Description
The Fire Again is the fifth album by American singer and songwriter Kim Hill, released on StarSong Records in 1997. The album was recorded by Kevin Smith at Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood, California; with David Kershenbaum producing. Mixed by Smith and Kershenbaum.
This incredibly talented woman with the ruby-throated voice has covered considerable territory over the last 10 years. Six albums. Seven No. 1 songs. Numerous nominations and awards. A politely accepted general market country album. Now, Hill returns to Christian music with ‘The Fire Again’.
Those who have closely followed Hill’s career will do well to set aside all notions of what she has done in the past when considering this project.
First, it is not country (like ‘So Far So Good‘) or slick, edge pop/rock (like ‘Talk About Life‘ or ‘Brave Heart‘); rather, it leans toward inspirational/worship, with a glimpse of previous musical styles surfacing from time to time.
The album begins with «Nothing But the Blood Medley», a soulful acoustic tune that leaves ample roaming room for her powerful voice. «More» and «Ruthless Perfection» are probably the closest to anything she has previously recorded, reflecting the rhythm-driven bluesy/pop style of that time. The remaning eight songs range from organic inspirational pop to gentle worship complete with some beautiful string arrangements.
This album gets the award for creativity and diversity in instrument use, which includes a mandolin, dulcimer, dobro, accordion, Irish basouki, slide guitar and some pretty interesting percussion, in addition to the tender acoustic piano and guitar sprinkled throughout.
Another large element that influenced the direction of this album is the presence of producer David Kershenbaum rather than Wayne Kirkpatrick, who has in the past produced and written the lion’s share of her recorded material. Kirkpatrick’s complete absence most definitely resulted in a project that is much more simple and basic, both musically and lyrically. Thematically, this album contains fewer stories and parables, and more direct worship. And while that is a fine direction to go in, Kirkpatrick’s exceptional ability to capture the heart of a matter with vivid poetic images and unusual music is sorely missed.
With so much commercial success in pop/rock and country, there are bound to be many who long for Hill’s return to those elements. ‘The Fire Inside’ is no such return. It is, however, a nice homecoming from a very gifted woman who is to be commended for being brave enough to follow her heart. [Laura Harris, CCM, March 1997]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-fire-again/716352526)
CD tracklist:
01. Nothing But The Blood Medley
02. A Place For Us
03. Make A Joyful Noise
04. No One Like You
05. I Need To Know
06. Slip Away (Instrumental)
07. More
08. Only One You
09. Ruthless Perfection
10. I Can’t Believe
11. Slip Away
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by StarSong Records.
The March 1997 issue of CCM Magazine featured a cover story on Kim Hill.
A full-page advertisement for the Kim Hill album The Fire Again was featured in the March 1997 issue of CCM Magazine.
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