Kiss’ songs are usually classic rock tracks, not ballads or disco tracks. Despite this, Kiss’ ballad “Beth” and its disco track “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” were both hit songs. Original Kiss member Ace Frehley revealed he likes the former but not the latter, even though he sees a similarity between them.
Ace Frehley said this Kiss song was good for the band’s live shows
Kiss became known mostly for its brand of over the top hard rock. Despite this, many people seemed to connect to Kiss’ “Beth,” a gentle ballad about a troubled relationship. In his book No Regrets, Frehley said “Beth” became a crossover song that appealed to people who weren’t interested in Kiss. Over the years, Frehley grew to embrace the song, partly because it was so distinct from the rest of the band’s songs.
Frehley liked that a song co-written by fellow Kiss member Peter Criss became so popular. “I saw it as a good song that deserved to be a hit,” Frehley said. “I was happy for Peter. And it was good for the live show, too — gave it some variety and changed the pace.”
Why Ace Frehley hated playing ‘I Was Made For Lovin’ You’ live
Frehley compared “Beth” to “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.” “It was a bridge — in much the same way that ‘I Was Made for Lovin’ You’ would make Kiss accessible to fans of disco a few years later,” he wrote.
Subsequently, Frehley said one song pales in comparison to the other. “The difference, of course, is that the years have been kind to ‘Beth,’” he opined. “The song holds up very well. ‘I Was Made for Lovin’ You?’ Not so much, in my humble opinion.”
Frehley went on to explain why he dislikes “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.” “Yeah, it became a hit single and I could appreciate the polish behind it, but I never liked the song and frankly hated playing it live — hammering that chucka-chucka-chucka chord for five minutes straight was not only monotonous, but often gave me a cramp in my wrist,” he revealed. “‘Beth’ was different.”
The way the public reacted to Kiss’ ‘Beth’ and ‘I Was Made for Lovin’ You’
“Beth” was different to the public as well. When Kiss released a double A-side of “Beth” and “Detroit Rock City,” the songs reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the chart for 21 weeks. No other Kiss song charted as highly in the United States.
“I Was Made for Lovin’ You” became a hit; however, it wasn’t as successful as “Beth.” “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for 16 weeks. In conclusion, Frehley had vastly different opinions of “Beth” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” both songs seemed to connect with audiences.
Source: Read Full Article
