The Song Michael Bolton Wrote for Kiss: “Forever

The collaboration between Michael Bolton and the iconic rock band Kiss resulted in the creation of the song “Forever.” This article explores the background, writing process, and success of this unique collaboration.

Collaboration with Paul Stanley

Michael Bolton, known for his powerful vocals and songwriting abilities, teamed up with Paul Stanley, the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Kiss, to write “Forever” [2]. The collaboration between these two renowned musicians brought together their distinct styles and talents, contributing to the creation of a memorable song.

“Forever”: An Unusual Composition for Kiss

“Forever” stood out from Kiss’ typical rock songs with its melodic and ballad-like sound. Departing from their usual hard-hitting style, the band embraced a more sentimental approach with this track. This departure from their musical norm made “Forever” a unique addition to Kiss’ discography, showcasing their versatility as artists.

The Writing Process

Paul Stanley claimed the majority of the songwriting responsibilities for “Forever.” He stated that after an initial writing session with Michael Bolton at the Sunset Marquis hotel, Bolton had very little involvement in the song’s creation. In fact, it wasn’t until the song became a hit that Bolton requested a copy of the lyrics from the Kiss office and began performing it as a song he wrote for the band [3].

Recording and Production

During the recording of “Forever,” Bruce Kulick, a member of Kiss at the time, played bass on the track. This collaboration between the band members added to the overall sound and dynamic of the song. The production process aimed to capture the emotional essence of the composition, contributing to its powerful and heartfelt delivery.

Chart Success

“Forever” achieved significant commercial success for Kiss, particularly in the United States. It became their highest-charting single since 1976, reaching number 8 on the Billboard singles chart. The song resonated with both fans and critics, showcasing Kiss’ ability to create emotionally charged ballads alongside their hard rock anthems. Its success marked a triumphant return to the Top 10 for the band after a decade-long absence.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Michael Bolton and Kiss on the song “Forever” brought together two talented musicians from different musical backgrounds. The unique composition and emotional delivery of the song set it apart from Kiss’ typical repertoire, making it a standout track in their discography. “Forever” achieved chart success and solidified its place as a beloved song among fans. This collaboration serves as a testament to the artistic growth and versatility of both Michael Bolton and Kiss.

Sources:

[2] http://www.kissmonster.com/song_stories/song_stories_hits_07.php

[3] https://ultimateclassicrock.com/kiss-forever/



Note: The information provided in this article has been sourced from reputable publications and websites to ensure accuracy and credibility.

FAQs

Which song did Michael Bolton write for Kiss?

Answer: Michael Bolton co-wrote the song “Forever” for Kiss.

Who collaborated with Michael Bolton on the song “Forever”?

Answer: Paul Stanley, the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Kiss, collaborated with Michael Bolton on the song “Forever.”

How does “Forever” differ from Kiss’ typical rock songs?

Answer: “Forever” stands out from Kiss’ typical rock songs with its melodic and ballad-like sound, showcasing a departure from the band’s usual hard-hitting style.

What was the extent of Michael Bolton’s involvement in the writing process of “Forever”?



Answer: According to Paul Stanley, the majority of the songwriting responsibilities for “Forever” were taken on by him, with Michael Bolton having limited involvement in the creation of the song.

Who played bass on the recording of “Forever”?

Answer: Bruce Kulick, a member of Kiss at the time, played bass on the recording of “Forever.”

How successful was “Forever” for Kiss?

Answer: “Forever” achieved significant commercial success for Kiss, becoming their highest-charting single since 1976 and reaching number 8 on the Billboard singles chart.

How was “Forever” received by fans and critics?

Answer: “Forever” resonated positively with both fans and critics, showcasing Kiss’ ability to deliver emotionally charged ballads alongside their hard rock anthems.

What is the significance of the collaboration between Michael Bolton and Kiss on “Forever”?



Answer: The collaboration between Michael Bolton and Kiss on “Forever” brought together two talented musicians from different musical backgrounds, resulting in a standout track that showcases the artistic growth and versatility of both artists.