The unmistakable voice of Paul “Starchild” Stanley has contributed to a decent rock album or two in his time and Live to Win, while not pulling up any trees has enough merits on first listen to draw you in.

Stanley historically has an ear for a decent hook and melody as proven with over 30 years of fist clenching foot stomping good time rock in the painted leviathan that is Kiss. 

Live To Win is full of polished good time rock songs which dip their toes in the cliché lake while avoiding falling in and drowning, which is a neat trick, must be the years of experience then eh? 

Some artists have a finite number of songs they can tease out of themselves that are listenable but Stanley and his writing buddies have the knack of not straying too far from what they know but still sound invigorating and fresh. He obviously loves what he does and patently enjoys doing it and this comes across loud and clear on this record. 

The songs are set up in traditional verse, verse, chorus style & all check in at just over three minutes which helps give them their instant appeal. Well written, well produced and well played with a punchy but clean guitar this is the sound of a man enjoying his life. The odd slower number sits comfortably adding a pleasant counterpoint.  

New baby arrived, new hip (haha!), new album out, new dawn for his career both in and out of the band. The more I played this the more it got under my skin, bombastic riffs and chorused harmonies infiltrating my ears.  

All in all, a surprise winner, easy on the lugs while rockin’ in parts.

Live To Win is released on October 23rd

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Track List

Live To Win
Wake Up Screaming
Lift
Every Time I See You Around
Bulletproof
All About You
Second To None
It's Not Me
Loving You Without You
Where Angels Dare