By Colin 
Originally released in 2005, Nerina Pallot’s Fires has steadily earned a reputation as a quiet triumph. It is the kind of album that builds its audience slowly, drawing listeners in with emotional honesty, sharp songwriting, and understated charm. Now, following its long-overdue vinyl rerelease in late 2024, the record gets a fresh moment in the spotlight. It still holds up beautifully.
Pallot’s debut, Dear Frustrated Superstar, arrived in 2001. Although it built a small and loyal following, it struggled commercially. After being dropped by her label, many artists would have faded from view. Instead, she doubled down. Fires was written, recorded, and released independently in 2005, self-funded and self-released without major backing.
What followed was a slow-burning success story. Through tireless gigging, word-of-mouth support, and a support slot with James Blunt, Pallot began to find a wider audience. A re-release through a new label in 2006 gave the album the second life it deserved and helped establish her as a distinct voice in the UK music landscape.
At the heart of Fires is a sense of self-assurance. Pallot’s haunting, clear vocals are as effective in their quietest moments as they are when driving a powerful chorus. There is maturity here, but also a fresh lyrical sharpness. This is an album with something to say, and it says it with clarity and control.
A long-awaited return for a quietly powerful record
‘Everybody’s Gone to War’ remains one of the album’s best-known tracks. Its buoyant arrangement disguises a serious political message, making it an ideal example of Pallot’s gift for packaging substance in melody. Elsewhere, songs like ‘Sophia’ and ‘Learning to Breathe’ bring warmth and vulnerability, with delicate instrumentation and restrained arrangements that allow the lyrics to take centre stage.
‘Mr King’ stands out for its commentary on her earlier experiences in the music industry. Rather than sounding bitter, it lands with poise and intent. That balance between the personal and the universal, the delicate and the direct, gives Fires a depth that rewards repeated listening.
Listening in 2025, nearly two decades after its quiet debut, Fires feels timeless. It captures a pivotal moment in Pallot’s artistic journey, not just as a songwriter but as a self-determined artist who refused to compromise. The 2024 vinyl edition feels like more than a reissue. It feels like a long-overdue recognition.
With Fires, Nerina Pallot proved that success does not always have to arrive loud or fast. Sometimes, the albums that last are the ones that take their time.
Colin