"Fire in the Sky" by The Dirt Band

Song#:  0763
Date:  10/03/1981
Debut:  86
Peak:  76
Weeks:  4
Genre:  Soft Rock, Country Crossover



Pop Bits:  The Dirt Band (aka Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) maintained their soft rock path and their shortened name with the album "Jealousy." Unfortunately, it seemed that it all wasn't working for them as the LP couldn't get into the Top 100 and this first single remained in the basement for a month. This prompted a reevaluation of their direction and in 1982 they returned to their original full name and a move back to their country beginnings with the LP "Let's Go." The change would be the right move as the album was a hit and they started a streak of 15 consecutive country Top 10 hits including three #1's. But the success at country didn't translate to pop and this single would be their last to reach the chart.

ReduxReview:  This band is full of great musicians and I think this song is a bit simplistic for them. Their decision to move towards pop/rock was probably not their best move, but sometimes you have to do that in order to find out where you belong. Other similar soft rock bands at the time had far better material and this one pales in comparison.

ReduxRating:  4/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) On initial release, this single failed to reach the country chart. After their successful direction change, the group would revisit this tune for their "Twenty Years of Dirt" hits collection and re-record it in a country style. It was issued as a single and reached #7 on the country chart.  2) When Steve Martin appeared on SNL and did his hit tune "King Tut," The Dirt Band was the backing band for the appearance. They were billed as The Toots Uncommons.

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