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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
HEARTBREAKING, June 10, 2000
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.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Teena takes you through the full range of emotions., February 1, 1999
By A Customer
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.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
She's on fire!!, April 13, 2005
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!!!
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is Teena Marie's 
