Fire of Unknown Origin Songs Ranked

Fire of Unknown Origin is the eighth studio album by the American hard rock band Blue Öyster Cult, released on June 22, 1981. It was produced by Martin Birch. The album, which included the Top 40 hit “Burnin’ for You” (#1 on Billboard’s Album Rock Tracks chart), represented a resurgence of the group’s commercial standing after two albums with disappointing sales. It became the band’s highest-charting album on the Billboard 200, peaking at number 24. Fire of Unknown Origin would be the final studio LP featuring the band’s original lineup; during the subsequent tour, the band fired original drummer Albert Bouchard. Here are all of Fire of Unknown Origin songs ranked.

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9. Don’t Turn Your Back

“Strong bass and synthesizer open the song. Sounds alot like “Moving Picture” era Rush. Great harmonizing from the band. I really like the lyrics on this song. Very cool, mellow, high feel to it. Very jazzy guitar solo and playing from the band. I love this song.”

8. Vengeance (The Pact)

“Synthesizer opening followed by drums and bass. Another moody song. Some great vocal harmonizing from the band. I’m being repetitive, but again, there are great lyrics here! A very, mellow, airy guitar solo fits in great with the atmosphere of the song. The song changes tempo near the end, turning into a very fast, slamming pace. Galloping guitars and bass that eventually return to the opening melody and tune.”

7. Sole Survivor

“Bass scaling opens this track, followed by synthesizer and Donald’s vocals. Another haunting, moody tune on this song. Again, some tremendous sci-fi lyrics give this song the extra punch it needs. A nicely stated guitar solo. Another fine song.”

See more: Blue Oyster Cult Albums Ranked

6. After Dark

“Very fast and heavy bass opens the song. Synthesizer is very predominate. A fast tempo song that really lets Joe shine! This has a very “80’s” sound to it. Sounds like “Flush The Fashion” era Alice Cooper. I really like this song. It has a great solo from Buck, he really lets fly on this one. I Love it. Sounds alot like Megadeth in the SINGING style.”

5. Heavy Metal: The Black and Silver

“Heavy bass and power chording from Buck. Donald really belts out the vocals on this one. A much more lively tune. Again, the lyrics really help make this song shine. Sounds like something off of “Tyranny and Mutation”. A very heavy, thumping song.”

4. Fire of Unknown Origin

“Heavy galloping bass and strong backbeat opens the album. Synthesizer effects and harmonies help give it an otherwordly feel. Real colorful, sci-fi lyrics help give the song some punch and set the stage for the rest of the album. I really like this tune!”

See more: Blue Oyster Cult Songs Ranked

3. Joan Crawford

“Eerie piano playing opens this track. Has a straight ahead rock-n-roll beat and feel. Great bass playing from Joe and drumming from Alan. Sounds alot like something Alice Cooper would do. Cool sound effects are all over this one! “Oh no no no. Joan Crawford has risen from the grave!”

2. Veteran of the Psychic Wars

“Heavy, thundering bass drums and synth use opens the track. Has a marching, soldering feel to it. This song was on the “Heavy Metal” soundtrack. Heavy synth use along with taps like drumming. A real mellow, cool guitar solo gives the song great atmosphere and flavor. Very haunting! Great sci-fi lyrics, “Please don’t let these shakes go on”! Tremendous! One of my favorite BOC songs.”

1. Burnin’ for You

“The big hit from this album. Opens with the guitar melody and some background vocal harmony followed by Buck’s vocals. Sounds alot like “Don’t Fear The Reaper”. “Burn out the day. Burn out the night.” When this song came out, I was a teenager and my mother asked me if this song was about drugs. I said “Drugs? What’s that?” Anyway, a real cool guitar solo from Buck accompanied by some great bass playing from Joe. Strong synthesizer use but it doesn’t dominate the tune. A great hardrock song.”