Album Review — Ace Frehley

Ace Frehley — Spaceman

Ace Frehley has been in the news quite a bit leading up to the release of his new album, “Spaceman”. Frehley recently fired his entire band that had been with him for many years and hired Gene Simmons’ back up band because they were “hungrier” and cheaper. Frehley also said he would like to tour with Kiss on their upcoming farewell tour for a tidy sum of $100,000 per show. I guess any press is good press when you have a new record coming out.

“Spaceman” is much of what you would expect from Frehley. Even the album title is similar to his previous solo records. Frehley isn’t trying to fool anyone on this record, it’s straight ahead rock, simple and reliable. Lots of guitar, simple lyrics about rocking with the boys and being from the Bronx. There is something to be said about a guy that shoots straight and tells you like it is.

There are two standout tracks for me on this record. Frehley covers “I Wanna Go Back” by Billy Satellite and previously covered by Eddie Money and Gregg Rolie. Frehley puts his own spin on the song but mostly keeps to the original. It works well as the lyrics of longing for the past ring genuine from the former Kiss guitarist.

The album closes with the 6 1/2 minute instrumental “Quantum Flux” which really shows off Frehley’s musicianship. He is an underrated guitar player and the song reminds me of a 70s instrumental that takes you on a journey. To me, “Quantum Flux” tells a better story than the other seven original songs on the record. I wish Ace tried to push the edges a bit more on the record like he does here.

As for the rest of the album, it’s ok. “Without You I’m Nothing” is a pretty good opener and there are parts of other songs that I enjoy. But there’s really nothing new here from Ace in these seven songs. He’s from New York, he likes to rock, he’s not going to take your crap, sexual innuendo, repeat. I feel pretty confident in saying that if you like Ace’s previous solo material you will like this record.

As for me, I’m not sure this record will get too many more spins. “Quantum Flux” and “I Wanna Go Back” will make my Ace playlist, but probably not much else. If Ace decides to put out another record, I’d sure like to see him push the envelope a bit more and try something different.

Overall — 75 out of 100

Track Listing

Without You I’m Nothing *
Rockin’ With the Boys
Your Wish Is My Command
Bronx Boy
Pursuit of Rock and Roll
I Wanna Go Back *
Mission to Mars
Off My Back
Quantum Flux *

*Best Songs