Customer Reviews

Fire and Love

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is Guardian's first album featuring Jamie Rowe in the vocals. The first Guardian album, "First Watch" was a very mellow metal album. "Fire and Love" is a very mature and bold rock album. No other album was to be surpassed in the honesty of their lyrics. "Time stands still", "Forever and a day", "Never gonna say good-bye" and other lyrics kept me on my feet when I was feeling down. Later Guardian albums are really good as well, but they slowly faded into fuzzy lyrics and more emphasis on music than message. This is their best album by far, with Spirit-Inspired, powerful lyrics.

This album blew me away when I popped it into my CD player. It's hard to drive down the road without speeding while listening to it! :)

The whole album is great! How rare it is to find an album that you don't skip through certain songs to listen to others. You can pop this one in your CD player, set the auto repeat, and enjoy the whole thing!!!! Tony Palacios blows me away with his arpeggios! It's so refreshing to be able to enjoy this powerhouse rock that lifts up the name of Christ! "The Rain" and "Power of Love" is the best tracks on the album. You won't be disappointed in purchasing this CD!

Guardian is one of many bands which never struck fame. They're perhaps a diamond in the rough as their album "Fire & Love" is one of the absolute best heavy metal albums ever produced. Every single track is hard hitting and delivers great metal sound from the vocals courtesy of one of the best in the biz Jamie Rowe, the guitar riffs, bass lines, drum work, everything flows perfectly. The harmony in the backing vocals is superb. I would have to say this album ranks up there with the hardest rocking best. No matter whether you're into Christian metal such as Stryper or Petra or you stick with the mainstream, this is a hard rocking metal album you definately need to hear and own!

Once you hear the opening chords of "Power of Love", you'll know what you're in for. It's a massive hit for all fans of late 80's BonJovi-style rock. Jamie's vocals are incredible, and Tony's guitar...well, you have to hear it to believe it. Their first album with the lineup that lasted until the band's demise last year, and it's still one of their better ones. Get it while you still can!

This is a most amazing CD. The message provided in the 80s rockstyle songs is inspirational. Jamie Rowe would often visit our local video store in Irvine and belt out tunes on the spot. It was such a pleasure to have known this talented and caring person.

If you're a Christian who likes hook-laden, chorus-driven 80's "Hair Metal," then you should love this disk.

Guardian is a cross (no pun intended) between Warrant and Poison: For example, the ballad, "Never Say Goodbye," could have easily come from a Poison albums. (Unfortunately, that bluesy, quasi-Country Rock ballad showed the musical direction the band was headed in on its next album, "Miracle Mile.") These guys had it all here: galloping guitars, slick hooks, pounding drums, harmonized choruses. Just really great musicianship, and everything that a self-respecting "Hair Metal" band of the 1980's should have had.

Vocalist Jamie Rowe is excellent, though he stays more at mid-range. Axman Tony Palacios is, of course, phenomenal. The lyrics sometimes mention "the Lord" and "Christ," but Guardian never gets too preachy.

Honestly, I really can't think of a *bad* song on this disk. Though, I also can't honestly say that anything was too memorable, either. Guardian isn't like a Stryper or a Whitecross: While their songs have melody, they don't seem to have that "hook" which keeps going around and around in one's head after listening. Maybe, that's just me and this disk just needs a few more listens. Still, that shouldn't take away from the generally enjoyable nature of the songs: They are still a good listen; and, I don't think this disk will gather dust on a shelf.

I think this is the "must-have" disk for Guardian. On their first outing, aptly named "First Watch," the musicianship was excellent, but the singing by Lead Vocalist Pat Cawley was woeful and ruined the effort. On the next album after this one "Miracle Mile," Guardian decided to go in a more Blues-influenced, Guns n' Roses direction. The musicianship (I'm told) is terrific on "Miracle Mile," although I didn't find one thing memorable about it or the fuzzy, feel-good lyrics. So, I would pass on both. This one, though -- "Fire and Love" -- is a keeper.

Eventually, I'll get this on CD format. I got it on cassette back in '91 when the album was brand spankin' new. It is really one of the greatest hard rock albums ever. Back in the summer of '91 I got the chance to see them play live in Virginia Beach. They are as good in concert as they are on record. At first I was kind of sad to see Paul Cawly be replace, but Jamie Rowe's more bluesy voice really enhnaced the bands sound.

This band was awesome in their day. With the addtion of Jamie Rowe as lead singer, Guardian had a new polished sound. But, I must add that they still stayed true to their metal roots. This is such a great CD. It is my favorite! I had it on tape and decided to finally buy it on CD. It sounds great! Buy it! You'll love it!!

This Cd is Amazing, Its some good ole christain rock, if you like older school rock you gotta have this cd 5 Stars all the way!!!

Okay, so cheese is here to stay. Hey, cheese is good. Cheddar makes everything better.

For arena rock, this is very good. This is hair metal at its finest. Yes, it is cheesy, but so was every other hair metal/ arena rock band. Lets face it, cheese is why we love most '80s rock and metal anyway.

"Power of Love" is a full on rocker that tells you these boys mean business. Jamie Rowe (previously from Tempest) replaces Paul Crowley for this, the bands second LP and yes, you can feel the power. Jamie's voice works here and he completes this quartet wonderfully. Tony Palacios's guitar power chords help set the tone for many high energy rockers that are sure to please any fan of '80s pop metal.

"Send a Message Out" has always been a favorite of mine with a fast paced tempo and driving guitars.

Things slow down a bit with "Time Stands Still" and the worshipful "Forever and a Day." All around I like every song on this record. "The Rain" is another favorite of mine.

"Never Say Goodbye" changes gears, slowing down and throwing in a steel guitar. Strangely I still dig this song as well.

Guardian is in full form here. This is one of my favorite albums by this band.