Spins: Christopher Cross • All Right: The Worldwide Singles 1980-1988
Christopher Cross
All Right: The Worldwide Singles 1980-1988
(Omnivore)
Call it yacht rock if that gets you in the door, but don’t write off Christopher Cross. Possessing a supple and immediately identifiable tenor, Cross’s songs also reveal an inventive melodist, meticulous and thoughtful songwriter, and formidable musician. All Right collects 20 singles from Cross’ heyday in the Miami Vice era, including the four “adult contemporary” songs everyone can effortlessly sing along to. “Ride Like the Wind” has a tougher groove than Cross’s soft-rock reputation typically allows. Chart-topper and Grammy winner “Sailing” remains good medicine, offering escapist bliss to anyone willing to drop the pretense of being too cool to like a sublime, catchy pop tune. Both of these songs appeared on Cross’s self-titled 1979 debut LP. “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” was the memorable theme song of a charming movie (1981’s Arthur) that had ample character, set somewhere between the moon and New York City. The song was a second #1 single for Cross, earning him an Oscar statue as well. Sophomore album Another Page yielded the Top 10 ballad “Think of Laura,” a reflective ode and celebration of life for an Ohio college student killed by a stray bullet. Cross’ chart success waned following “Think of Laura,” but he remained in demand as a composer for TV, film, and significant events. The glistening “Swept Away” was prominently featured in the TV series Growing Pains, continuing Cross’s partnership with top pop producer Michael Omartian. “A Chance for Heaven” was written for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Written with Patrick Leonard, “Loving Strangers” appeared alongside Thompson Twins’ title track in the 1986 Tom Hanks/Jackie Gleason film Nothing in Common.
A second disc of deeper cuts includes 11 additional tracks, beginning with the radio edit of debut album closer “Minstrel Gigolo.” The song features Texas blues guitarist Eric Johnson’s stylish solo. The bonus disc draws from Cross’s first four studio albums, concluding with a pair of songs from 1988’s Back of My Mind. The mesmerizing “Alibi” finds cross looking inward to find his true self. “Just One Look” interleaves a quest for spiritual and emotional truth. Omartian’s deceptively soothing tones mask a troubled and relatable desire to belong. Your search for Cross’s collection will end under the “Pop” category when you find the cover with the familiar flamingos.
– Jeff Elbel
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