Songs with the Same Title – Kiss Edition

Happy new year, everyone! How about we do another band for the Songs with the Same Title series to kick off the new year? The next act I will cover in the series will be Kiss. Unlike Bon Jovi, it was harder to find Kiss songs with the same title as other artists’ songs, so I had to look past their hits. But I am no expert on Kiss, so I am not sure of this myself. There will be six rounds, and I’ll be picking my preferred pick from each one. In the end, I’ll be declaring who won the overall battle. Now, let’s get on with the show, shall we?

“Childhood’s End” (1972) by Pink Floyd

“Childhood’s End” (1997) by Kiss

I think “Childhood’s End” is Gene Simmons’ best song, in my opinion. Tommy Thayer (future lead guitarist for Kiss) and Bruce Kulick also got songwriting credits, which is pretty cool! There has been a bit of confusion about how this song came to be. Some think it got based on a real event in Simmons’ life. According to KISSMONSTER, the title is from Arthur C. Clarke’s science-fiction novel of the same name (like what Pink Floyd did). But the song is about two friends, one of them dies, and the other reminisces about his lost friend. It’s very dark and grunge-like, focusing on the loss of innocence. Therefore, Kiss wins the first round.

“Into the Void” (1971) by Black Sabbath

“Into the Void” (1998) by Kiss

Honestly, as an instrumental, Black Sabbath’s “Into the Void” kicks a**! I’m not crazy about Ozzy Osbourne’s vocals on this one, but that riff is insane! To make it easier for him to play, Tony Iommi down-tuned his guitar 1.5 steps, easing the tensions of his fingers. Years earlier, he severed the tips of two of his fingers due to a factory accident. The result was one of the darkest riffs written in heavy metal. The bass blended in well, too, also tuned down to match Iommi’s guitar tone. With the heavy guitar riff and dark message of escaping hell on earth, Black Sabbath wins the second round.

“Take It Off” (1992) by Kiss

“Take It Off” (2010) by Kesha

I’ve heard of Kesha’s “Take It Off,” and she was one of my favorite artists in 2010. I still like that song, despite the heavy autotune and DJ beats, but my love for rock ‘n’ roll took over. Similar message, but I love Paul Stanley’s vocals on “Take It Off,” perfect for a strip club! The drums are loud and heavy, and there’s a brilliant guitar solo by Bruce Kulick. Dedicated to the late great Eric Carr, the Revenge (1992) album marked a return to the band’s hard rock sound; after going glam metal in the 80s. For that reason, Kiss wins the third round for this epic banger!

“Forever” (1971) by The Beach Boys

“Forever” (1990) by Kiss

I grew up with The Beach Boys, thanks to my favorite show of all time, Full House! The show featured their songs, and the boys guest-starred a few times throughout the series. On the sitcom, Uncle Jesse did a cover of their song “Forever,” and for years, I thought that it was his song. But no, it’s a Beach Boys song, which they mentioned in the show too when Jesse went on MTV to promote the video for it, but I never noticed that till about three years ago. Because of the nostalgic feel and attachment to the Beach Boys, they take the win for the fourth round. Uncle Jesse performed “Forever” at his wedding to Becky, people!!!!

“Hotter Than Hell” (1974) by Kiss

“Hotter Than Hell” (2016) by Dua Lipa

Research proved me wrong that another artist had the bright idea of naming a song called “Hotter Than Hell.” Both are different songs; Kiss’s track is classic rock with heavy drums and big guitars, while Dua Lipa’s tune is a dance-pop hit that a DJ can play in a club. Strangely enough, I dig Dua Lipa’s “Hotter Than Hell” because it’s catchy, and she has a good voice. According to Wikipedia, the song is about a girl taunting her ex-boyfriend who can’t resist her love. I kind of like the revenge aspect to it, so Dua Lipa wins the fifth round. 

“War Machine” (1982) by Kiss

“War Machine” (2008) by AC/DC

Kiss gets bonus points for Carr’s pounding drums, but AC/DC’s “War Machine” is too badass for me to ignore! The intro gives me chills with Phil Rudd’s hi-hat, the kick drum, Cliff William’s bass riff, and that opening guitar riff. This last round was so hard for me because both songs are pretty epic! However, the rhythm section for Kiss’s “War Machine” is insane, Vinnie Vincent does a tasteful guitar solo, and Simmons gives a superb vocal performance (it’s so dark and scary, and I love it)! In conclusion, Kiss wins the final round of the battle.

So Kiss won three of the six rounds, which means it’s a tie for the ‘Songs with the Same Title’ battle. Since I never depicted a winner, let me know in the comments below which songs you’d prefer from each round (hopefully picking a winner yourself)! Remember, it’s the other artists versus Kiss.

Take care and see ya real soon!

Lana