Is Alive II a good place to start with Kiss?

Yes, Alive II is recommended as a starting point for new Kiss listeners. A high-octane live album that captures the electrifying energy of Kiss's arena rock performances with anthemic choruses and flamboyant theatrics. Released on October 14, 1977, Alive II followed the band's groundbreaking live album Alive! from 1975, which had catapulted them to fame. At this point in their career, Kiss was solidifying their status as rock icons, showcasing their theatrical stage presence and powerful sound to a growing fan base.

Alive II works well if you're into high-energy party atmosphere, explosive sing-along moments and dynamic peaks and valleys.

How many songs are on Alive II?

Alive II has 20 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.

Released 49 years ago this October

Alive II

Kiss · 1977

71 min · 20 tracks · hard rock

A high-octane live album that captures the electrifying energy of Kiss's arena rock performances with anthemic choruses and flamboyant theatrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Detroit Rock City Start here — This track opens the album with a pulsating energy that epitomizes Kiss's signature sound and connects deeply with their fanbase's love for rock anthems.
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Beth — As a poignant ballad amidst the hard rock chaos, this track showcases a softer side of the band, revealing their versatility and appeal beyond just heavy riffs.
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Love Gun — An enduring classic that blends catchy hooks with vibrant guitar work, encapsulating the band's larger-than-life persona and crowd-pleasing essence.
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Shout It Out Loud — The rallying chorus and infectious rhythm make it a quintessential live anthem, perfectly capturing the spirit of Kiss's energetic concerts.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Alive II captures Kiss's live energy but lacks the cohesion of a fully realized studio album.

What we noticed

Several tracks include extended guitar solos and audience interaction, emphasizing the band's theatrical stage presence.
The running order alternates between well-known anthems and deeper cuts, maintaining a consistent energy level throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

high-energy party atmosphere
explosive sing-along moments
dynamic peaks and valleys
celebratory anthem-filled experience
for late-night excitement

Maybe skip if you

prefer mellow, subdued sounds
seek intricate, slow builds

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Follow-up to the successful 'Alive!' solidifying Kiss's fame and appeal.
Themes: arena rock spectacle· Detroit's nightlife· theatrical performances
Moods: Energetic· Anthemic
Career context: Released on October 14, 1977, Alive II followed the band's groundbreaking live album Alive! from 1975, which had catapulted them to fame. At this point in their career, Kiss was solidifying their status as rock icons, showcasing their theatrical stage presence and powerful sound to a growing fan base.
Stylistic neighbors: Aerosmith· Motörhead· Def Leppard