Stealing Fire
Bruce Cockburn · 1984
42 min · 9 tracks · folk music
A fusion of folk rock and jazz that intertwines poetic lyricism with socially conscious themes and intricate melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lovers in a Dangerous Time Start here — This track blends romantic longing with a sense of urgency about societal issues, encapsulating Cockburn's dual focus on love and politics.
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If I Had a Rocket Launcher — This song stands out for its raw emotional power and stark critique of violence, directly addressing the realities of war and displacement.
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Nicaragua — The track serves as an unflinching commentary on U.S. foreign policy while blending personal narrative with broader political themes, exemplifying Cockburn's poetic prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines intricate melodies with socially conscious lyrics, showcasing Cockburn's distinctive style.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a rhythmic, upbeat track that sets a lively tone, followed by more introspective pieces that explore deeper themes.
- Several tracks feature intricate guitar work that blends folk and jazz elements, creating a unique sound palette.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and storytelling, with a focus on social and political issues, particularly evident in the track 'If I Had a Rocket Launcher'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- thoughtful storytelling experiences
- reflective late-night listening
- layered melodic explorations
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Cockburn's reputation with critical acclaim and commercial success.
- Themes
- Nicaraguan conflict· romantic urgency· political disillusionment
- Career context
- In 1984, Bruce Cockburn was already an established artist, with 'Stealing Fire' being his tenth studio album. This release followed his commercial breakthrough with 'Human Rights' and marked a continued exploration of political themes in his work, cementing his reputation as a voice for social justice.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Richard Thompson· Leonard Cohen· Joni Mitchell
Tracklist
- 1 Lovers in a Dangerous Time Start here 4:07
- 2 Maybe the Poet 4:53
- 3 Sahara Gold 4:32
- 4 Making Contact 3:48
- 5 Peggy’s Kitchen Wall 3:48
- 6 To Raise the Morning Star 5:52
- 7 Nicaragua 4:45
- 8 If I Had a Rocket Launcher 4:59
- 9 Dust and Diesel 5:25
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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