A Tribute to Ace Frehley's Best KISS Songs
The news of Ace 'The Spaceman' Frehley's passing sent a shockwave through the rock 'n' roll universe, a gut-punch moment for anyone who ever strapped on a tennis racket and mimed their way through 'Detroit Rock City' in their bedroom mirror. It’s a loss that feels personal, like a riff has been permanently silenced from the great cosmic jam session.To honor the man, the myth, the Spaceman, we have to go back to the vinyl, to the crackle and hiss of those original KISS albums where Ace’s singular voice—both his searing, melodic guitar work and his nasally, endearing vocals—etched itself into the bedrock of hard rock. This isn't just a list; it's a eulogy set to a backbeat, a celebration of the five tracks that define his chaotic genius.First, you have to start with 'Shock Me,' a song born from literal high-voltage inspiration when Frehley was zapped by a poorly grounded stage monitor. It was his first lead vocal on a KISS record, a moment of ascension on 1977's 'Love Gun.' The track is pure Ace: a lazy, bluesy riff that coils like a snake before exploding into one of the most iconic, lyrical guitar solos of the era. It wasn't just a solo; it was a story, a cry from the void that was both technically impressive and deeply human.Then there's 'New York Groove,' his 1978 solo album masterpiece and a chart-topping anomaly. While his bandmates were exploring disco and orchestral rock, Ace delivered a flawless cover of this Hello track, a shimmering, confident ode to his hometown.That opening synth pulse and the simple, stomping beat was a world away from KISS's pyro, yet it was the most 'Ace' thing imaginable—cool, effortless, and impossibly cool. It proved he had a star power that transcended the makeup.We can't talk about his legacy without 'Rocket Ride' from 'Alive II. ' This is Ace unleashed, a frantic, futuristic barnburner where his guitar sounds like a malfunctioning satellite spiraling through the asteroid belt.The production is raw, the energy is unhinged, and it captures the essence of his 'Spaceman' persona better than any other track. It’s the sound of a guitarist completely in his element, pushing the boundaries of what a hard rock song could be.Of course, 'Cold Gin' from the debut album is foundational. Though sung by Gene Simmons, this was an Ace Frehley original, a slow, sludgy, and brilliantly simple anthem for the late-night, low-life party scene.That riff is primordial, a few notes that built a world. It became a staple, a testament to his songwriting chops that existed from the very beginning, providing the band with a gritty, street-level credibility.Finally, we look to 'Deuce,' again from that seminal first record. While not his song, his guitar work on this track is the engine.The talk-box effect intro, the relentless rhythm playing, and the short, fiery solo are a masterclass in rock guitar economy. Every note serves the song, driving it forward with a swagger that defined the band's early sound.Ace Frehley was more than a guitarist; he was an architect of attitude. His playing was never about showing off; it was about feel, about melody, about creating a vibe that was equal parts otherworldly and deeply relatable.He was the everyman rock god, the guy who might accidentally set his hair on fire but would then play a solo that would make you weep. These five songs are his legacy, a collection of moments frozen in vinyl where the Spaceman truly came home.
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Jamie Larson123k2 days ago
wait what i just saw him in an interview the other week this is so sad
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Jamie Lawson123k2 days ago
can't sleep and just found this... reading it with cold gin on the speakers and wow, it hits different at 2 am
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