The Pointer Sisters, Fire | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

Reading Time: 3 min read

In the 170^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Fire” by versatile R&B collective, The Pointer Sisters.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 170^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Fire”, performed by The Pointer Sisters.

“My words say split / But my words they lie / ‘Cause when we kiss , ooh, fire.” Fire , indeed, The Pointer Sisters! “Fire” marks one of the biggest hits by the iconic, Grammy-winning, sister group comprised of Anita Pointer (1948 – 2022), June Pointer (1953 – 2006), and Ruth Pointer (1946 – ). Anita sings led on this gem, which performed superbly on the pop charts, peaking at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979 (it debuted in 1978). It should be noted that “Fire” is NOT an original . Once again, like with an earlier hit, “Yes We Can Can”, The Pointer Sisters were the coverers. In this case, they made a Bruce Springsteen song, originally intended for Elvis Presley, and recorded by Robert Gordon and Springsteen himself, a gargantuan hit. In addition to its chart accolades, “Fire” was certified gold by the RIAA. Likewise, the parent album, Energy, was also certified gold.

The premise of “Fire” is matters of the heart – L-O-V-E . Essentially, Anita Pointer is giving mixed signals. She doesn’t like him, but she does, as the excerpted lyrics suggest. Prior to those fiery lines, in the first verse, Anita sings, “You’re pullin’ me close / I just say no / I say I don’t like it / But you know I’m a liar.” Oh, Pinocchio ! Similarly, in the second verse, she asserts, “I say I wanna be a lone / I say I don’t love you / But you know I’m a liar.” The lyrics are self-explanatory – easy to follow and ultimately, enjoyable. Furthermore, the vocals by Anita as well as her sisters are strong – harmonious. Furthermore, the backdrop is distinct. This is technically an R&B, record, but, the backdrop also has pop/rock influence, which makes it stand out. The guitar , organ, and tambourine are some of the most delicious instruments appearing on the track . Apparently, Bruce Springsteen wasn’t thrilled The Pointer Sisters scored a hit with “Fire”. To that point, he hadn’t reached the same heights on the pop charts… this was his song, after all. Eventually, he broke through ( “Dancing in the Dark” earned him his highest charting single, at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, in 1984).