Frequently Bought Together
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Listen to Samples and Buy MP3s
|
Product Description
Review
Such professional and personal turbulence certainly seems like suitable inspiration for a powerful, personal comeback set. But while Fires is, at times, greatly enjoyable, harking back to Keating’s turn-of-the-millennium mainstream radio ubiquity, it never channels emotions in a way that connects the listener with the obstacles this performer’s had to overcome.
But perhaps Keating’s objective with Fires was to escape any lingering demons – and, if that was the case, he’s mostly succeeded. I’ve Got You opens with lyricism cursing Keating’s missteps; but it soon enough explodes into a triumphant, U2-recalling pop-rocker, with the singer stretching for, and reaching, the kind of captivating vocal performance that few in his league can manage.
Throughout, tried-and-tested metaphors are prevalent in Keating’s lyrics – but, then, what’s pop without some transparent figures of speech? Oxygen is about – you guessed it – an object of our protagonist’s affections acting as his “oxygen” (sigh). When Love You and Leave You speaks of there being no smoke without fire, that background drone isn’t on the track itself – it’s a thousand listeners groaning in unison.
Strong production from Greg Wells (Adele, Katy Perry) and Gregg Alexander (who’s got previous with both Keating and Boyzone) keeps the tone cohesive, slower numbers balanced well by up-tempo cuts. Nineteen Again and NYC Girl are throwbacks to Lovin’ Each Day-period joie de vivre. They’re more Back-to-the-90s Butlins Weekender than contemporary club dancefloor-fillers, but Keating knows his audience well: they’ve grown up together, their relationship strongly symbiotic since day one.
Some truly from-the-heart lyricism would have pushed Fires into a higher bracket of critical appreciation, and there are duds here (Lullaby’s sentiments are well-meant, but they’re awfully expressed). But a few bloopers aside, this is probably Keating’s best album since his eponymous debut.
--Sean Egan
Find more music at the BBC This link will take you off Amazon in a new window
CD Description
Discussing Fires, Ronan said: “The album is back to proper pop again. I’ve been working with the guys behind ‘Life Is A Rollercoaster’ again. I’ve been spending my time getting this album just right and I’m excited about people hearing it.”
Customer Reviews
Great songs, well worth the money, I listen to it every day.
Saw Ronan live and knew all the songs
Enjoy it especially when on loud
Bought as going to the concert. Love it.
would recommend it very good catchy tunes
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
