In this 2012 collection, Boyzone bandmate has had is share of problems, some personal and some with the band. But his ninth studio effort is a moment of pop sound, going back to what he loves, giving you mix of mushy love songs and a few or rather excessive dose of uptempo songs, all in a matter of 12 songs. Fires will be interesting when you factor the fact that this is Ronan Keating’s first studio album in six years after Bring You Home that released in 2006. It’s with a great sense of relief to know that Fires retains the former Boyzone singer’s passion for music, especially when seen in the context of bandmate Stephen Gately passing away in 2009 and the disintegration of his marriage in 2011. The title track Fires and Wasted Light speak about this problem. Wasted Light, could be one of the favorites off the album. It's probably one of the songs that comes closest to a connection with Keating himself, as he croons about a lost love and it definitely has a Celtic feel to the melody and beats. "And though the sun shines on even after you're gone, I feel sorry for the wasted light", could be referenced to his breakdown of his 11-year relationship/marriage.

The Irishman in no uncertain terms gives us an album packed with something unknown. Fans are familiar with his work and its comes as no surprise that he uses his personal disposition to talk about them. Nineteen Again is pop infused and so is NYC Girl and the dance friendly Get Back To What Is Real are the best picks here. But fans who loved the lads for their ballads have The One You Love and Love You And Leave You that will certainly make an impact on love-struck listeners. If you just want to hear him sing, without a lot of orchestration try out Lullaby. 

Fires makes for a good listening experience overall and you do feel that Keating is back with most of his earlier stuff, but if you are used to kind of stuff he usually dishes out, you might be left dissappointed, that too after making a comeback after such a long time. Vocally, Keating doesn't disappoint as well, seemingly charming as always.

-- Reviewed by Verus Ferreira