Argent vs. KISS

Which band did "God Gave Rock and Roll To You" better? The song was written and recorded by Argent in the early 70s. It's a great track from a great band (they were formed out of The Zombies, after all!)

Argent - God Gave Rock and Roll to You (1973) from Henry Vandervildner on Vimeo.

In the early 90s (no makeup era!) KISS took the song and modified the lyrics and thus changed the title a little to "God Gave Rock n' Roll To You II." It happens to be one of my favorite KISS tracks and it features Eric Carr, too.

I think the brilliance of the song is the melody - the underlying music. So I give another point to Argent here... but I do like KISS' modified lyrics and Carr's contribution on backing vocals (he was dying and too sick to play the drums on the track).

For this really pressing Friday question - which do you prefer? Argent or KISS?

Kiss - God Gave Rock And Roll To You II (1991) from Raul Parez Roldan on Vimeo.

Comments

[Jeff]

Kiss wins this round

[stu]

argent.

[Him]

Petra . . . not even close! I kid. But they did cover it. Is it odd to admit I saw them once?

The win actually goes to ear-worm maker Russ Ballard (yes. of Argent). Dude knew.knows how to pen a tune.

Besides, these versions of the song are like night and day. Both good. But also a product of their times.

More importantly, RIP Carr.

[Mr Peterson]

I’m going to hold my head up and say Argent

[Him]

Mr. Peterson, I would never suppose you to be a woman, but I do hope you also hold your head high!

Besides, that is a better song overall!

[fletch]

Really Gene? Howard asked who did that to you. Paul wouldn't respond. You said, "Argent".

I was like, who? Seriously, Argent? That's funny.

Sorry argent.

[Metalboy!]

PETRA!!!

Yes, HIM!!!

So, I got:

1) Argent (usually go with the original unless there’s a huge improvement with a cover).
2) Petra (a little more rockin’ than Kiss’ version)
3) Kiss (Still, pretty damn good!)