Customer Reviews

Fires at Midnight

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

While browsing through a record store that let's you listen to samples of CDs, I ran across Ritchie Blackmores' latest. What a shock! The man long known as a primo hard rock guitarist from Deep Purple and Rainbow has gone medieval. Well sort off.

The music is a blend of English folk and medieval inspired tunes fused with modern pop and rock. And...occasionally we still get a brilliant rock solo. The only other band that I can recall who has tried this approach was Jethro Tull, however this doesn't sound like Tull

This is a delightful album, full of pep and energy...like taking a trip into a magic dimension.

While Blackmore writes or arranges most of the music, a large part of the credit must go to Candice Night (Mrs. Blackmore) who writes most of the lyrics and fronts for the band with her smooth yet powerful voice. She gives Blackmore's night a lot of its' identity. She seems to have been born to sing this stuff.

It's hard to pick a favorite song since they are all great. The opener "Written In The Stars" is a fast paced pop anthem and sounds like it could be a major radio hit. It kind of reminds me of ABBA. "I Still Remember" is an acoustic rock number, something that Heart might have done. "Home Again " is a hook laden medieval based folk song, you can almost hear the merry man in the pub, thumbing their mugs of beer on the wooden table singing along with the band.

This album is one that I would take along on the proverbial desert island if I could only have ten. An instant classic!

Quite a mix of contradictions we have in Blackmore's Night; founded by one of metal's pioneering guitarists, but usually decked out like part of a renaissance faire. The lyrical subjects are the stuff of romance novels and D&D games, but the music spices up the medieval feeling with electric guitars and some occasional techno elements. The whole theme seems to be living in the middle ages, yet they include one modern rock cover per disk - this time, of all things, "The Times They Are A-Changing." It's enough to make your head spin.

This time around however, they've sprung back from the lukewarm Under a Violet Moon with a strong set of tunes to equal their stunning debut. "Written in the Stars" and the title track will especially appeal to those who liked "Shadow of the Moon," and "Home Again" is a rousing pub song to rival "Play Minstrel Play." And to balance things out there's more of their slow ballad side present ("Waiting Just for You," "Again Someday") as well. Toss in the requisite solo guitar instrumental ("Fayre Thee Well") and a little Oriental flavor and you've got an album well worth a listen for fans of Blackmore.. especially if they were a little disappointed with album #2. Unfamiliar with the group? Either this album or Shadow of the Moon would be a good starter. Just be warned, this music is addictive.

So the third Blackmore's Night album finally appears and the fact is, they simply keep getting better. Candice's voice is certainly enthralling enough to keep the interest going, and Ritchie's acoustic workouts show why he is the best at what he does. I read somewhere that he is the happiest he has ever been in a project, and you can tell on this album. Hell, even the instrumentals sound way more upbeat than on the previous two albums. The project started out as a Renaissance thing, but with this album it has developed into almost a World Music project, in which Ritchie and Candice explore Arabic themes, Japanese themes, classical themes.....oh, and a little bit of rock to round things off. I wondered what Ritchie would make of Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'", and I'm glad to say that they have done a great job on it. [....] Long time Blackmore fans should have come to terms with this project by now. The longer this guy can keep producing great music....in however many different styles he chooses...the better!!

"Shadow of the Moon" showed Ritchie Blackmore as a grown up, very mature musician, moving ahead to new horizons, which , surprisingly to many, more logical to others, were to be found in more traditional sources , that were actualy always Ritchie's wellsprings of inspiration since his very earliest years. "Under a violet moon" showed the same genre with a darker colour, and a more explicit "Wiccan" imagery, just in case you didn't get it at first. "Fires at Midnight" shows Ritchie and Candace perfectly synchronized in every level, harmoniously blending Ritchie's solid music-making with Candace's lyrical inspiration and her beautiful vocals. For those who could follow Master Blackmore through his methamorphosis , there's a reward here in the form of some good hard riffs, though entirely consistent with the music they are now making.Although by now, those Blackmore fans who never got over "Smoke on the Water" and want to live perpetually like Beavis and Butthead have long ago run scared with the Master's new output.
Again, the album opens with a solid tune performed masterfully , in order to catch your attention. "Times are a-changing" is in my opinion their most successful cover; I preffer it to Bob Dylan's own original, and I enjoy it better than Peter, Paul and Mary's (though PPM's is possibly the best "first choice" for this song). "Home Again" is another example of something they do very often ; a song that at first sounds naive and childlike, but it's really a very well-crafted song.A great sing-along for a bonfire gathering."Crowning of the King" features beautiful horns in late-medieval / early renaissance style, like those used in "Clock ticks on" from their first album.Then comes a soothing guitar solo by Master Blackmore."Fires at Midnight" is possibly the single best song by Blackmore's Night;good lyrics rounded by cleverly built music that starts slowly, evolves into a more energetic tempo to close in an earth-shattering climax, plus a classic Blackmore solo.Some other folksy pieces follow. By now you should not be surprised to hear Ritchie Blackmore doing a beautiful love song...... but if I think "Fires at Midnight" is the best accomplished Blackmore's Night song, "All because of you" is one of the most catchy and bright love songs in a long, long time. This could be broadcasted by commercial radio and outdo "My heart will go on" or "I will always love you" .... if only they knew better."Waiting just for you" comes next in the same fashion as a warm love song,but it doesn't feel like a cheesy reprise.The song is built over a genuine renaissance tune, but I don't know which one it is."Again Someday" is a clever metaphor playing with double meaning ; it's both a love song and an Autumn farewell to the Sun (it's really not that difficult to find out; didn't any of you notice?)My copy includes "For the sake of song" as a closing song , but it is not listed. I your copy doesn't include it, you MUST try the imports, since it does not occur in any compilation, and it's a song not to be missed.
Like I said in my review title, I think this , along with their next album "Ghost of a Rose", is their best work to date.
I want to make a last remark. A clever teenage reviewer (who luckily has found out there's better music to listen to than Britney Spears)says about "Shadow of the Moon" that at first he had to hide it from his mom to prevent her from getting crazy over him hearing "satanic" music, and now he has to hide it from his mom ..... so she doesn't play it herself !!! Well ; I'm a practising Christian myself, and I never had any doubts about the more than obvious sources of inspiration behind Candace Night's beautiful lyrics, but beyond that, Blackmore's Night makes truly beautiful music with warm and kind lyrics, always with positive connotation (even the seemingly "darker" ones), and Candace has a truly pleasant and musical voice.Thinking of those (luckily few) reviewers who have described her voice as "bland" adn similar things, this makes me think of Karen Carpenter;she sang so beautifuly, yet her songs were so seemingly uncomplicated, that we simply took her charm for granted, yet when she passed away we were left with a void that has proved impossible to fill again. Blackmore's Night is not simply background music (although it can be used that way); it's quality music performed masterfully ,to spend quality time, either by yourself, or shared with your grandparents, your parents....your beloved one.....or your children.Some of the best music of any genre made these days.

I was skeptical when I baught this album about what Blackmore can add after all these years, however 'Fires at Midnight' was impressive work. Therfore I decided to write a long review for the whole album: Written in the stars: good song with energy , good melody; The times they are changing: Good arrangements; I still remember: fantastic atmosphere of modern renaissance music, a solo I call Blackmore's solo that we all admire; Home again: lovely melodic tune, I really loved the choir; Crowning of the King: a bit boring; Fayre thee well, Praetorius Courante: a beautiful simple acoustic instrumentals that adds to Blackmore's history of instrumentals, only this time it is acoustic; Fires at midnight: lovely tune, with an electric distorted solo; totally irrelevant nevertheless wonderful representation of the Blackmore style. don't really know why Ritchie insisted on playing the solo on that particular song! Nevertheless the tune is full of magic and merry spirit which is lacking so many records these days! Hanging tree, Mid winter's night, Benzai-ten: : A song on the style of Blackmore's night, amazingly simple, based on traditional folklor and says it all. the two songs take you to what I call anther dimension, to another location, another era of time; Storm: My favourite tune.Blackmore/Candice/Bach/Purple/Rainbow/Mediterranean influences. Excellent composition not just riff based songs.Nothing could be better, how does he keep on doing it?! All because of you: Beautiful straight melody; Waiting just for you: sad ballad; Village on the sand: Old Blackmore's rainbow in a new style- good solo for guitar lovers; Again someday: wonderful very sad finale.

In summary, the mood & spirit of the whole CD is fantastic and diverse, Candice is getting better and Ritchie is writing songs as if he hasn't been writing songs for 34 years! Mature music for listeners who appreciate quality music. Not much guitar work which could be a disappointment to guitar players expecting more solos from Blackmore, however there is enough from my point of view to suit this type of music.

for anyone who has loved the masterful work of the overly talented ritchie blackmore(former guitarist of deep purple & rainbow), you owe yourself a treat! go out & get this cd!! fires at midnite has just entered my top ten list for one of the best albums released in the past 3 years & it will stand the test of time. i happened to run across this cd in a used bin & i haven't stopped playing it for nearly four days now. i will tell you upfront that fires at midnite is unlike anything i've ever heard ritchie blackmore create before yet it is completely believable when we stop to look at how his earlier work was medieval folk-based rock. here blackmore has taken things down a peg or two though & given us a lovely sound which is extremely pleasurable. ritchie weaves a tapestry of flamenco, medieval folk, celtic influences, & so on as easily as he breathes. whether this is just a great pop album or an exercise in bringing renaissance music to the masses will not matter when you hear his guitar weep. i should also add his lead vocalist candice night is no joke either. she has some of the prettiest chops you are apt to hear anywhere on any music style & those innocent vocals will steal your heart away. almost all the songs here are very light & positive with the exception perhaps of the haning tree(which is still a great song.) the hanging tree focuses on a tree that has witnessed a great deal of sorrow after having lived through many hangings of people. the song does remind us though that even she has her good days when she cradles birds, has children playing at her feet, or when it rains. my favorite track has to be the title track which seems toelude a certain kind of magic each & everytime i play it. fires at midnite clocks at over 70 some odd minutes & each song is a true treasure to behold. you will find yourself listening time & again to these timeless classics or you will buy copies for your loved ones as well. blackore's night is a project to be reckoned with & certainly will be talked about for years to come. as an added bonus, there is an attractive media video for their cover of dylan's the times they are a changin'. joyful listening!!!

Do you like Rainbow? Particularly the Ronnie James Dio Rainbow? If so, you'll probably love this album - it's incredible.

Ritchie Blackmore, probably the best guitarist on earth, really needs a vocalist who can outshine him; Dio was a rare example of someone who could measure up - Candice Night is one up on Dio.

I am so thrilled with this album. I bought it on a whim, not having a clue what it would contain - it is now my favorite album. I've been an "old school" heavy metal fan for decades (Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Rainbow, etc.), and at 34 years old, this album is exactly what I've been looking for. The genius of Blackmore is exactly matched and complimented by Candice Night's stellar vocals and lyrics. And, what's more, it's like the Ronnie James Dio Rainbow continued - only better - in terms of themes and lyrics.

"Storm" is a standout - definitely a heavy metal tune, but not a single electric instrument to be heard. Buy this album - even if just for this one song. You won't be disappointed.

`Written in the Stars'-A angelic opening to a near Rainbow riff trapped in the 16th Century great to hear an electric Blackmore `Time's they are a changing'-Get's the Blackmore's night treatment `I still remember-again the electric guitar comes out with a light and taste full Blackmore mix through an acoustic Blackmore's night style number `Home again'-Up tempo Blackmore's night style with a live feel giving this track a traditional style sound that you feel you should know all the words first listen `Crowning of the King'- Blackmore's night style `Fayre thee well'-Acoustic guitar only `Fires at midnight'-has the best Blackmore lead break in the last 7 years classic `Blackers' `Hanging tree'-Blackmore's night style `Storm'-Flamenco style song Blackmore showing how the Blackmore's night thing could be and It sounds great `Mid winter's night'- Blackmore's night style `All because of you'-Again Rainbow trying to get out of the 16th century `Waiting just for you'-Ballad that lifts in the middle very pretty `Praetorius (courante)'-Instrumental Blackmore's night style `Benzai-ten'-Blackmore's night style nice acoustic Blackmore `Village on the sand'-Rock beat with electric Blackmore in `Jethro Tull' style `Again someday'-Blackmore and Candice to those who have left us Hidden track: `Sake of the song'- Blackmore's night style to finish

also you get the video for `Time's they are a changing' all on one disc

`Fires at Midnight' shows Blackmore moving back to the electric and mixing it with the medieval/folk music to show how good this style can be. Candice Night's voice has developed over the albums, that said if you don't like her voice you won't find anything on `Fires at Midnight' to change your mind, But if you want to hear Blackmore's best guitar play in years you will need to make the sacrifice's If you haven't bought the other Blackmore's night albums this is the best of them and a must have for all real Blackmore fan's If you have only bought the past two to find some middle ground with you wife this one will not work as well as the past two as some tracks are a little too rocky `Fires at Midnight' show's Blackmore is one of the great guitarists and is again showing it Those of us who believe always knew that

Since Ritchie Blackmore is one of my guitar heroes, I listen to all of the music he produces. Coming to Blackmore's Night from a solid rock background, I was surprised at how much I love this style of music. The songs are a bit longer here than are found on Shadow of the Moon. I belive that this allows for a greater depth and complexity, both in the music and the lyrics. Case in point is "Written in the Stars" and "Fires at Midnight." They also dabble in Japanese-style music, as heard on "Benzai-Ten" with somewhat success. "Mid Winter's Night" is a particularly beautiful song, especially since Candice sings half of the song in Provencal. Overall, an excellent cd.

How does Blackmores Night keep making five star albums? This is their third and I cant keep it off the CD player. I guess its cause Ritchie Blackmore is one of the best guitarists in the world for starters. And his wife Candice has a lovely voice and is a wonderful collaberator as she writes the lyrics. Whenever I play ANY of the three CDs people ALWAYS ask "Who IS THAT?!" I MUST have it! You must have it too! I would start with the Second CD Under a Violet Moon if you are new to this band, that is actually my favorite so far, but you really WILL want them all. What does BN sound like? Well, its "Modern Renaissance" music with a rock edge, beautiful dreamy lyrics and vocals from Ms. Knight, GREAT percussion and OH DID I MENTION Mr. Blackmore can REALLY play that guitar? Not to mention Mandolin! Dont expect Deep Purple, Although to me "Fires" has the most "electric" sound of all their releases. This is music for partying, passion, healing, inspiration and shaking off your troubles at the end of the day. If you like a cross between Jethro Tull, Stevie Nicks, Lorenna McKennitt and OK - just a DASH of Deep Purple you will want this. Epic ballads of heroes, legends and some beautiful instrumentals that delve into Spanish flamenco and even Japanese-style stringed instuments. How do they pull all that together? Trust me they do. This is a "desert island" band for me. (Like if I was stranded on one and could only have 10 Cds...) Now if they would ONLY TOUR THE US instead of Europe all the time so I could see them I would die happy. Maybe with this release they finally will.