Forty-plus years after forming and first hitting the charts, Comet finds Firefall still plying their trade with easygoing harmonies, catchy choruses and country-rock licks. High-energy rockers and plaintive ballads alike benefit from the band’s professionalism.
Did you say ballads? “Never Be the Same” takes a look back at a relationship, noting that “Life for me will never be the same.” It’s a heartfelt, well-played tune, reminiscent of some of the best work by this band and others of their ilk in the ’70s.
In fact, much of Comet either harkens back to or is reminiscent of days gone by. The opening “Way Back When” pays tribute to artists from the late ’60s, with the first verse and chorus set in 1965, the second in 1967 and the third in 1969. Singer and songwriter Jock Bartley name-checks everyone from the Beatles and the Byrds to Aretha and Marvin Gaye.
Firefall’s current lineup also makes for an engaging look back. Bassist Mark Andes takes the lead along with guest vocalist Timothy B. Schmidt (yep, the one from the Eagles) on Spirit’s “Nature’s Way.” That’s entirely appropriate as he was a member of that band in the late ’60s and early ’70s.
There are plenty of vocal harmonies, with three different lead vocalists in Firefall, plus various guest appearances. Besides Schmidt, also appearing is long-time Doobie Brothers member John McFee, Pure Prairie League’s Donnie Lee Clark, former Firefall members Jim Waddell and Steven Weinmeister, and a host of others.
Best bet: Check out the singalong chorus of “There She Is.” Actually, the entire song boasts singalong status. But fair warning – it will stick with you.
Comet is Firefall’s first new album since the ’90s. Given the results, it’s clear that is more an indictment of the industry than any lack of catchy material. Or maybe it just took them that long to come up with this batch of songs. Whatever the reason, Comet was worth the wait.
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