• Destroyer (1976) – Notable Songs: “Detroit Rock City,” “Beth,” “Shout It Out Loud”, Known for its production quality and commercial success.
• Alive! (1975) – Notable Songs: “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Deuce,” “Strutter”.  Although a live album, it played a significant role in the band’s popularity, often considered one of the greatest live albums in rock history.
• Love Gun (1977) – Notable Songs: “Love Gun,” “Christine Sixteen,” “Shock Me”.  One of the band’s best-selling albums.
• KISS (1974) – Notable Songs: “Strutter,” “Deuce,” “Black Diamond”.  Their debut album that helped establish their early sound and image.
• Rock and Roll Over (1976) – Notable Songs: “Hard Luck Woman,” “Calling Dr. Love,”. “I Want You” Maintained their popularity with strong singles and fan favorites.

1. Destroyer (1976)

“Destroyer” released in 1976, is a cornerstone in the band’s discography. Produced by Bob Ezrin, this album marked a significant evolution in KISS’s sound and production quality. Featuring iconic tracks like “Detroit Rock City” and the ballad “Beth,” “Destroyer” propelled KISS to new heights of commercial success. The album’s elaborate production, including orchestral arrangements and sound effects, showcased a more sophisticated approach compared to their earlier work. “Destroyer” solidified KISS’s reputation not just as a dynamic live act, but as studio innovators as well.

The album’s success was bolstered by the enduring popularity of “Beth,” which became one of the band’s highest-charting singles. “Destroyer” received critical acclaim and has been certified double platinum, affirming its lasting impact on rock music. The album remains a fan favorite and is often cited as essential listening for anyone exploring KISS’s extensive catalog. This 1976 release is pivotal in understanding the band’s influence on the rock genre.

2. Alive! (1975)

The 1975 live album “Alive!” catapulted the face-painted rock band to superstardom, capturing their electrifying stage presence and energetic performances. Recorded during their 1975 tour, the double LP showcased KISS’s raw power and theatrical showmanship, which had been missing from their studio recordings. The album features amped-up versions of songs from their first three studio albums, including fan favorites like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Deuce.”

“Alive!” became KISS’s commercial breakthrough, reaching number nine on the Billboard 200 and achieving quadruple platinum status. It revitalized the band’s career, establishing them as one of the most exciting live acts in rock music. The album’s success paved the way for KISS’s merchandise empire and cult-like following. Critics praised the album’s ability to convey the excitement of a KISS concert, though some controversy arose over allegations of studio overdubs. Regardless, “Alive!” remains a cornerstone of KISS’s discography and a quintessential live rock album of the 1970s.

3. Love Gun (1977)

“Love Gun,” released in 1977, marked a high point in the band’s commercial success and artistic output. The album showcased KISS at the peak of their powers, featuring some of their most iconic songs and polished production. “Love Gun” continued the band’s streak of platinum records, reaching number four on the Billboard 200 chart.

The album’s title track became an instant KISS classic, with its catchy chorus and driving guitar riffs. Other standout tracks included Ace Frehley’s “Shock Me,” marking his debut as a lead vocalist for the band. “Love Gun” also featured the hit single “Christine Sixteen” and the fan-favorite “I Stole Your Love.”

Produced by Eddie Kramer, the album captured KISS’s signature blend of hard rock, glam, and theatricality. “Love Gun” was released during the height of KISS mania, accompanied by a massive merchandising campaign and sold-out arena tours. It remains a fan favorite and a definitive album in KISS’s extensive catalog, representing the band’s commercial and creative zenith in the 1970s.

4. KISS (1974)

KISS’s self-titled debut album, released in 1974, introduced the world to the iconic face-painted rock band. The album showcased the group’s raw energy and theatrical style, setting the foundation for their future success. Produced by Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise, “KISS” blended hard rock riffs with catchy melodies and provocative lyrics.

While the album initially received mixed reviews and modest sales, it contained several songs that would become KISS classics and staples of their live shows. The opening track, “Strutter,” exemplified the band’s swagger and became an instant fan favorite. Other standout tracks included “Firehouse” and “Black Diamond.”

The album’s cover art, featuring the four band members in their iconic makeup and costumes, became one of rock’s most recognizable images. Although “KISS” didn’t achieve immediate commercial success, it laid the groundwork for the band’s future rise to stardom. The album’s blend of hard rock, glam, and theatricality would define KISS’s sound and image for years to come, making it a crucial part of their discography and rock history.

5. Rock and Roll Over (1976)

“Rock and Roll Over,” released in 1976, continued the band’s streak of commercial success and solidified their status as rock superstars. Produced by Eddie Kramer, the album featured a more stripped-down, harder-edged sound than its predecessor, “Destroyer.” “Rock and Roll Over” reached number eleven on the Billboard 200 chart and achieved platinum status.

The album spawned two hit singles: “Hard Luck Woman,” a Paul Stanley-penned ballad with Peter Criss on lead vocals, and “Calling Dr. Love,” a Gene Simmons-led rocker that became a KISS concert staple. Other notable tracks showcased the band’s signature mix of hard rock anthems and catchy hooks.

“Rock and Roll Over” demonstrated KISS’s ability to evolve their sound while maintaining their core appeal. The album’s cover art, featuring a circular design by Michael Doret, became one of the band’s most recognizable images. Released during the height of KISS mania, “Rock and Roll Over” further cemented the group’s place in 1970s rock music, appealing to both die-hard fans and casual listeners alike.