Lick It Up

"Lick It Up" is the eleventh studio album by American rock band Kiss, released in 1983. This album marked a significant turning point for the band, as it was the first to feature the members without their iconic make-up. Their appearance on MTV promoting the album was a bold move that signified a new era for Kiss.

Lick It Up was also the band's first release under Mercury Records, following their departure from Casablanca Records. The album received positive reviews and was commercially successful, achieving platinum status from the RIAA for selling over a million copies in the U.S. Notable tracks include the title song "Lick It Up," which became a fan favorite and showcased the band's hard rock sound during this transitional phase.

After wrapping up the Creatures of the Night Tour in June, Kiss quickly returned to the studio to work on Lick It Up, recording the album over the next two months. This release continued the harder sound established on Creatures of the Night, showcasing the band's evolution.

Vinnie Vincent, who had previously contributed lead guitar as a session player, was now officially recognized as the band's guitarist and played all the lead guitar on Lick It Up. For the first time, he appeared on the album's cover, replacing Ace Frehley, who had left the band and was not involved in the new recordings. The opening track, co-written by Vincent, features a notable solo by Rick Derringer.

The singles "Lick It Up" and "All Hell's Breakin' Loose" were supported by playful, tongue-in-cheek music videos set in desolate, post-apocalyptic landscapes, featuring the band alongside scantily clad women. "All Hell's Breakin' Loose" is particularly significant as one of only three songs credited to all four current members at the time, a testament to their collaborative spirit during this period.