Veteran reggae vocalist Mary Isaacs has delivered a captivating reinterpretation of the classic hit ‘Fire,’ originally penned by Bruce Springsteen and popularized by The Pointer Sisters. The Kingston-born artist, who first encountered the track during her time in 1970s New York, has transformed the pop sensation into a soulful reggae rendition under the production expertise of Delroy ‘Phatta’ Pottinger.
Isaacs’ connection to the song spans decades, having been among the millions captivated by its infectious melody during its chart-topping reign in 1979. ‘I was drawn to its catchy, repetitive lyrics which I’ve been singing along to since the 1970s,’ the artist revealed regarding her long-standing appreciation for the composition.
The recording represents her latest collaborative effort with Los Angeles-based Issachar Muzik, a label operated by Jamaican music executive Lloyd Shaw. Their previous joint ventures include reimagined versions of ‘I’m Happy,’ ‘Tell Me,’ and a cover of Gregory Isaacs’ ‘Tune In.’
Isaacs explained her artistic rationale behind selecting this particular track: ‘In keeping with the love themes of my past works, I chose Fire. Its message resonates deeply – when it comes to love you often go against the words you say because you cannot control what the heart feels.’
The original recording history traces back to Springsteen’s creative peak when he composed the song during his ascension in rock music. The Pointer Sisters’ interpretation became an instant phenomenon, reaching number two on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and cementing its status as one of 1979’s defining musical moments.
