Released 40 years ago
Fields of Fire
Corey Hart · 1986
51 min · 11 tracks · new wave
A vibrant blend of synth-driven melodies and emotive vocals capturing the essence of mid-80s new wave.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Am by Your Side — This track serves as both the lead single and a defining anthem for the album, showcasing Hart's heartfelt delivery and catchy chorus that resonated widely.
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Political Cry — Incorporating socially conscious lyrics, this song reflects the political unrest of the era, standing out for its bold thematic content amidst more personal tracks.
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Dancin' With My Mirror — With its infectious beat and introspective lyrics, this track encapsulates the album's blend of danceable rhythms and emotional depth, exemplifying Hart's signature style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and production typical of mid-80s new wave, with some standout tracks but uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks are upbeat and synth-heavy, establishing a lively tone before the album shifts to more introspective themes.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional delivery of the lyrics.
- The album includes a cover of 'Can't Help Falling in Love', which contrasts with the original's simplicity by adding a new wave arrangement.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo dance energy
- emotive sing-along moments
- nostalgic vibes with rich melodies
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer fast-paced soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Fields of Fire is Corey Hart's third studio album, following his breakthrough success with 'First Offense' in 1984 and 'Boy in the Box' in 1985. At this point in his career, Hart was solidifying his position as a key player in the Canadian music scene, navigating the shift from emerging pop star to established artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- a-ha· Duran Duran· The Human League
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Political Cry
The verses directly address societal issues through vivid imagery of unrest and call for awareness.
The direct engagement with contemporary issues contrasts sharply with more personal themes elsewhere on the album, showcasing Hart's versatility as a songwriter.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Am by Your Side 4:38
- 2 Dancin' With My Mirror 4:18
- 3 Take My Heart 4:23
- 4 Angry Young Man 3:44
- 5 Goin' Home 5:21
- 6 Can't Help Falling in Love 3:25
- 7 Broken Arrow 5:43
- 8 Political Cry 4:06
- 9 Is It Too Late? 4:37
- 10 Jimmy Rae 5:30
- 11 Blind Faith 6:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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