Kiss - Animalize

Animalize is the sound of Kiss sharpening its claws for the mid-eighties, a heavier, hungrier record cut during one of the most turbulent stretches in the band's history.

Released in 1984, the second album of their unmasked era was produced by Paul Stanley, who took the reins while Gene Simmons was largely busy with acting work. It is also the only Kiss album to feature lead guitarist Mark St. John, whose flashy, shred-heavy style gave the songs a sharper edge, with future member Bruce Kulick quietly lending a hand on a couple of tracks.

"Heaven's on Fire", co-written with Desmond Child, became the album's signature hit, its strutting riff and Stanley's playful vocal tailor-made for MTV. "Thrills in the Night" adds a slick melodic touch, "I've Had Enough (Into the Fire)" runs on pure adrenaline, and "Under the Gun" barrels along at a ferocious clip.

Eric Carr's thunderous drumming keeps the whole thing pounding, and the album went platinum in the US, proof that Kiss could thrive without the greasepaint.

For fans of the band's unmasked years, it remains one of the most aggressive and enjoyable records in the catalogue, the moment Stanley proved he could steer the ship and still bring the noise.