Ice on Fire
Encyclopedia
Ice on Fire is the nineteenth studio album
by British singer/songwriter Elton John
, recorded at Sol Studios
and released in 1985. It was the first album since Blue Moves
produced by John's original longtime producer, Gus Dudgeon. But it was met with little praise, and only reached number 48 on the US charts, although it reached # 3 in the UK. George Michael
appears on two tracks on the album: "Nikita
" and "Wrap Her Up
".
Despite the mediocre sales of the album in the US, both those tracks became Top 20 hits, the former reaching # 7 in the US and # 3 in the UK. Roger Taylor
and John Deacon
of Queen
play drums and bass guitar respectively on the track "Too Young". In the U.S. it was certified Gold on 6/26/1986 by the RIAA
The remastered 1999 version did not include "Act of War"; the 1985 original CD issue and the 1999 remaster have a longer intro to "Satellite" than the LP issue. The live version of "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word" is not the version found on the 12" single of "Nikita
", but is an unreleased version from 1977 (Live at Rainbow Rock in May). It is unknown why the switch occurred. The other two live tracks were recorded at Wembley Stadium
during the tour for the album Breaking Hearts
.
"The Man Who Never Died" is a song written about John Lennon
, in addition to Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)
from Elton John's album Jump Up!
.
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Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
by British singer/songwriter Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
, recorded at Sol Studios
Sol Studios
Sol Studios is a recording studio located in Cookham, Berkshire, England. It was built in the early 1980s by Gus Dudgeon who subsequently sold it to Led Zeppelin guitarist and record producer Jimmy Page....
and released in 1985. It was the first album since Blue Moves
Blue Moves
Blue Moves is the eleventh studio album by British singer/songwriter Elton John, released in 1976. It was also his second double album , and his first album released by his own Rocket Records Ltd...
produced by John's original longtime producer, Gus Dudgeon. But it was met with little praise, and only reached number 48 on the US charts, although it reached # 3 in the UK. George Michael
George Michael
George Michael is a British musician, singer, songwriter and record producer who rose to fame in the 1980s when he formed the pop duo Wham! with his school friend, Andrew Ridgeley...
appears on two tracks on the album: "Nikita
Nikita (song)
"Nikita" is a song by English singer Elton John about the Cold War from his 1985 album Ice on Fire. Released in late 1985, the song achieved success in many countries, becoming a top ten hit in almost all of them.-Song synopsis:...
" and "Wrap Her Up
Wrap Her Up
"Wrap Her Up" is a song on English pop-rock performer Elton John's 1985 album, Ice on Fire. George Michael duets on the song. The song reached number twenty....
".
Despite the mediocre sales of the album in the US, both those tracks became Top 20 hits, the former reaching # 7 in the US and # 3 in the UK. Roger Taylor
Roger Meddows-Taylor
Roger Meddows Taylor , known as Roger Taylor, is a British musician, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known as the drummer, backing vocalist and occasional lead vocalist of British rock band Queen. As a drummer he is known for his "big" unique sound and is considered one of...
and John Deacon
John Deacon
John Richard Deacon is a retired English multi-instrumentalist and song writer, best known as the bassist for the rock band Queen. Of the four members of the band, he was the last to join and also the youngest, being only 19 years old when he was recruited by the other members of the band...
of Queen
Queen (band)
Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury , Brian May , John Deacon , and Roger Taylor...
play drums and bass guitar respectively on the track "Too Young". In the U.S. it was certified Gold on 6/26/1986 by the RIAA
Side one
- "This TownThis Town (Elton John song)"This Town" is a song by Elton John with lyrics written by Bernie Taupin. The song is the opening track of the 1985 album Ice on Fire. "This Town" utilizes downtempo bass synth lines. The song said to be a favorite amongst fans...
" – 3:56 - "Cry to Heaven" – 4:15
- "Soul Glove" – 3:31
- "NikitaNikita (song)"Nikita" is a song by English singer Elton John about the Cold War from his 1985 album Ice on Fire. Released in late 1985, the song achieved success in many countries, becoming a top ten hit in almost all of them.-Song synopsis:...
" – 4:54 - "Too Young" – 5:13
Side two
- "Wrap Her UpWrap Her Up"Wrap Her Up" is a song on English pop-rock performer Elton John's 1985 album, Ice on Fire. George Michael duets on the song. The song reached number twenty....
" – 6:21 (Elton John, Davey JohnstoneDavey JohnstoneDavey Johnstone , is a Scottish rock guitarist and vocalist, best known for his work with Elton John.-Career:...
, Fred MandelFred MandelFred Mandel is a keyboard player and guitarist.Mandel became involved in music from an early age. He started playing the piano and age 4 and picked up the guitar aged 8...
, Charlie Morgan, Bernie TaupinBernie TaupinBernard John "Bernie" Taupin is an English lyricist, poet, and singer, best known for his long-term collaboration with Elton John, writing the lyrics for the majority of the star's songs, making his lyrics some of the best known in pop-rock's history.In 1967, Taupin answered an advertisement in...
, Paul Westwood) - "Satellite" – 4:37
- "Tell Me What the Papers Say" – 3:40
- "Candy by the Pound" – 3:56
- "Shoot Down the Moon" – 5:00
Bonus Track (On the 1985 original CD and the 1992 MCA and Geffen reissue)
- "Act of War" (duet with Millie JacksonMillie JacksonMildred "Millie" Jackson is an American R&B/soul singer-songwriter and comedienne. Three of her albums have been certified gold by the RIAA for over 500,000 copies....
)
Bonus tracks (1999 Mercury reissue)
- "The Man Who Never Died" (Elton John)
- "Restless (Live 1984)"
- "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word (Live 1977)" [erroneously listed as "Live 1984"]
- "I'm Still Standing (Live 1984)"
The remastered 1999 version did not include "Act of War"; the 1985 original CD issue and the 1999 remaster have a longer intro to "Satellite" than the LP issue. The live version of "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word" is not the version found on the 12" single of "Nikita
Nikita (song)
"Nikita" is a song by English singer Elton John about the Cold War from his 1985 album Ice on Fire. Released in late 1985, the song achieved success in many countries, becoming a top ten hit in almost all of them.-Song synopsis:...
", but is an unreleased version from 1977 (Live at Rainbow Rock in May). It is unknown why the switch occurred. The other two live tracks were recorded at Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium
The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007...
during the tour for the album Breaking Hearts
Breaking Hearts
Breaking Hearts is the eighteenth studio album by British singer/songwriter Elton John, released in 1984. It features the quartet of John, Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson. There were two hit singles on this album, the U.S...
.
"The Man Who Never Died" is a song written about John Lennon
John Lennon
John Winston Lennon, MBE was an English musician and singer-songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as one of the founding members of The Beatles, one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music...
, in addition to Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)
Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)
"Empty Garden " is a hit ballad from British pop-rock performer Elton John's 1982 album Jump Up!. It reached number 13 in the US singles chart. He dedicated the song in memory of the late Beatle, John Lennon, who had been murdered by an obsessed fan in front of his New York City apartment on...
from Elton John's album Jump Up!
Jump Up!
Jump Up! is the 16th studio album by British singer/songwriter Elton John, released in 1982 on Rocket Records except in the US and Canada, where it was released on Geffen Records. It features such songs as "Empty Garden ", a tribute to John Lennon...
.
B-sides
| Song | Format |
|---|---|
| "Act of War (Part 2)" | Act of War 7" (UK) / 12" (US) |
| "Act of War (Part 3)" | Act of War 12" (US/UK) |
| "Act of War (Part 4)" | Act of War 12" (US/UK) |
| "Act of War (Part 5)" | Act of War 7" (UK) / 12" (UK) |
| "Act of War (Part 6)" | Act of War 12" (UK) |
| "The Man Who Never Died" | Nikita 7" / 12" (UK) / Wrap Her Up 7" (US) |
| "Restless (Live 1984)" | Wrap Her Up 7" / 12" (UK) / Nikita 7" (US) |
| "Too Low for Zero (Live 1984)" | Wrap Her Up 7" (UK) |
| "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word (Live 1984)" | Nikita 12" (UK) |
| "I'm Still Standing (Live 1984)" | Nikita 12" (UK) |
| "Wrap Her Up (Club Mix)" | Wrap Her Up 12" (UK) |
| "Wrap Her Up (Extended Mix)" | Wrap Her Up 12" (UK) |
| "Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On/I Saw Her Standing There/Twist And Shout (Live 1984)" | Cry to Heaven 7" (double) / 12" (UK) |
| "Your Song (Live 1984)" | Cry to Heaven 7" (double) (UK) |
Personnel
- David Bitelli: tenor saxophoneTenor saxophoneThe tenor saxophone is a medium-sized member of the saxophone family, a group of instruments invented by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s. The tenor, with the alto, are the two most common types of saxophones. The tenor is pitched in the key of B, and written as a transposing instrument in the treble...
, baritone saxophoneBaritone saxophoneThe baritone saxophone, often called "bari sax" , is one of the largest and lowest pitched members of the saxophone family. It was invented by Adolphe Sax. The baritone is distinguished from smaller sizes of saxophone by the extra loop near its mouthpiece... - Raul D'Oliveira: trumpets
- Gus DudgeonGus DudgeonAngus Boyd Dudgeon , most commonly known as Gus Dudgeon was an English record producer, most notable for production of many of Elton John's recordings.-Early career:...
: Simmons DrumSimmons DrumThe Simmons SDSV, SDS5, or Simmons Drum Synthesizer was the first viable electronic replacement for acoustic drums. It was developed by Richard James Burgess and Dave Simmons, and manufactured initially by Musicaid in Hatfield, UK. After Musicaid went bankrupt, Simmons set up a new manufacturing... - Deon EstusDeon EstusDeon Estus is an American bassist and singer, best known as the bass player of Wham! and as George Michael's bassist on all of the latter's subsequent projects.-Biography:...
: Bass - John DeaconJohn DeaconJohn Richard Deacon is a retired English multi-instrumentalist and song writer, best known as the bassist for the rock band Queen. Of the four members of the band, he was the last to join and also the youngest, being only 19 years old when he was recruited by the other members of the band...
: Bass - Mel GaynorMel GaynorMel George Gaynor is a British musician. He is best known as the long time drummer for the rock band, Simple Minds...
: Drums - Elton JohnElton JohnSir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
: Vocals, piano, Yamaha GS Piano, synthesiserSynthesizerA synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
s, Backing Vocals - Davey JohnstoneDavey JohnstoneDavey Johnstone , is a Scottish rock guitarist and vocalist, best known for his work with Elton John.-Career:...
: Electric guitarElectric guitarAn electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
, Spanish guitarClassical guitarThe classical guitar is a 6-stringed plucked string instrument from the family of instruments called chordophones...
, synth guitar, Backing Vocals - Nik KershawNik KershawNik Kershaw is an English singer-songwriter. The one time jazz-funk guitarist was a mid-1980s teen idol. His 50 weeks on the UK Singles Chart in 1984 beat all other soloists...
: Electric guitarElectric guitarAn electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker... - Fred MandelFred MandelFred Mandel is a keyboard player and guitarist.Mandel became involved in music from an early age. He started playing the piano and age 4 and picked up the guitar aged 8...
: Electric guitarElectric guitarAn electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
, keyboards, synthesiserSynthesizerA synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
s, Sequencers - Dave MattacksDave MattacksDave Mattacks is a rock and folk drummer. Best known for his work with Fairport Convention, Mattacks has also worked both as a session musician, and as a performance artist...
: Drums - George MichaelGeorge MichaelGeorge Michael is a British musician, singer, songwriter and record producer who rose to fame in the 1980s when he formed the pop duo Wham! with his school friend, Andrew Ridgeley...
: backing vocals - Charlie MorganCharlie MorganCharlie Morgan is an English drummer and percussionist.In 1985 his drumming work with Nik Kershaw attracted the attention of Elton John, who booked him to play on his Ice on Fire album. Later that year John invited him to play with his band at Live Aid...
: Drums - James Newton-Howard: StringString instrumentA string instrument is a musical instrument that produces sound by means of vibrating strings. In the Hornbostel-Sachs scheme of musical instrument classification, used in organology, they are called chordophones...
arrangementArrangementThe American Federation of Musicians defines arranging as "the art of preparing and adapting an already written composition for presentation in other than its original form. An arrangement may include reharmonization, paraphrasing, and/or development of a composition, so that it fully represents...
s - Pino PalladinoPino PalladinoPino Palladino is a Welsh bass guitarist who gained fame playing primarily rock and roll, blues rock, and rhythm and blues music, although he has been lauded for his ability to play most genres of popular music, including jazz, neo soul, and funk...
: Bass - David PatonDavid PatonDavid Paton is a Scottish bass and guitar player, most notably with three different bands: Pilot, The Alan Parsons Project, and Camel. He has also worked as a solo artist, session musician, and sometime vocalist...
: Bass - Frank RicottiFrank RicottiFrank Ricotti is an English jazz vibraphonist and percussionist.Ricotti played in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra while a teenager, then attended Trinity College of Music...
: Percussion - Paul Spong: trumpets
- Rick Taylor: TromboneTromboneThe trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Like all brass instruments, sound is produced when the player’s vibrating lips cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate...
- Roger TaylorRoger Meddows-TaylorRoger Meddows Taylor , known as Roger Taylor, is a British musician, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known as the drummer, backing vocalist and occasional lead vocalist of British rock band Queen. As a drummer he is known for his "big" unique sound and is considered one of...
: Drums - Pete ThomasPete Thomas (saxophonist)Pete Thomas is a leading British music producer, TV and film composer, recording musician, and saxophonist. He was born in London and is now based in Southampton, England. He is also an expert in Jazz music and theory.-Biography:...
: Alto saxophoneAlto saxophoneThe alto saxophone is a member of the saxophone family of woodwind instruments invented by Belgian instrument designer Adolphe Sax in 1841. It is smaller than the tenor but larger than the soprano, and is the type most used in classical compositions... - Paul Westwood: Bass
Credits
- Produced by Gus DudgeonGus DudgeonAngus Boyd Dudgeon , most commonly known as Gus Dudgeon was an English record producer, most notable for production of many of Elton John's recordings.-Early career:...
- All lyrics by Bernie TaupinBernie TaupinBernard John "Bernie" Taupin is an English lyricist, poet, and singer, best known for his long-term collaboration with Elton John, writing the lyrics for the majority of the star's songs, making his lyrics some of the best known in pop-rock's history.In 1967, Taupin answered an advertisement in...
- Recorded by Stuart EppsStuart EppsStuart Epps is a British record producer and audio engineer. During his career, he has worked with: Kiki Dee, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Oasis, Twisted Sister and Chris Rea...
- MixedAudio mixing (recorded music)In audio recording, audio mixing is the process by which multiple recorded sounds are combined into one or more channels, most commonly two-channel stereo. In the process, the source signals' level, frequency content, dynamics, and panoramic position are manipulated and effects such as reverb may...
by Graham Dickson & Gus Dudgeon - Mastered by Greg FulginitiGreg FulginitiGregory Fulginiti is an American recording and mastering engineer.In a career spanning three decades, Fulginiti was nominated for the TEC Awards by Mix magazine 6 times, earned 175 Gold and Platinum Awards, 25 Multi-Platinum Awards, 100 Number One recordings, 135 Grammy nominees, including the...
Certifications
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Chart positions
| Chart | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Kent Music Report Albums Chart Kent Music Report The Kent Music Report was a weekly record chart of Australian music singles and albums which was compiled by music enthusiast David Kent from May 1974 through to 1998... |
6 |
| Austrian Albums Chart | 9 |
| Canadian RPM Albums Chart RPM (magazine) RPM was a Canadian music industry publication that featured song and album charts for Canada. The publication was founded by Walt Grealis in February 1964, supported through its existence by record label owner Stan Klees. RPM ceased publication in November 2000.RPM stood for "Records, Promotion,... |
49 |
| Dutch Mega Albums Chart MegaCharts MegaCharts is responsible for the composition and exploitation of a broad collection of official charts in the Netherlands, of which the Mega Top 50 and the Mega Album Top 100 are the most known ones. Mega Charts also provides information to the Stichting Nederlandse Top 40, of which the Dutch Top... |
6 |
| New Zealand Albums Chart | 8 |
| Norwegian VG-lista Albums Chart VG-lista VG-listen is a Norwegian record chart. It is weekly presented in the newspaper VG and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation program Topp 20. It is considered the primary Norwegian record chart, charting albums and singles from countries and continent around the world. The data is collected by... |
2 |
| Swedish Albums Chart | 16 |
| Swiss Albums Chart | 2 |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
3 |
| U.S. Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
48 |
| West German Media Control Albums Chart | 5 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (1985) | Position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums Chart | 77 |
| UK Albums Chart | 45 |
| Chart (1986) | Position |
| Austrian Albums Chart | 19 |
| Canadian Albums Chart RPM Year-End RPM Year-End charts are a cumulative measure of a single or album's performance in Canada, based upon the RPM magazine charts during any given chart year.-RPM year-end number ones:... |
56 |
| Swiss Albums Chart | 3 |
| U.S. Billboard 200 | 97 |