Into the Fire

by

Bryan Adams

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After introducing himself to the pop world with the very likeable CUTS LIKE A KNIFE and RECKLESS, Bryan Adams settled into a mature groove when he produced this, the finest album of his career. Yes, the party-hungry angst of past albums is still here in songs such as "Only the Strong Survive" and "Hearts on Fire", but there is more - much more.

From the opening chords of "Heat of the Night", it is clear that this album is different. The maturity and more adult-oriented outlook on life is evident on song after song as Adams looks beyond the usual topics of romance and partying to deal with issues as diverse as the desire to return home ("Rebel", "Home Again") to the sad story of Canadian soldiers who fought in World War I ("Remembrance Day").

I was convinced when I originally heard this album that, just as SCARECROW represented a turning point for John Mellencamp, this album would mark a turn by Adams toward deeper, more personal music. Unfortunately, this was not the case, and Adams subsequently turned his attentions to producing music that was more silly than anything else.

Despite the disastrous musical direction Adams has chosen to take in the '90s, this album is wonderful, and marks the pinnacle of his musical achievements.