For My Sunday Song #134, I am going to discuss “Naked City” off the underrated 1980 album ‘Unmasked’ by Kiss. I say underrated now because I have grown to like this album now. I didn’t appreciate it back in the day, but there were some great songs on this album, including this one.
First, the song was written by Gene Simmons, Vini Poncia, Bob Kulick and Pepe Castro. The bass on the song is Gene and the rhythm guitar is Paul, but that is it…no Ace & no Peter. Drums are handled by Anton Fig and actually he did all the drums on the album even though Peter is credited. Lead guitar on the song is Ace Frehley, but it is said that former Kiss bandmate Bruce Kulick’s brother, Bob Kulick played some guitar on the album as well.
The song is more of a pop/rock song and doesn’t have the full edge of the classic Kiss tunes, but it is smoking when it comes to overall tone, groove and Gene’s vocals. Even without all original members, it is still Kiss and it is still fantastic. The song is about New York City (which a lot of their songs are about). The song talks about the fact there are so many people in the city, so many lonely and lost people. It is actually quite a sad, insightful and observant viewpoint of the city.
This album is often overlooked and its a shame as there are some fantastic songs off this one even if the album cover sucks. Give the song a try and let me know what you think and while you are at it, give the album a try as well. Thanks for stopping by and have a Happy Sunday!!
“Naked City”
I’d sacrifice my social position tonight
In New York, millionaires, and lonely people with lonely stares
I’m not lookin’ for pity (in the city) in this naked city (naked city)
This is my flesh and my fantasy
Older women with younger men, I’ve got a feelin’ I’m in trouble again
But I’ve got to live my destinyIn the naked city (in the city) it’s a race with the devil (naked city)
All the pain and the sorrow (in the city) is there more tomorrow (naked city)
In the naked, naked city (in the city) naked city
Lonely people lookin’ for someone, lonely people goin’ their way
Lonely people lookin’ for something, lonely people goin’ their way
In New York, millionaires, lonely people with lonely stares
I’m not lookin’ for love and I’m lost in this night
In the naked city, there are ten million stories
I’m not lookin’ for pity in this naked city
In the naked, naked city (in the city), it’s a race with the devil (naked city)
All the pain and the sorrow (in the city) is there more tomorrow (naked city)
(In the city, naked city) [repeats out]
2 Loud 2 Old Music 
I was only a freshman in high school when this record came out but I remember thinking this is not Peter Criss playing drums. I never really know who it was for years and never would have thought it was Anton Fig from the David Letterman band. The whole bands groove was so different I wonder if other Kiss fans either consciously or unconsciously could feel the difference.
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Good call. I was a little younger and never picked up on it that it wasn’t Peter. I could just tell it was not the same heavier sounding Kiss and too pop for me. I like the album now, but not so much back then.
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Unmasked weirded me out. I liked Torpedo Girl because it was so cheesy but I could never love the whole record
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I didn’t like it as a kid. I have grown to appreciate it as an adult. Some good stuff on there.
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Especially Is That You?
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Brilliant John!
I’ve been working on an Unmasked review for a little bit and BAM, you hit this one out of the park! Thanks Man ..
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Can’t wait for the Unmasked Review. I think it is an underrated album so looking forward to your viewpoint.
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Thanks John…I originally reviewed it under my 3/4’s Filler KISS week.. funny how after how i picked it up a week ago how I totally hear it in another light…
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I get it. It brings a new excitement when you buy it and you throw it on it is totally new again. Happens to me a lot. Nothing like spinning it a new on a new format.
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Admittedly, I’ve never paid much attention to Kiss lyrics – interesting to read this selection
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Kiss lyrics are so deep. With lines such as “Let Me Put My Log in Your Fireplace”, you can’t go wrong!! ha ha
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Haha, they’re almost Shakespearean at times!
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I always liked this album and this is one of my faves from it. Good pick! Didn’t know it was Boaby Kulick on there either!
This song always feels a bit Elder-ish to me actually.
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I would agree with that. I does have a little of that feel to it. Never made that connection.
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Nor me until right this minute haha!
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Great post 😄
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Thanks. Doing these Kiss songs the last few weeks has been fun.
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Hadn’t heard this one before, but I like it. I should be checking out this album then…
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Well, the album his hit or miss. I think Deke just did a review or will have one shortly, I forget which. Too early.
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I listened to yon Hotter Than Hell earlier and liked it despite the shabby production. I’m all for exploring the Kiss catalogue.
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The first three production does suck, but the songs are definitely there. That first one has so many classic songs. I still enjoy pulling those out from time to time.
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I like Destroyer a lot (despite the production).
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Get your facts right. Ace Frehley plays the guitar solo on Naked city and it’s always been him..Bob has stated this many times. If anything, Bob played the fade out solo ending the song which for some reason since Bob passed,this has been mentioned now.Unmasked is a timeless Radio rock album possibly my favorite album and I’ve been a fan since 77 ..
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Thanks Robbie. I am not sure where the heck I read that before because all the sources I use definitely say that Ace does the solo. Thanks for letting me know.
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