Out of Control cover

Out of Control

Peter Criss · 1980

38 min · 10 tracks · rock music

A vibrant blend of rock and pop infused with heartfelt ballads and anthemic choruses that showcase Criss's vocal prowess.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Found Love — This track underscores Criss's ability to deliver emotive performances, blending rock with a tender lyrical narrative about love and longing.
  • →
    You Better Run — As one of the standout tracks, it features driving rhythms and catchy hooks that highlight Criss's rock roots while achieving commercial recognition.
  • →
    Feel Like Letting Go — The song captures a moment of vulnerability and introspection, showcasing Criss’s range as both a vocalist and songwriter amidst an engaging arrangement.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

38 /100
Lowland
Higher than 0% of albums we've rated

The album features varied tempos and strong vocal harmonies but lacks standout compositions and cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a consistent pace for the first half, before shifting to more varied tempos in the latter half.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, which emphasize Criss's vocal range and emotional delivery.
  • The last three tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the more upbeat earlier songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
5/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
4/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • brief bursts of catchy anthems
  • heartfelt ballads for reflective moments
  • upbeat tracks for energetic vibes
  • sing-along choruses with friends
  • quick tempo for lively drives

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive albums
  • want heavy, complex arrangements

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on September 1, 1980, Out of Control was Peter Criss's second solo album, following his self-titled debut in 1978. At this stage, Criss was navigating the complexities of his identity outside of KISS, attempting to carve a distinct path while balancing the expectations from his previous success with the band.
Stylistic neighbors
Ace Frehley· Alice Cooper· Ted Nugent

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 By Myself 3:36
  • 2 In Trouble Again 3:22
  • 3 Where Will They Run 3:54
  • 4 I Found Love 3:30
  • 5 There’s Nothing Better 3:34
  • 6 Out of Control 4:03
  • 7 Words 4:44
  • 8 You Better Run 2:42
  • 9 My Life 3:42
  • 10 Feel Like Letting Go 5:11

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata