When you think of Kiss, images of painted faces, bombastic stage performances, and arena rock come to mind. Their catalog includes timeless hits like "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Detroit Rock City," songs that have defined the heavier side of rock ‘n’ roll. Meanwhile, the name Bryan Adams evokes a more melodic, romantic rock with hits like "Summer of '69" and "Heaven." Most people would claim that these two artists represent completely different sides of rock music. So how is it that Bryan Adams is one of the three songwriters behind Kiss' hard and aggressive song "War Machine"?
It's a question that surprises many and sheds light on the versatility often hidden behind the scenes in the music industry. Bryan Adams, the Canadian rock singer synonymous with ballads and radio-friendly rock, played a part in creating one of Kiss' heaviest and most aggressive tracks. What makes this discovery even more fascinating is that Adams recently released his own version of "War Machine," allowing us to hear his vision for the song—a version that carries his signature but retains the original intensity. This article takes a closer look at the unexpected connection between Bryan Adams and Kiss and explores what this collaboration reveals about both Adams and the songwriting process as a whole.
The Background to "War Machine"
To understand this unexpected link, we need to go back to the early 1980s. Kiss had just released some of their most popular albums but had begun experimenting with a harder, darker sound that would become more evident on their 1982 album Creatures of the Night. The album marked a new direction for the band, both musically and visually, as they attempted to regain fans who might have hesitated after their more pop-infused attempts on albums like Dynasty (1979).
"War Machine" is one of the most aggressive tracks on Creatures of the Night, with heavy guitar riffs and a dark, menacing tone. It stands in stark contrast to much of what Bryan Adams is known for. So what was Adams doing in this musical world?
At the time, Bryan Adams was working closely with songwriter and producer Jim Vallance. Vallance, who had racked up a string of successful collaborations with artists like Aerosmith and Ozzy Osbourne, was no stranger to the heavier side of rock. It was Vallance who introduced Adams to the work with Kiss. Together with Kiss bassist Gene Simmons and the legendary producer Michael James Jackson, they wrote songs for Creatures of the Night, and one of these collaborations resulted in "War Machine."
Adams' Involvement
It’s easy to assume that Bryan Adams simply stumbled into this session, but in fact, his involvement in "War Machine" is more than just a footnote in the song's history. Jim Vallance described Adams as an important creative force during the process. Together with Simmons and Vallance, he helped shape the song's structure and contributed to both lyrics and melodic elements.
What makes "War Machine" particularly remarkable is that it retains Kiss' hard, masculine sound while also carrying traces of Adams' and Vallance's songwriting style. It is an example of how skilled songwriters can adapt to different genres and artists without losing their identity. Adams and Vallance showed with this song that they could create music far from the radio-friendly rock for which Adams would later become known.
From Songwriter to Artist
The fact that Bryan Adams has released his own version of "War Machine" nearly four decades later gives us a unique chance to hear the song from his own perspective. Adams' version is interesting because it combines the raw energy of the original with his more melodic touch. The guitars are still heavy, but they carry a more polished, less aggressive tone than Kiss' version.
This is not the first time a songwriter has reclaimed a song they originally wrote for another artist. It happens relatively often in the music industry. But what makes this special is the clear contrast between the two versions. Kiss' version is a bombastic, almost militaristic march through a sonic landscape of distorted guitars and thunderous drums. Adams' version, while still powerful, has a more restrained feeling, showcasing his ability to transform even the most hard-hitting songs into something that fits his own style.
The Unexpected Success of Unexpected Collaborations
Adams and Kiss’ collaboration is a prime example of how unexpected partnerships can lead to new and successful outcomes. In any business or project, it's often when you dare to think differently and open doors for creative people—regardless of their background or specialization—that the most memorable and innovative results are born. This happens all the time in the music industry—artists and songwriters from diverse experiences and styles come together and create something that no one could have anticipated.
In business, project management, or any creative endeavor, this phenomenon is just as true. Often, companies look for people with similar experience or expertise when building a team. But it’s precisely these unexpected collaborations that can open up new ways of thinking and solutions that otherwise wouldn't have been possible. Taking a risk to recruit or collaborate with individuals from different backgrounds—who on paper might seem wrong for the task—can result in extraordinary achievements and innovations.
The example of Bryan Adams and Kiss illustrates this perfectly. Kiss and Adams are two artists with different sounds, different images, and different fan bases. But when they worked together, they created something unique—a song that added something new to both their careers. Kiss got a tough, epic song for their album, while Bryan Adams proved he had the ability to write music far beyond his own comfort zone.
Conclusion: Creativity Without Borders
Bryan Adams' collaboration with Kiss on "War Machine" is an unexpected but fascinating part of his career. It’s a testament to the fact that a skilled songwriter can work in any genre, and that music often arises from the most unexpected partnerships. With his newly released version of the song, Adams reminds us that he’s not just a hitmaker of ballads but also a multifaceted artist ready to push musical boundaries.
Similarly, in business and organizations, there is value in inviting unexpected voices and giving creative people the opportunity to explore their ideas, even if they don’t neatly fit into traditional project frameworks. When you dare to think differently and create platforms where unexpected collaborations can thrive, you open the doors to success.
"War Machine" KISS
Kiss is a band associated with hard rock, explosive stage shows and their iconic makeup. But sometimes surprising stories hide behind their heaviest songs. A perfect example is the song "War Machine" from the album Creatures of the Night (1982). With its dark, powerful riff, it quickly became a fan favorite and is still a staple of the band's live shows today. What is less known, however, is that one of the song's co-writers is none other than Bryan Adams – an artist who was then on his way to becoming a name in more melodic rock. This unexpected connection between Kiss and Adams gives a new dimension to how the song came about and how musical worlds sometimes collide in the most fascinating ways.
By Chris...
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