I may have gotten here because of Dawson's Creek, but I am staying for the wonderful blend of 90s alt-rock and art pop on Paula Coles’ This Fire! Paula Cole, the winner of Best New Artist 1998, released a searing critique of the men in her life with some more marketable songs tossed in for good measure. When Cole can blend the acerbic edge of her 1990s sisters with the art-pop sensibilities of a musician like Kate Bush, she is unstoppable. 'Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?' feels particularly relevant in the current cultural moment. In fact, Cole's question predicts the shifting archetypes of American Heroism that artists (Mitski, Lil Nas X, Mac) continue to think about today. Paula Cole does a good job at maintaining the same level of intensity throughout, and she has an ear for thoughtful production and fantastic images. She utilizes religious imagery, in particular, to think about her relationship to history. Take, for example, the crazed, 'Throwing Stones,' where Paula matches her intense vocals with equally fierce lyrics and a piano that just won't quit. 'So call me a bitch in heat, I'll call you a liar' Cole screams on each chorus; Her voice feels sharp and violent. She partners this with the story of David and Goliath, conflating her experience with biblical struggles. It's a powerful moment that feels challenging, but the song maintains a catchy chorus that helps the sentiment get stuck in your head. Paula Cole's This Fire manages to be compelling throughout while not sounding too one-note. While I think there are direct comparisons to Kate Bush, Cole's music manages to differentiate itself by embracing the guitars and pianos of alternative rock. Her music is a little rough at times, but the creativity behind this music is fantastic. If you only know, 'I Don't Want To Wait,' give the rest of the album a chance! From: https://www.albumoftheyear.org/user/musicmagpie55/album/26256-this-fire/
