Dive into the electrifying glam of Kiss's "Turn on the Night" music video, a vibrant snapshot of late 80s rock spectacle.
The Song
"Turn on the Night" is a power ballad featured on Kiss's 1987 album, Crazy Nights. The song was co-written by lead singer Paul Stanley and Diane Warren, a prolific songwriter known for numerous hit ballads. It showcases the band's shift towards a more polished, arena-rock sound that was prevalent in the late 1980s, characterized by prominent synthesizers alongside their signature guitar riffs.
The track is an anthemic ode to escapism and embracing the night, typical of the era's rock romanticism. It was one of three singles released from the Crazy Nights album, alongside the title track and "Reason to Live."
The Artist
Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in 1973 by Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Gene Simmons (vocals, bass). Renowned for their members' face paint and elaborate stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid-1970s with their shocking live performances, which featured fire-breathing, blood-spitting, smoking guitars, pyrotechnics, and levitating drum kits. By the time "Turn on the Night" was released in 1987, Kiss had been performing without their iconic make-up since 1983, a period often referred to as their "unmasked" era. The lineup for the Crazy Nights album and video featured Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Bruce Kulick on lead guitar, and Eric Carr on drums.
Chart Performance
While Crazy Nights was a commercial success for Kiss, reaching number 18 on the Billboard 200 album chart in the U.S. and achieving Platinum status, the single "Turn on the Night" did not chart in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. However, the song did find success in the UK, peaking at No. 41 on the UK Singles Chart in January 1988, contributing to the album's strong performance in that territory. The album itself produced three successful singles in the UK, demonstrating Kiss's continued international appeal during this phase of their career.
Cultural Impact
"Turn on the Night", while not a chart-topping hit in the US, is representative of Kiss's efforts to adapt to the evolving hard rock landscape of the late 1980s. The song and its accompanying video embody the glossy, high-production values common in MTV-era rock, reflecting a band striving for mainstream relevance beyond their initial shock-rock image. It demonstrated their ability to craft radio-friendly anthems while still retaining their rock edge, solidifying their place in the hair metal subgenre even as their classic lineup was unmasked. The album's strong performance, particularly in the UK, reinforced Kiss's global fanbase and enduring legacy.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "Turn on the Night" features Kiss performing on a stylized stage set, interspersed with narrative clips of a young woman experiencing a vibrant, transformative night out, fitting the song's theme.
- The video heavily utilizes special effects common in the late '80s, including smoke machines, dramatic lighting, and quick cuts, to enhance its energetic feel.
- Crazy Nights was the first Kiss album to be recorded using a digital multitrack recorder, contributing to its polished sound.
- The album was produced by Ron Nevison, known for his work with other major rock acts like Heart and Bad Company, which helped shape its accessible, radio-ready sound.
- Despite not wearing their traditional make-up, the band members still sported elaborate hairstyles and flashy costumes in the video, consistent with the glam metal aesthetic of the era.