Nowhere Fast (Fire Inc. song)

"Nowhere Fast" is a song, performed by Fire Inc. in 1984 for the rock movie Streets of Fire. An alternate version of the song was recorded by Meat Loaf the same year. The song was written by Jim Steinman.

"Nowhere Fast"
Single by Fire Inc.
from the album Streets of Fire
Released1984
GenreWagnerian rock
Length6:04
LabelMCA
Songwriter(s)Jim Steinman
Audio on YouTube

Fire Inc. single

The "Nowhere Fast" single contains an edit (edited down to 4:11 from the 6:02 album version) and is backed with the Marilyn Martin track "Sorcerer", also from the Streets of Fire soundtrack. Laurie Sargent performed the lead vocals. Holly Sherwood and Rory Dodd performed the background vocals.

Personnel
  • Music and Lyrics: Jim Steinman
  • Lead Vocals: Laurie Sargent
  • Background Vocals: Rory Dodd, Holly Sherwood and Eric Troyer
  • Piano: Roy Bittan
  • Guitars: Dave Johnstone and Mike Landau
  • Bass: Steve Buslowe
  • Synthesizer: Larry Fast
  • Drums: Max Weinberg and Jim Bralower
  • Drum Programming: Jim Bralower
  • Additional Keyboards: Jim Steinman

Meat Loaf single
"Nowhere Fast"
Single by Meat Loaf
from the album Bad Attitude
ReleasedNovember 1984 (UK) [1]
GenreHard rock, synthpop
Length5:12
6:05 (12" version)
4:00 (single edit)
LabelArista, RCA
Songwriter(s)Jim Steinman
Producer(s)Meat Loaf, Paul Jacobs, Mack
Meat Loaf singles chronology
"Modern Girl"
(1984)		 "Nowhere Fast"
(1984)		 "Sailor to a Siren"
(1984)
Audio on YouTube

Meat Loaf's more rock-oriented version has an almost entirely different set of lyrics, with only the chorus being the same as the Fire Inc. version. Meat Loaf's version also has a more prominent guitar being played by Bob Kulick. Meat Loaf performed it live during the Bad Attitude tour along with his touring band, The Neverland Express. At the time of its release, it was only a minor hit, but remains a fan favourite.

The single was also released as a limited edition motorcycle-shaped vinyl. A music video was also produced.

Critical reception

Upon the British release Biba Kopf (pseudonym of journalist Chris Bohn) of New Musical Express left ironic review of 8 December 1984. He took the singer's attempt as another self-repetition of his early works by saying "The tone, as always, is that of the teenager who never quite got over the shock and disappointment of making it into his 20s."[2]

Single versions
12" maxi single
7" single
  • "Nowhere Fast" (4:00) (Jim Steinman)
  • "Clap Your Hands" (2:23) (Richard Hartley/Brian Thompson)

Both B-sides were recorded during Meat Loaf's sessions for The Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack, and remained unreleased until this single.

There were four different versions of the 7" single, including a shaped picture disc, a pop-up cover and a gatefold sleeve.

Personnel

References
  1. "Meat Loaf singles".
  2. Kopf, Biba (8 December 1984). "Meat Loaf — "Nowhere Fast" (Arista Records)". New Musical Express. London: IPC Limited. p. 21. ISSN 0028-6362. Retrieved 19 July 2023 – via Flickr.
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