Emotional Fire

Emotional Fire is an AOR/melodic rock record combining refined keyboards, melodic guitar and quality choruses around Joe Lynn Turner's mature vocals. The third album, released on Frontiers in February 2012. Where the previous two dug up songs he wrote, this one shines a light on tracks he sang background vocals on in the '80s — the voice once in a supporting role now takes the lead. The title track and “You Wouldn't Know Love” were written by Michael Bolton, Desmond Child and Diane Warren and recorded by Cher; “Gina” is from Bolton's own repertoire. The songs flow smoothly, yet the choruses of “Never Give Up” and “The Higher You Rise” have real rock drive. Under Dennis Ward's production, urbane polish and the warmth of '80s-style melody coexist, with arrangements that draw out the singing's appeal to the fullest. Through to the closing ballad “All I Am,” it's just right for when you want grown-up melodic rock.