Customer Reviews

Irons in the Fire

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is music to heal your heart by. By the time she released this gorgeous soul gem, Lady T was finally starting to recieve the accolades she deserved. "I Need Your Lovin'" was an across the board smash and listening to the extended version on this LP is an even more rewarding experience than the edit usually heard on the radio; the funky bass line hanging naked in the air until the orchestra, Teena's voice and guitar lick come sweeping in is one the most distinctive introductions in soul music. The mellow, laid back groove of "Young Love" cradles you in it's arms and evokes not only memories of loves from one's past, but also pleads for that passion to never fade away ('why you wanna grow old on me now?')and when the band speeds up the tempo after the second chorus you can't resist nodding your head along. "First Class Love" and the ultra-passionate "Chains" are two more funky workouts that celebrate the all-encompassing love/lust/obsession we all have felt from being with the right man or woman; Teena also gets superb support from a tight backing band with the ability to switch gears at will. "Irons In The Fire" is a sublime, beautiful title song with a gently plucked harp, jazzy guitar and gradually rising string section behind Teena's relaxed vocal and quietly determined lyrics about not giving up on love in her life. "You Make Love Like Springtime" is oustanding; its sprightly bassline, bossa-nova beat, jaunty horn arrangement and almost chanted vocals are all a treat for the ears, so don't be suprised if you find yourself singing this song for a few days after you hear it! The one that trumps them all however, is the heartbreakingly beautiful "Tune In Tomorrow", on this outright jazz tune, Teena and Co. stretch out to stunning effect. From it's stark piano intro and hushed singing the song builds up to its first crescendo, stops and builds again, all the while guided by Teena's tear-drenched vocal delivery.(Special Note: Listen and you can actually hear her crying and catch her breath as she sings, gradually working her way back up to the chorus.) This brilliant piece finally climaxes with some mind blowing scatting from our heroine and the band swinging behind her at breakneck speed, this is the most breathtaking moment on the album. A brief reprise of "You Make Love Like Springtime" closes out the set and features a harmonized background chorus of lyrics from Marvin Gaye's classic "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)". The star, of course, is Ms. Marie's incredible voice, an instrument unto itself. This is deeply satisfying, rewarding music from an underappreciated genius.

As a die hard Teena Marie fan who owns every recording she has ever made Irons in the Fire is one of my favorites. In In Need Your Lovin' Teena talks about the longing that most of us feel for those with whom we have an emotional attachment. The song makes you feel good and smile when you understand how good it feels to be in love. Then Teena flips around and reminds us how painful love can be when it goes wrong in Young Love. Known for having a powerful vocal ability, she understands when a song needs to be sung sweetly and when power is needed. The title track, Irons in the Fire, speaks for many young women who are not quite sure where they fit in in this life. She tells us that it is permissible to have a multifaceted life. Teena expresses such a wide range of emotion on this work that no matter what mood I am in I can find an appropriate track on this one CD. A must have for Teena fans and anyone who can be moved to tears or laughter from song.

I love you Teena..OH MY GOD!! This album is incredible..Although there are only 8 tracks, this music is timeless and any Teena Marie fan should have it..She starts off the album by making her listeners shake their thing on the dance floor but when you get to track #7, you realize why she is so loved..Her voice on Tune in Tomorrow..I cant even explain..She can hold a note till forever, and when she scats, you cant help but be in awe of her powerful voice..This woman has such a passionate voice that all I can say is, Get the album now!!!

This CD you can listen too now,and fall in love with it. The words to 'Irons in the Fire', can you feel what she is saying? "Tune in Tomorrow" -What do we do now, now that we both know how? This is was ture R&B music is! I can see how this album went on the sell millions years after it was released! I can only say if you do not feel this CD, you do not know music, no matter how old you are,, Pick it up! Oh yea Alica Keys had to be listing to this cd when she started writing songs.

Teena Marie's Irons In The Fire album came out when I was only fourteen years old and I remember it like it was yesterday. Teena Marie better known as Lady T was the hottest artist of the 80's. There wasn't another R&B singer that compared to her league. "I Need Your Lovin" was played every hour on the hour and it is my favorite on the album besides "Young Love". My heart is so broken, I would have never believed that she would have passed away so soon. Teena was making a come back and she is sorely missed. I love you Teena Marie rest in peace Lady T.

The passing of one of the recording industry's most gifted and musically multi-talented/faceted artists,particularly in the R&B,soul,and funk genres, has certainly left a dark and somber void. However, it has also left a remarkable musical legacy for the world!; The oxymoron term 'bittersweet' comes to mind. Teena Marie's death just a few days ago prompted me more than ever to really listen to her discography;Though, I have been a fan of hers for years.Her vocal range and style were both unique and instantly recognizeable;To this day, there are no artists that come close to or sound exactly like Teena Marie---especially, her trademark soulful and playful vocal affectations.Anyone who also read her album and cd liner notes could see just what a poet she was(Teena Marie often would write poetry and prose pieces on her album covers or innersleeves in addition to her fantastic lyrics).There was wonderful spirtuality that she incorporated into the essence of her writings.Spirituality WAS the essence to them.

If a friend today was to ask me which album of hers would be a great start, I would recommend "Irons In The Fire" without a second thought or a hesitation. While "Wild and Peaceful"(her debut) was the official start of her recording career with Motown, this third project is like a fine wine or polished gem.This album is the 'complete package' from it's breathtaking artwork and photography to the very mesmerizing vocals and unforgettable music itself!Anyone who is familiar with Teena's album covers will always notice one thing;How captivating her beauty was and yet how strikingly melancholy her eyes always seemed---soulfulness.That look in her eyes translated crystal clear through her music and lyrics with regards to her romantic ballads and slower tempo songs.That same look conveyed a plethora of wonderful human emotions throughout all of her albums.

"Irons In The Fire" begins with the smoldering dance number "I Need Your Lovin'".Where some would tag it as a fine disco tune, I would always think of it as just pure groovy funk and silky-slick soul(the musical elements and style that comprise the tune clearly come through as such and moreso than those of a disco anthem)---A track to this day that is a much loved and favorite tune amongst her fans.The intro bassline and then the orchestration to follow were a match made in heaven. Marie was very consistent on each track and performance on here. The ballad title-track itself lets the listener know just what a vocal prowess Teena possessed. There is NOT a single filler tune or toss-out piece as is the case with so many pop music stars of today(the cd medium that many artists and record execs feel they have to cram 13-15 songs---mostly mediocre material---and cause the listener mind and ear fatigue... I digress).The true essence and beauty of Teena Marie's album from 1980 are her emotionally charged and heart-felt vocals that she so effortlessly produced,whether the style of a song was in the soul and funk-dance genre or a jazzy ballad-like number. She is the FIRST female music artist that as a kid and teen made me really listen to her slower songs and love ballads---ANY love ballads for the first time in my younger years and whole life."Irons In The Fire" is THAT album.

While the production,sound,and engineering are 30 years old, it remains an outstanding example and true testament of the highest caliber as to how an artist's recording from another era or decade can stand the test of time(timeless)...You actually hear REAL vocals,instruments, and musicians;Nothing electronically altered or sampled!! What you hear and feel is from Teena Marie's soul,spirit, and heart. One just knew she was genuine on her recordings! "Irons In The Fire" was no exception.

After recommending "Irons In The Fire" to a friend, I would then suggest going back to "Wild And Peaceful" where it all began. Next,"Robbery","Starchild","Emerald City","Naked To The World"---I would suggest her entire catalog...Lady Tee, you will be greatly missed.

"Iron's in the Fire" is a veritable showcase of Lady T's talents. Vocally Teena is at her best on this album..singing ballads, jazzy numbers, funk and Latin tinged songs with equal effectivness. The title track "Iron's in the Fire" is probably one of my all-time favorite Lady T songs..the way she comes into the song into her first note is so pure, honest, and beautiful..it is breath-taking. She starts "Tune in Tomorrow" with an amazing gospel humming and then moves into sassy jazz riffs. Teena's exploration of her lower register with flights into her upper-range make this her best vocal performance of all of her albums. Teena's vocal prowess is well matched by her amazing song writing arrangements and composition. From the playful bassline of "I Need Your Loving" to the soulful balladry of "Young Love" to the jazzy "Irons in the Fire" and "Tune In Tommorrow" to the latin sounds of "Springtime", I was amazed that this was her first solo-produced album. If I were to introduce someone to Teena Marie I would recommend "Irons in The Fire" as a first listen.

This is my favorite Teena Marie album (tied with "Robbery") for a multitude of reasons. This is Teena's first album as sole producer of her work, which makes this album intensely personal and a true reflection of Teena's identity as an artist. Teena's two prior albums (Produced by Rick James and Richard Rudolph, respectively) served as a sort of mentoring for her. This album is a combination of those influences, coupled with her own, making an explosive effort.

Perhaps most well known for the smash, "I Need Your Lovin'", Teena displays her love for funk in this seven minute opus. Lush with strings and slamming horns and Teena's classic lyrical touch ("I feel it in my third eye/love will never end"), it is another example of why 25 years later, we still love this woman's work.

My personal favorites on this album are the ballads, specifically the jazz infused "Irons In The Fire" and the very much underrated "Tune In Tomorrow". "Tune In Tomorrow" is a follow-up so to speak of "I'm Gonna Have My Cake" from "Wild & Peaceful". Here, Teena becomes the jazz chanteuse and gives us a glimpse (as she continues to do) of where her future work may take her. That scat at the end climaxes the song...and creates one of Teena's Top 5 vocal performances.

Teena also shows off her Latin influences with the heavenly "You Make Love Like Springtime" and it's glorious reprise at the end of "Tune In Tomorrow".

I agree with the previous reviewer and note that "First Class Love" is perhaps the weakest moment on the album...but it's orchestration is so tight it overshadows whatever lapses there are in the track.

Overall, I still have to give this album 5 stars...As a first effort as a producer, Teena created an album that still sounds fresh and inspiring 25 years later...

This has to be my favorite Teena Marie album. Each song is seamlessly woven to create a beautiful, loving and spiritual epic. "Irons in the Fire," the title track, is pure bliss and is sure to put anyone who feels out of balance at peace.

Five stars simply isn't enough to express how stellar this album is.

Britney,Christina and J-Lo need to take some SERIOUS lessons from Lady T because SHE was one caucasion performer who know how to WORK IT HARD!!!And I am NOT one inclined to pull the racial card but (sadly) it is a significant part of this artists history.I'm dead serious-as I write this I have just heard 'Irons Of Fire' for the first time and I am completely mesmerised.What impresses me is the passion and devotion that Teen Marie puts into her singing,songwriting and her musical arrangements.It goes without saying that "I Need Your Lovin'" is a definate funky pop classic with an unbeatable hook but the hard funk of "First Class Love" and the driving "Chains" both have a rhythmic groove so strong you could WRECK while listening to them!On "Young Love" and the title song she works two great piano-based soul ballads to full effect!The jazz side of her nature comes out as she scats and jitters her way through the dynamic jazzy soul of "Tune In Tomorrow"."You Make Love Like Springtime" showcases a lovely Brazillian dance groove with great vocals from Lady T.Teena Marie was for sure her own original musician and performer who was able to blend all the styles she came up on into a soulful,funky stew that is far more artful then commercial.So here is the work of a performer who wisely followed her own artistic muse rather then obvious musical trends (read:todays purely commercially-driven pop and R&B diva's) and made so many special musical recordings,and this is among them.Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys their music of extremely high quality!