Ace Frehley – “Anomaly (Deluxe)” [Album Review]

Over the last 10 years, Ace Frehley has been busy. The original KISS lead guitarist, who has gone on to have the most successful solo career out of all the band’s members, has released three albums and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside his former cohorts in 2014.

Since first putting out Anomaly in 2009, the 66-year-old has released Space Invader (2014) and Origins, Vol. 1 (2016) – and has also penned a best-selling autobiography, 2012’s No Regrets. Now ‘Space Ace’ is back with an extended version of Anomaly which features three extra bonus tracks.

With its excellent guitar work – especially on the solo – “Foxy & Free” is a fun opener. Ace’s singing voice, while not melodically outstanding, does suit the nature of the track. Next up is “Outer Space” which begins with a down ‘n’ dirty groove, leading to an explosive chorus.

The insanely catchy “Fox on the Run” is a well-chosen cover of the old Sweet song, while “Genghis Kahn” is another tune with a great riff, though it is a bit long at over six minutes. The reflective “Change the World” offers a touching deviation from all the heavy rock.

“Alcohol was a friend of mine, it almost got me dead,” croons the star on the unflinchingly honest and uplifting “A Little Below the Angels.” Of the three bonus tracks, “Hard for Me,” “Pain in the Neck” and “Return of the Space Bear,” “Hard for Me” is the standout.

Anomaly (Deluxe) is a good album, but not great, and for anyone who owns the original, I wouldn’t say it’s worth buying this just for the three extra tracks.

Anomaly (Deluxe) Track Listing:

01. Foxy & Free
02. Outer Space
03. Pain in the Neck
04. Fox on the Run
05. Genghis Kahn
06. Too Many Faces
07. Change the World
08. Space Bear (Extended)
09. A Little Below the Angels
10. Sister
11. It’s A Great Life
12. Fractured Quantum
13. Hard for Me (Bonus)
14. Pain in the Neck (Bonus – Slower Version)
15. Return of the Space Bear (Bonus)

Run Time: 68:55
Release Date: October 6, 2017

Go on, check out the song “Hard For Me”