Into The Fire (1987) Review by Karl Watson

Anyone who ever accuses BA of selling out should listen to this album, and in particular, be told the story of “Only The Strong Survive”. This song was going to be used in Top Gun, which was not only the biggest film of 1986 but also featured one of the most successful soundtracks of all time. It was a huge commercial opportunity; however, BA pulled the track from the soundtrack. After just completing a tour for Amnesty International and creating an album which has anti-war undertones, it would have been hypocritical to feature one of the album's songs in a film that BA described as basically being propaganda for the Navy. Still, it would have been cool though!

For this album, BA deliberately decided not to make Reckless 2, which may have been more commercially successful, but the public would have grown tired of him pretty quick. The result is one of the stand out albums of his career, showing, as Bruce Allen said, that he can write songs about other things that just trying to get laid on a Friday night. Musically and lyrically it is far more sophisticated than his previous (or future) work. However, I do agree with Jim Vallance who said maybe they were trying too hard with some of the songs. Songs such as “Rebel” and “Remembrance Day” are a couple of the weaker tracks for me, which just stops it from being a 5 star album.

Key Tracks:
Native Son
Only The Strong Survive

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