Outside of repackages and live albums, original music from
Tommy James is far too limited for an artist of his stature. 1980s
Three Times in Love contained the sublime title track which hit the Top 40, while 1990s
Hi-Fi on Aegis Records and 1995's
A Night in Big City remain treats for hardcore fans.
Hold the Fire deserves a better fate, and the team-up of
James with James "Wiz" Wisner leads to some very creative moments. "Isn't That the Guy" has a great hook, a terrific hook, and some modern sensibilities, but may be a bit too avant-garde for adult contemporary radio. "It Keeps on Goin' " reveals the
Tommy James his true fans appreciate, investigating pop boundaries and keeping the music different from track to track. One of the best titles here is the "bonus track," "I Love Christmas" which deserves a place next to
Darlene Love's "All Alone on Christmas" and other latter day seasonal delights. "Ordinary Girl" is a strange hybrid of
Elton John's "Hey Jeannie" meeting
David Gates'