H.I.T.S
HOT IN THE SHADE, KISS' 15th studio album was released on this day, October 17, 1989. The album, recorded at the Fortress in Los Angeles, was produced by both Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.
HITS saw Kiss returning and digging back into their rock roots, rather than an end-of-80's sounding, forging forward with a 15 song package with listening almost an hour. The longest Kiss record to date.
We also saw the lead singing debut of Eric Carr on his song, "Little Caesar" which was a nick name given to Eric by Gene.
Current Kiss lead guitarist Tommy Thayer co-wrote some of the best tracks including "the Street Giveth, the Street Taketh Away." Actually, Kiss co-wrote with many writers on this record including Vini Poncia, Bob Halligan, Adam Mitchell, Michael Bolton, Holly Knight and longtime Stanley collaborator, Desmond Child.
First single and video, "Hide Your Heart," was filmed on top of an old hotel, the Wilshire, in Hollywood, following the story of a lovers triangle, Rosa, Tito and Johnny. "Rise To It" saw Paul and Gene donning their makeup and costumes for a "flashback sequence" in fueling rumors that Kiss was returning to makeup. The flashback was to take place in 1975, however, the costumes were historically incorrect as Paul wore his 1977 costume and Gene wearing his 1979 Dynasty outfit. "Forever," the Paul Stanley/Michael Bolton penned ballad was a major hit for Kiss in terms of sales and radio airplay, hitting the Billboard Hot 100 at #8 and #17 on the Mainstream Rock Charts. The single and video, shot in sepia, gave Hot In The Shade a well deserved sales push, charted on the Billboard 100 at #29 and was certified Gold on December 20, 1989.
All three videos were instant hits on MTV.
Ace Frehley, Bonnie Tyler, Robin Beck and Molly Hatchett all recorded versions of "Hide Your Heart."
It was the last Kiss album to feature Eric Carr. Eric passed away November 21, 1991.
US Billboard 100 Chart- #29
Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart
Hide Your Heart-#66
Rise To It-#81
Forever-#8
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