About this album
Where they were
This Fire is Paula Cole's second album, released in 1996, following her debut, Harbinger, which established her as a rising artist. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from a promising newcomer to a major player in the adult contemporary scene, with growing recognition for her songwriting prowess.
Why it matters
This album includes the hit single 'Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?', which peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, elevating Cole's profile significantly. It received critical acclaim and earned two Grammy nominations, showcasing her impact on 90s pop music and influencing subsequent female singer-songwriters.
Essential tracks
- "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?" — This track's poignant exploration of gender roles and romantic disillusionment became emblematic of the era's feminist discourse in music.
- "I Don’t Want to Wait" — As the theme song for the TV show 'Dawson's Creek', this song solidified Cole's presence in popular culture and resonated with a generation grappling with adolescence.
- "Feelin’ Love" — 'Feelin’ Love' showcases Cole's rich vocal delivery and emotional depth, illustrating the album's overall theme of longing and connection.
Release Date
January 1, 1996
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Tiger 4:18
- 2 Where Have All the Cowboys Gone? 4:26
- 3 Throwing Stones 3:46
- 4 Carmen 3:45
- 5 Mississippi 5:06
- 6 Nietzsche’s Eyes 5:32
- 7 Road to Dead 3:41
- 8 ME 5:02
- 9 Feelin’ Love 5:37
- 10 hush, hush, hush. 4:22
- 11 I Don’t Want to Wait 5:19
