The fourth and final studio album Desperate Years was released in 1992; like its predecessor Powerdrive through Black Dragon Records. On this record, the well-known US metal - even more than on the predecessor - has been replaced by bluesy hard rock. But also in this genre St. Elmos Fire were able to survive. Powerful acoustic ballads like 'Without You' and 'Where Were You' are placed next to cheesy rockers like 'Chain Around My Heart' and 'Part Of My Life' as well as the eight minute-instrumental 'Rivethead Jam'. In songs like 'Hot Time' and the Riot influenced 'This Time' there still can be heard some decent heavy metal influences. On this re-release there are also two bonus tracks: the unreleased 'Summertime Girls' as well as the single track 'Really In Love' from 1984.
01 Chain around my heart 02 On fire 03 Desperate years 04 Without you 05 Part of my life 06 Hot time 07 Here and beyond 08 Where were you 09 Michelle 10 This time 11 Riverhead jam 12 Other nights to cry
13 Summertime girls (bonus) 14 Really in love (bonus)