Peter's first solo album came out in 1978 along with the other three member's solo albums. Although receiving major play for the retro rock n roll tune "Tossin' and Turnin'", the album was the least favorite of the four, in large part because it strayed away from the 'Kiss sound' and focused on the slower, more chill sounds that Criss favored. Criss grew up listening to crooners such as Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra. Said facts were a sign of how the four band members had significantly drifted apart, as Criss' vision differed greatly from his associates.
In 1979, KISS released 'Dynasty'. Criss's only contribution to the album was the track "Dirty Livin'", which featured him on lead vocals. Kiss used a session drummer, the famous Anton Fig, for the rest of the album. Although Criss' aforementioned tune received kudos, the end of his role in the band was clearly coming. Despite materialistic success, his personal life also appeared in turmoil.
Criss left Kiss in 1980, with the drug and alcohol abuse plaguing his life as well as musical differences coming to a head. He started a solo career that led to sporadic touring and three additional studio releases. Some of those releases received some critical praise, such as the appropriately titled 'Let Me Rock You' (compared by Allmusic to "catnip" for the ears) that featured help from no less than Kiss' Gene Simmons.
Yet Criss had many demons to deal with. Even though Criss was featured on the 'Unmasked' album cover, he did not play a single beat on the album. The band replaced him with musician Eric Carr. Tragedy struck when Carr passed away from cancer-related complications on November 24, 1991. Kiss as a very idea, let alone a band, appeared in jeopardy. Though the group brought in Eric Singer to replace Carr, their commercial and critical fortunes had waned much from their 70s heyday.
In 1995, Criss was asked to sing with Kiss (then made up of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Bruce Kulick, and Singer) at a Kiss Convention which ignited a spark of the idea of a reunion of the four original members. He sang "Hard Luck Woman" and "Nothin' to Lose." Later on that year, Criss joined Kiss and Ace Frehley for an acoustic session for MTV's Unplugged Series. He sang and played four songs: "Beth", "2,000 Man", "Nothin' to Lose", and "Rock and Roll All Nite".
This was the "icing on the cake" because, a year later, Criss, Frehley, Stanley, and Simmons donned the war paint (which Kiss hadn't worn since 1983) and put their larger than life boots back on for a Reunion Tour, which was the biggest tour in the world at the time. Criss was ecstatic to play with Kiss again. Criss and the others released 'Psycho Circus' in 1998. Like in the past, Criss and Frehley were credited on the album, but session drummers were used for most of the album. Criss sang the Beth-esque track "I Finally Found my Way", written by Paul Stanley.
Two years later, in 2000-2001, Kiss announced their Farewell Tour, which also became a huge series of events. About 3/4 into the tour, Criss was becoming unhappy with his salary and he was also tired of playing two hour shows every night. On the night Kiss played Trenton, New Jersey, Criss had a "tear" pasted on his face. Many people say this was a sign that Criss wasn't coming back because for the next show, Kiss had to bring back Eric Singer, who put on the 'Cat Man' make-up and finished the tour (since Simmons and Stanley owned the make-up designs, Criss couldn't stop them).
Kiss was silent in 2002, but then, in 2003, Kiss planned a once in a life-time concert event with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Criss was back behind the skins (some say they needed him to sing "Black Diamond" and "Beth", which were symphony worthy). Criss then stayed with Kiss to play on the World Dominination Tour along side Aerosmith (since the set was 80 minutes, Criss had an easier time playing). After the tour, Criss called it quits again, but on far better terms than in the old days.
On April 11, 2014, Kiss was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Earning an enthusiastic audience response when they appeared, the original band members reunited once again. Though the rockers did not perform, they all showed up in person to accept their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame during the 29th annual induction ceremony and thanked their fans.
What a Difference a Day Makes
Peter Criss Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Twenty four little hours
Brought the sun and the flowers
Where there used to be rain
My yesterday was blue, dear
Today I'm a part of you, dear
My lonely nights are through, dear
And what a difference a day makes
There's a rainbow before me
Skies above can't be stormy
Since that moment of bliss, that thrilling kiss
And it's heaven when you find romance on your menu
What a difference a day makes
And the difference is you
What a difference a day makes
There's a rainbow before me
Skies above can't be stormy
Since that moment of bliss, that thrilling kiss
And it's heaven when you find romance on your menu
What a difference a day makes
And the difference is you
In Peter Criss's song "What A Difference A Day Makes," the lyrics describe the transformation that has occurred in the singer's life since meeting the person he loves. The opening lines suggest that in just one day, everything has changed for him. The sun has come out and the flowers are in bloom, symbolizing a newfound happiness and joy that he did not have before. In contrast to his blue yesterday, he now feels like a part of his partner and his loneliness has ended. He acknowledges that it was only since his partner said they were his that all of this became possible.
The song's chorus repeats the idea that just one day made all the difference in the world. For the singer, it brought a rainbow and clear skies, signifying the end of any problems or obstacles that may have previously hindered him. The line "and it's heaven when you find romance on your menu" suggests that finding love has brought him to a different kind of level of existence, one where he can experience pure bliss and joy. The final line "and the difference is you" solidifies that it was his partner who brought him this happiness, and that without them, his life would not be the same.
Line by Line Meaning
What a difference a day makes
The change from yesterday to today is significant
Twenty four little hours
The difference occurred in a very short period of time
Brought the sun and the flowers
The change was positive and brought happiness
Where there used to be rain
The previous situation was unhappy and negative
My yesterday was blue, dear
I was unhappy and feeling down yesterday
Today I'm a part of you, dear
Since we have come together today, I feel happy and fulfilled
My lonely nights are through, dear
I no longer feel alone and unhappy at night since being with you
Since you said you were mine
This change occurred because we have committed to each other in a relationship
There's a rainbow before me
The future is bright and full of hope
Skies above can't be stormy
There will no longer be difficulties or struggles
Since that moment of bliss, that thrilling kiss
The shift began with a special, joyful moment we shared
And it's heaven when you find romance on your menu
Experiencing love and affection is a uniquely pleasurable experience
And the difference is you
Our relationship and connection is the cause of this positive shift
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MARIA GREVER, STANLEY ADAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sagafoo
I love this version of the song. Long Live Peter Criss
WilliamT1964
In all fairness, while I agree that One For All is Peter's WORST effort, vocally, I think he did a very respectable job singing (and playing) this. Would love to hear Peter try an all jazz standards album. Couldn't be any worse than Rod Stewart, if he had the right producer, AND someone to help him keep his singing in tune.
רוברט ויינגר
This is peter criss at his best
KissU2345
Tremendous!
Eike Menzel
I like the whole Album of i think of his 👋
I do not want to loose him and yes - he‘s the one and only Catman!
So please do not mess hin with his younger Ego - He had given the Cat to Eric and this is how Peter sounds today, for Mr. Criss ist is his ‚thing‘ today and that‘s okay 👌
Brilliant Version of this Jazz-Standart, 6 of 7 Points!
BillyBox
GREAT
marslennon1
Haha, pete crooning his meows again! You musn't listen to him like he's some kind of sinatra. Remember, he's catman and cats probably sing out of tune all the time or are just lucky to hit the coincidental 'right' note, that's the charm of it i guess. Sounds very theatrical to me. He has this dramatic nostalgic flavour all over him.. MEOW!!!!! :)
HIPPIESOUL GARDEN
Great post, I laughed and smiled! You know and understand Pete pretty well...
steviebrockstar
I like this..
J
Nice