure wasn't far off. DYNASTY is an album of some bombast, with slick production, the inevitable nod to disco ("I Was Made For Loving You"), a Stones cover ("2000 Man") and plenty of their trademark hard rock/pop hybrid.
Definitely a softer take on the Kiss sound, this was a harbinger of what the '80s would hold for the band--a more radio-friendly style. With the catchy echoing chorus of "Charisma" and the wistful strut of "Magic Touch," Kiss evolved past the Neanderthal stomp of yesteryear and into a new age of slick, sophisticated, and ultimately more lucrative pop mastery.