God Gave Rock n' Roll To You

Last night, VH-1 was running a special on KISS. I stopped to watch for awhile because both Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley amuse me in so many ways. I suppose it's good to sit on a musical Dynasty.

One of my favorite KISS songs is "God Gave Rock n' Roll To You II." Originally recorded for the soundtrack of Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, the track is also featured on the 1992 release Revenge.

If you're not familiar, "God Gave Rock n' Roll To You" is an Argent song. In my mind, it's a classic with a great guitar riff and more mellow lyrics. For the most part, KISS kept the legendary riff, but made it a little heavier. Gene and Paul also changed up a lot of the words. I definitely prefer the KISS version, but I respect Argent. If you've never heard the original, take a listen:

Now, here's the KISS version. I'd love to hear this live.

There's something about the KISS video that I really love. It's hard to pinpoint, considering the video isn't complex. Perhaps it's the great shots of Eric Carr playing his heart out while battling cancer. Maybe it's all the water-stomping by Paul Stanley. Whatever the case, it's a personal favorite. The downside is every time I listen to "God Gave Rock n' Roll To You II," it's stuck in my head for days and days.

Now that you've listened to both versions, which do you prefer? The classic rock Argent anthem, or KISS and their glam goodness?

Comments

[lesh]

It's a cover...? Oh dear. I've been lied to my whole life it seems, heh. The original is pretty good though. It doesn't capture that arena-rock essence that the Kiss version conveys in its own light, but it's good for what it is: all glammy and messy, another reason I'm happy that God gave rock and roll to me, so to speak. It's just a damn good song any way you look at it.

[justinjc7]

The Kiss version is one of my favorite songs of all time. it just gets me goin every time

[aXe mAn]

I really like the KISS version. And didn't realize it was a cover!

[Christian Graus]

I don't really like this song that much. I knew it was a cover, but had not heard the original. The mix on the original is a mess, the bass is too loud and the attempts at an intricate bass line just are not working for me. I would still say I like the original better.

Unholy and Domino are the stand out tracks on Revenge for me, and Revenge is definately my favourite KISS a album. If only they hadn't tried first to go grunge and then to cash in on a reunion, who knows what they could have achieved by continuing in that direction ?

And now Gene won't do another KISS album at all. His solo album sucked. The Paul Stanley one was good, tho.

Who else here things Paul is really gay ?

[Kenny Ozz]

wow. I never knew that was a cover song either. I was never really a fan of that song, but it is fun regardless.

[Rhodeislandrock, Heavy Metal Addiction]

KISS is my fave band so I prefer KISS' version.

I hate the song though. Why? Because it's a cover tune. Come up with an original song. REVENGE was a great record, there was no reason to include the cover except for more exposure vs. the soundtrack. I skip it everytime and I get annoyed when they play it live.

BTW< it's Singer on the drums for the recording and Carr in the video. A sad time but a heroic effort for the fans by Eric Carr.....I still miss him in the band.

Steve
Heavy Metal Addiction
http://hardrockheavymetal.wordpress.com/

[Allyson]

Steve is correct. I guess I didn't make that clear about the Singer/Carr difference in the post. I'm pretty sure somewhere that Gene Simmons says the video is a testament to Carr's spirit.

--Allyson

[JOEY SINNER]

BEING A MAJOR KISS FAN I THINK THIS I A GOOD SONG BUT WEAK COMPARED TO OTHER MATERIAL FROM THE REVENGE ERA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!