Artist: Elton John Album: Ice on Fire

Year: 1985
Duration: 2:04:17

An Honest Review of Elton John's Ice on Fire Album

Elton John is undoubtedly one of the greatest musicians to ever grace the music industry. With a career spanning over five decades, he has managed to capture the hearts of millions of people worldwide with his iconic voice and incredible songwriting skills. One of his most critically acclaimed albums, Ice on Fire, released in 1985, remains a fan favorite to this day. In this blog post, we'll dig deep into the history of this legendary artist, review the genre of music he infused into the album, highlight the best tracks of the album, pinpoint the most innovative parts, and offer our honest critic of the record.

Elton John's Ice on Fire was released on November 4, 1985, approximately two years after his last album release. The album followed in the pop/rock tradition of his earlier works, moving away from the soulful and R&B influences of some of his later releases. The album had a distinctively 80s sound, comprising a mix of driving synthesizers and electro-pop beats, which were prevalent in popular music at the time. It's no wonder the album received such critical acclaim for its time.

The 10-track album boasted some of Elton John's most enduring hits, including Nikita, Wrap Her Up, and Cry to Heaven. Nikita is perhaps the most recognizable track on the album, thanks to its pulsating beat, reflective lyrics, and catchy chorus. Wrap Her Up, a duet with George Michael, is another standout track that captures the essence of the 80s electro-pop scene. The songs on Ice on Fire display a maturity in songwriting that was uncommon in contemporary pop music of the time.

The most innovative part of the album was perhaps Elton John's willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles. The album had a more synthesized sound and electronic beats, which was a departure from his earlier works. It was a bold move, considering that the album followed the era of excesses of the early 80s. John wanted to break away from his past style, making a record that felt fresh and modern. He succeeded in creating something that felt new and captivating, even as it drew elements of his past work. This was a testament to his skill as a songwriter and producer.

As we look back on this album, it's clear that it remains one of John's finest works. It’s an album that represents the pinnacle of his artistic creativity, and one that stands the test of time. However, as with any album, it's not without its flaws. Ice on Fire may be criticized for lacking cohesion as a whole. The tracks were a mix of mid-tempo ballads and upbeat, uptempo songs, which may feel disjointed to some listeners. But ultimately, this is a matter of personal taste and preference.

In conclusion, Ice on Fire is a must-listen masterpiece from the legendary Elton John. The album is a perfect combination of 80s pop and John's unique songwriting skills, resulting in a timeless record that will always remain relevant. Although there may be some criticism in terms of inconsistency, it does not take away from the final product's overall quality. If you haven't heard this album yet, do yourself a favor and give it a listen. You won't be disappointed.