Pitchfork

As a fan growing up, I never owned this album. I didn't know how bad it was and, sadly, I wish I could have remained in those gorgeous shadows for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, I listened to Unmasked and became a much sadder man for the experience.

Why so bad? Well, bringing Vini Poncia (producer of Dynasty) back for another go-round wasn't so bright. Maybe he was an out of work in-law. Sure, you get him a gig as a roadie and you keep him away from the console. But no, this clown had to have a finger in the pie and together you created the single nobody bought, "Shandi."

When this first stumbled out of my speakers, I began to wonder why I was listening to a hit for the next Journey reunion in 2006. The whole album suffers from the same coating of pop and begins to feel less like Kiss and more an more like a car full of guys who won't pull over and ask for directions back to rock and roll.

Yours truly,