Ice On Fire  by Elton John

Elton John, after a decade full of triumphs but also changes, released Ice On Fire in November 1985. It was a landmark album, as it marked the return of producer Gus Dudgeon to the console, the man who had defined Elton's classic sound in the '70s. The recording took place at Sol Studios in Cookham, with Elton aiming for a fresh, contemporary sound for the time.

The title Ice On Fire suggests the clash of emotions, something reflected in the musical style: a mix of synth-pop aesthetics with the classic pop-rock structure. The album is full of notable contributions. George Michael lent his vocals to the iconic Nikita and the danceable Wrap Her Up, while Roger Taylor and John Deacon of Queen added their own energy to the recordings. Nik Kershaw plays guitar on Nikita, while Kiki Dee provides vocals on half of the album's songs.

The commercial success was significant, mainly due to Nikita, which became a global hit, reaching No. 3 on the UK charts. Although in the U.S. the album reached only No. 48, in Europe sales were outstanding, making the album platinum. The promotion continued with the impressive "Ice On Fire Tour," where Elton returned to the extravagant costumes and theatricality that established him. It was the last great creative breath before his vocal cord trouble in 1986.