Of all KISS members to leave the band, Ace is without question the most commercially successful. His first solo project in ’78 was clearly the best selling of the four band members’ solo albums. And was easily the strongest. So when he returned with his first post KISS band, ‘Frehley’s Comet.’ People were ready. The first album did well. Powered by the hit ‘Rock Soldiers.’ So naturally the record company wanted a quick follow up. Which they would get with ‘Second Sighting.’
I think the ‘Frehley’s Comet’ albums threw fans off. His ’78 solo album was steeped in hard rock edge and heaviness. So when he opted to do a more ‘pop’ oriented sound, people were confused. The first album certainly had more pop metal orientations. But there were still many moments of the ‘street’ style of Ace. While the follow up, ‘Second Sighting’ is almost completely devoid of that. Not that there aren’t any solid moments. There’s some damn good songs on the album. Just not what one may expect from the Space-Ace.
‘Time Ain’t Runnin’ Out’ is a super overlooked 80’s rock song. With Tod Howarth lending his excellent vocal attack. ‘Dancin’ With Danger’ really mixes synths and classic hard rock well. Even if the song is a bit over produced. ‘It’s Over Now’ is actually a pretty epic freakin’ ballad. Yeah, cheesy. But it’s still really well written. As catchy as ‘Loser In A Fight’ is. It’s also one of the corniest songs that could ever be produced. But hey, it was 1988, what are ya gonna do? ‘Juvenile Deliquent’ is just as bad. But it does have a considerable amount of Ace swag going on.
‘Fallen Angel’ is somewhat of a filler. Pretty generic. But again, not too bad by any means. ‘Separate’ is one of the first tracks written for the album. And it truly kicks ass. However, the studio version is lacking a certain punch. But it can found in the live version. Full on pocket hard rock. ‘New Kind of Lover’ isn’t anything particularly special. But the closing ‘The Acorn Is Spinning’ may be one of the most overlooked tracks in all of Ace Frehley’s storied career. He usually closes his albums out with an instrumental. And this one is pure fire. And no one ever talks about it. Truly a lost gem.
Upon its release, ‘Second Sighting’ did not perform up to expectations. And Frehley’s Comet was disbanded after a short tour. Ace would come back however with ‘Trouble Walkin’.’ Which is still to this day his strongest effort besides the ’78 solo album. But for the time being, he would have to settle on a mediocre album.
