Fireflight: "NOW" Review

It's been two years since the release of Fireflight's Grammy nominated album For Those Who Wait. While that album had some fist pumping rock tracks, it didn't quite deliver on the same level as their previous efforts. Thankfully, the female-fronted progressive rock act return on March 6th with their fourth studio project NOW. Packed with breathtaking vocals from Dawn Michele, hard hitting drums, soft ballads and thought provoking lyrics, NOW encourages listeners to move beyond their circumstances and take action in their own lives. But does this album live up to the hype created by the radio single? Let's find that out. 

The album opens up with the first single "Stay Close". Loaded with guitar hooks, pounding drums and powerful vocals, this song is a calling for God to be with us in these dark times, because we need Him now more than ever. It's a very relatable message, as we often need God to come and save us from ourselves, as the bridge shares: "Stay by my side, if You leave me I will die." The band's new drummer, Adam McMillon, shows fans just what he has to bring to the table. The opening rocker is the best track on the album, leaving me satisfied about the band's new sonic direction. "Ignite" is a solid rock track with enchanting guitar riffs, sure to please fans of the Unbreakable album. This song speaks of breaking away from our own complacency, and chasing something better than this world.

"Escape" is another certain highlight from the album, as it carries a message similar to the previous song. Dawn's soaring vocals are at their best, accompanied by Justin Cox's killer backing vocals. Speaking of escaping from the sin of this world and running to the arms of Jesus, it makes for some of the band's best work yet. "He Weeps" is a soft ballad that begins with piano, and then builds nicely in the bridge. Initially it questions God’s presence in times of suffering, but then offers a comforting reminder that he will never leave us or forsake us. “If today’s your darkest day / And you can’t escape the pain / Don’t be afraid, He will never walk away.” 

"Keeping Me Alive" is an electric guitar driven, pop ballad that's sure to be the album's next radio single. It's a very uplifting tune, reminding the listener that God is the only one we can rely on in times of trouble. The anthemic "Stronger Than You Think" comes as a response to the devil, telling him that he doesn't own our souls because we belong to Jesus. “I am stronger than you think / I believe you’ll never get the best of me / No I don’t buy the lies you sell / My heart belongs to someone else.” This gritty, fist pumping energizer reflects the type of Fireflight song that I enjoy; and it’s just a pity there aren’t many more of these on the album.

"Prove Me Wrong" accentuates Dawn's soaring vocals, as it speaks of how we can't fully understand how God works, and he will also move beyond what we ask for. "Dying For Your Love" is heavily layered with  crunch guitars, and sure to please fans of the band's earlier work. Telling the story of someone who is on the edge of breaking, it reminds the listener that we can never run from God's love!

"Rise Above" is a mellow pop/rock ballad based around keyboard and synthesizer. It deals with the topic of facing our fears with Jesus' help, and features soothing and inspirational lyrics. "Maybe today we all will rise / Above the mistakes that we've made / Sometimes we've got to face the fall / Before we rise above it all." This song is the best slower song on the record, as it has the ability to calm me down and settle my thoughts. NOW closes with the title track which resonates the message of the album. Musically reminding me of Paramore and including motivational lyrics, it encourages the listener to start living in the present and get back up when we fall down. What a fantastic way to end the album!

Fireflight's new studio album NOW will certainly not disappoint loyal fans of the group! However, while it may be a great rock record on its own, it doesn't seem to compare to the band's earlier work. It doesn't really capture the band's raw rock sound, and with only 10 tracks there's not a lot of replay value. But there's no denying that Dawn Michele's vocals are better than ever, and that Adam McMillon is the perfect fit for the group. If you're looking for a decent rock record with some emotional ballads on the side, this album is well worth the listen! Be sure to check out Fireflight's new album NOW when it releases tomorrow! 

Rating:   
Genre: Progressive Rock

Release Date: March 6, 2012

Top 3 Songs:
1. Stay Close
2. Escape
3. Now

Track Listing:
1. Stay Close
2. Ignite
3. Escape
4. He Weeps
5. Keeping Me Alive
6. Stronger Than You Think
7. Prove Me Wrong
8. Dying For Your Love
9. Rise Above
10. Now