On this day May 20, 1980, Kiss released their eighth studio album Unmasked. The album marked a noticeable shift in the band’s sound, moving away from hard rock toward a more polished pop rock approach. Despite the stylistic change, Unmasked still resonated with fans and climbed to number 35 on the US Billboard charts.
Internationally, the album performed even better, reaching number 1 in Norway and charting high in several other countries. Featuring tracks like Shandi and Talk to Me, Unmasked showcased the band’s ability to evolve while still delivering anthemic hooks and theatrical flair.
Fun fact: Even though the album was called Unmasked, the band continued to perform in full makeup and would not actually appear without it until 1983.
Internationally, the album performed even better, reaching number 1 in Norway and charting high in several other countries. Featuring tracks like Shandi and Talk to Me, Unmasked showcased the band’s ability to evolve while still delivering anthemic hooks and theatrical flair.
Fun fact: Even though the album was called Unmasked, the band continued to perform in full makeup and would not actually appear without it until 1983.
