Although the movie "Detroit Rock City" is about 4 guys trying to get to a "KISS" concert, while "KISS" and more than a few of their songs are featured on the soundtrack, you don't need to see the movie to enjoy the album. If "KISS" and '80s style rock is your thing, this CD is for you.

Starting off with "Everclear's" cover of "Thin Lizzy's" "The Boys Are Back In Town," and a very commendable rendition I might add, the whole soundtrack rocks. Split about evenly between the original songs done by the original artists and covers by late '90s bands of tunes from the same time frame (mid to late '80s), the album really is a pretty good progression of musical styles from beginning to end.

Since the movie is partially about "KISS," they're well represented on this release. The next track is the original "KISS" version of "Shout It Out Loud," while the title song, "Detroit Rock City," is a new one from "KISS." This one is a really catchy, rock-out song, and should do well on radio if it gets airplay. Since there are only 2 original songs on the album, both of them done by "KISS," this is the place to get your fix! The other original - at least to "KISS" - is the last song, "Nothing Can Keep Me From You," a surprisingly well done ballad. "The Donnas" do another "KISS" song, "Strutter," and again it's a pretty faithful rendition of the original.

Other original versions done by the original artists are "Runnin' With The Devil" from "Van Halen," "Iron Man" from "Black Sabbath," "Jailbreak" from "Thin Lizzy," "Surrender (Live)" from "Cheap Trick," "Rebel, Rebel" from "David Bowie," "School Days" from "The Runaways" and "Little Willy" from "Sweet."

The rest of the covers are rather original. "Panterra" does a fairly faithful rendition of Ted Nugen'ts "Cat Scratch Fever" with a twist. A very weird, but eventually recognizable, version of AC/DC's "Highway To Hell" is "Marilyn Manson's" contribution, while a totally cool cover of T Rex's "20th Century Boy" is presented by "Drain STH." It's nice to see these four female rockers from Sweden showing up here, there and everywhere. They're exceptionally good and deserve the recognition and airplay!

So, if you're if you're looking for a nostalgia trip into '80s rock, or just like a good, solid rock album, you'll definitely enjoy this one. There's a good selection of songs, they're all done well, and you don't have to see the movie to enjoy them.