For the love of rock
Vol III, Issue 3 – Mr. Make Believe (01 Feb 2018)
Name of song– Mr. Make Believe
Singer- Gene Simmons
Album- Gene Simmons
Writer– Gene Simmons
Release year– 1978
Similar artists– Kiss, Alice Cooper, David Lee Roth, Motley Crue, Quiet Riot
Mr. Make Believe
Reviewers- Bikash Shrestha/Nirab Kayastha
KISS is a hard rock band whose fame in the seventies and early eighties remained unparalleled. They have numerous hot numbers to their credits and are well loved by rock fans all over the world. Formed by Paul Stanley (Rhythm guitars/vocals), Gene Simmons (Bass guitars/vocals), Ace Frehley (Lead guitars/vocals) and Pete Criss (Drums/vocals) in New York in 1973, they were an amazing band with incredible hit numbers, extraordinary face painting make ups and elaborate stage shows. In 1978, they were at the commercial peak of their career, with 4 platinum albums just under two years. During this era, they ventured out for something extra-ordinary. All the 4 members released 4 solo albums under the name KISS, with similar album covers, with no artists contributing any to the other. This was perhaps their method of easing the tensions among the members, to showcase their own creativity; or maybe it was a very attractive market ploy. Whatever, all the albums were successful and consolidated KISS’s success further.
“Mr. Make Believe” is a track taken from Gene Simmons’ solo title album. Among the KISS’s solo albums, Ace Freheley’s was the most successful; second in number was Simmons’. This album was little untypical of demonic image of Simmons and consisted of some hard rock, some ballads and some Beatle type melodious numbers, much different than a typical KISS album. Overall, it was a wonderful gift to the fans by Simmons.
“Mr. Make Believe” is a pleasant surprise by Simmons for the fans. Except for the last electric guitar lead portion, it is a pure acoustic ballad. It starts with a nice guitar plucking which will captivate the listener at once. Right afterwards, drums by Allan Schwartzberg joins in which gives a catchy beat to the song. Simultaneously with the drums, Simmons’ vocals start and give life to the song smoothly. Interestingly, the bass guitar by Simmons joins in only after the first chorus of the song. The song is a simple ballad asking for one more chance to the loved one, even if it might require making up. The song is relatively a short one with the main chorus being repeated five- six times. There is also a short attractive violin solo in the middle which blends well with the song till the end, and it makes this song more than just a typical rock ballad. During the last fading part, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter plays electric lead guitar which is another interesting highlight of the song.
Overall, KISS has given the fans numerous rock numbers. But the solo ventures from the band members have also given us numerous gems. And when we consider Simmons’ solo album, believe me, “Mr. Make Believe” is the perfect gem.
Happy listening!!
Mr. Make Believe
This time I’ll try to get it right
Just give me one more chance tonight,
whoa yea I’m tryin’ hard to please you
Would you believe me if I tell you?
Baby won’t you try?
Just one more chance tonight
Mr. Make Believe
Mr. Make Believe
Let me live inside you, please
Mr. Make Believe
Mr. Make Believe
Let me live inside you, please
And when you tell me what you’d like,
oh yea (Oh yea)
You’ll know you’ll never have to fight, whoa no
I’m tryin’ hard to please you(Ooo)
Would you believe me if I tell you?
(Aaa)Baby won’t you try?
Just one more chance tonight
One more chance tonight
Mr. Make Believe (Make Believe)
Mr. Make Believe (Make Believe)
Let me live inside you, please
(Make Believe)(Make Believe)
(Make Believe)(Make Believe)
I’m tryin’ hard to please you(Ooo)
Would you believe me if I tell you? (Aaa)
Baby won’t you try?Just one more chance tonight
One more chance tonight
Mr. Make Believe (Make Believe)
Mr. Make Believe (Make Believe)
Let me live inside you,please
(Make Believe) Ooo,
Mr. Make Believe (Make Believe)
Mr. Make Believe(Make Believe)
Let me live inside you, please, please (Make Believe)
Mr. Make Believe (Make Believe)
Mr. Make Believe (Make Believe)
Let me live inside you, please, please(Make Believe)
Mr. Make Believe (Make Believe)
Mr. Make Believe (Make Believe)
Let me live inside you, please, please (Make Believe)
Mr. Make Believe (Make Believe)
Mr. Make Believe (Make Believe)
Lyrics link
https://www.lyrics.com//lyric/3270694/Gene+Simmons/Mr.+Make+Believe
Resources– Wikipedia.org, Allmusic.com
Youtube video link- https://youtu.be/21KGKGJff90