"Shandi" by Kiss

Song#:  0220
Date:  06/21/1980
Debut:  88
Peak:  47
Weeks:  10
Genre:  Rock



Pop Bits:  Kiss is one of those groups that has sold a bazillion albums since their debut in 1974, yet were never really successful at getting singles up the chart. In all their years they only managed one Top 10 hit - the ballad "Beth" (#7 in 1976). But their loyal following, relentless touring, infamous shows, and mega merchandising has kept them as one of the most successful rock bands of all time. However, much like other artists there comes a time when the party slows down and their 1980 album "Unmasked" signaled an end to their 70s heyday. The album would be the last to feature the four original members (at least until a reunion in the mid-90s) and it would be the first album to not go platinum since 1975. This lead single didn't make much of an impact in the US, but it did reach #5 in Australia.

ReduxReview:  I was never much of a Kiss fan, but there were certain songs I did like. This one is an oddity. It is so MOR and, well, kind of pretty. I would have never guessed in a million years that this was Kiss. This does not scream costumed, blood spitting, fire breathing rock. Not that everything that they do has to be like that, but the song is unexpectedly pop-oriented. I kind of dig it. But can't picture Gene Simmons busting this one out on stage.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  Original member Peter Criss was on the outs with the band by this time. His erratic behavior was not sitting well with the other members and he was fired from the group. Although credited on the album, Criss did not even play drums during the sessions. All drumming was done by Anton Fig, who was experiencing a bit of success himself at the time with his group Spider and their Top 40 single "New Romance (It's a Mystery)" (Redux #0134).

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