LP Review: Fire It Up
Released: 1979
After the disjointed and raggedy Bustin’ Out of L Seven, Rick James ditched co-producer Al Stewart and handled all the production work on Fire It Up himself.
The album didn’t sell as well as Bustin’ Out, but it sure as hell sounded a lot better, so I’ma say Rick made the right call. Everything was streamlined and the first pangs of what James termed “punk funk” can be heard.
The title track showcases the newer, cleaner sound, but also still has James ripping off Bootsy’s Rubber Band. As far as rip offs go, it’s a good effort, particularly the drumming. As soon as “Fire It Up” concludes on a sudden exuberant stop, “Love Gun” immediately kicks off with an electric guitar riff that’s spinning out of control. Great example of good track sequencing as “Fire It Up” and “Love Gun” work in tandem to create an enjoyable disco-funk-rock experience.
The disco-funk-rock continues on “Lovin' You Is A Pleasure”, which continues the evolution of punk funk. To this point, James hadn’t used much synthesizers in his music, but this song leans heavily on a synth bass. Also this was the most musically adventurous song yet on the album as we get some solid percussion work on a breakdown and a splendid saxophone solo from the fantastic Daniel LeMelle.
From this point on LeMelle would be a major figure on Rick James (and Teena Marie) albums. Blessed are we all for this development.
Wouldn’t be a Rick James album if there weren’t a disappointing ballad. At least “Love In the Night” is a releative disappointment. It ain’t truly bad except that it disrupts the bad ass party we were having. On the plus side, it’s got this almost country-rock-gospel undertone that makes it distinctive. But again, I wish we had just kept the party going…
Yo, the party is back when “Come Into My Life” commences with a wicked bass guitar that just slithers out of your speakers. The funky jam almost falls into the trap of meandering without purpose. Just as it’s about to run off the rails with endless chants, LeMelle comes in for the rescue with a stellar saxophone performance.
So what could have been padding after about 3:30 is a great excuse for us to hear a sax man go to work for another three or so minutes. Never underestimate the importance of a good sideman.
(SIDENOTE: James would repurpose and beef up the bass line from “Come Into My Life” for “Give It To Me Baby”.)
That stomper fades away for “Stormy Love”, an interlude that segues into “When Love Is Gone”. I swear to Funkadelica, this song appears to my ear to be a dry run for Wham!’s “Careless Whisper”.
There’s a laid back vaguely island breezy groove supplemented by some sexy sax. And a Rick James song finally manages to have a good guitar solo. Importantly, James keeps his voice totally under control. He ain’t trying to reach notes his voice can’t handle. Also, the background singers are totally adult. None of that helium-voiced nonsense. This is grown folks music, so make sure everybody sounds grown.
The best Rick James ballad yet.
ALBUM GRADE: B
A pure assessment track-by-track would make this a B-, but the album as a whole gets a bump up to B status because there are no sagging points. Finally a Rick James LP where you don’t feel compelled to skip a song.
Unfortunately it didn’t sell that well. “Love Gun” was the best performing single only reaching #13 R&B and totally failing to register on the pop charts. The album peaked at #5 R&B and #34 pop.
I’d take this over Bustin’ Out of L Seven any day, though.
Song Scores
Fire It Up: 7/10
Love Gun: 7/10
Lovin' You Is A Pleasure: 7.5/10
Love In the Night: 6/10
Come Into My Life: 7/10
When Love Is Gone: 8/10