I really hate to say anything negative about a band who play melodic rock ...

... but if Jakks want to make it in this genre, then they will have to get rid of singer Alec Michels I'm afraid. And before the world gets up in arms by this statement, I checked with a couple of other people who have this CD and they said the same thing. In fact I actually drew the short straw with this review as the others I spoke of didn't want to review 'Fire' because of Mr. Michels.

And it is a shame because the music on the album is, to be honest, not bad at all, kinda minor league Dokken meets Danger Danger. It's just that because of some poor vocals and a lacklustre production, this album doesn't do anything at all for Jakks the band. That's a big problem for any band playing this kind of music but when you can sense lurking somewhere in the music that there is a band that have a lot of potential, then it is even harder to say they need to change things and change them now. It's just that I feel if rock music fans are going out, hard earned money in hand to buy CD's, then they should get value for their money. This album, I'm sorry, isn't it.

I hate being this negative about any band but I have to tell you what I think. If you want to give Jakks a chance then do so (it is your choice and this review is only my opinion), as like I said earlier, the songs themselves aren't that bad, but be warned. Sadly for me this won't be getting any more plays.

Ian Johnson