Fire Tiger - All The Time (Album Review)

It's safe to say that Fire Tiger is the only band in the world right now making new music that sounds like 80's pop and rock. Sure there are a lot of melodic rock bands in the world. But few of them capture the style and essence of a decade that most everyone is nostalgic for. And while some might say music like this has no place in an industry dominated by music that is designed by computers, I say it's exactly what the world needs right now.

The band's third album, All The Time is another near flawless collection of songs that put the fun, energy and excitement back into a lifeless industry. Lead vocalist Tiffany Alkouri is a genetic throwback to the look, sound and strut of various female singers from the decade of decadence. Most notably Taylor Dayne, Samantha Fox and Kathy Troccoli. The album's lead track "Don't Take Me Home" is a rock radio friendly tune with a tinge of darkness and desperation. "So Many Fishes" is the perfect pop-rock song that would have topped the charts in 1988. There's even a great saxophone solo! It's an instant hit and would work wonders to liven up any boring adult contemporary playlist on the radio today. 

"Magic Brew" is a follow up single to "Fishes" featuring an addictive chorus the bops along like a Cyndi Lauper song with more melodic mojo. The band down shifts to "Undeniable", a moody, haunting ballad with acoustic guitars, big keyboard textures and Tiff's sultry vocals. Stylistically these guys pull off the unthinkable - they cover all of the rock and pop styles that were in vogue more than three decades ago. "Getaway Song" crosses back into a more rock landscape with guitarist Tyler Renga leading the way. But like every Fire Tiger song, it goes back to the melody lines and the songwriting. These songs are so well thought out. 

"Silly Thing To Do" feels like a Brit-pop new wave song that would have been made into a remixed 12" vinyl dance single. Think General Public or Style Council. "All The Time" (the album's title track) straddles the pop and rock fence with a massive chorus mixed into an 80's smoothie of guitars, keys and powerhouse lead vocals by Tiff. "Solo Poquito" is a latin influenced dance-pop song that emulates Miami Sound Machine or any number of offshoot artists. Bagpipes are the lead instrument on "Flying Solo" which recalls Big Country but with less pomp and more circumstance. The song still chugs along with a Scandal-like urgency. The pipes work extraodinarily well and give the song extra lift.

"Way To My Heart" combines two band types into one amazing song. First, Ace of Base and secondly, Nena on the guitar riff that follows the intro. To say this song is kinda catchy would be the understatement of the decade. "Side of You" is a slower, sparse arrangement that showcases Tiff's incredible range and power. The lyrics make this a gorgeous love song that truly is time travel. "Spider at Midnight" finishes up the album as another mid-tempo track with a ton of keyboard effects. The melody captures an 80's college radio vibe.

Twelve tracks, no filler, no wasted moments. My only complaint is that these songs are too short. But that complaint is based on the fact that I could listen to each song for a longer period of time and that the music is so good that you don't want it to end. Fire Tiger's best work to date. They have CDs, Vinyl and even cassettes for sale. This is the music you remember brought into a decade thrice removed. If you listened to top 40 radio in the 1980's, you have to hear this band!

Album Rating 9.9