Title - 'Doctor Faith' (Eagle Records)
Artist - Christopher Cross
The voice that, infamously once gave us 'Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)' and 'Sailing' is back with his first new album in 12 long years. Containing 13 truly wonderful tracks, he gets things under way with a message to our youth in 'Hey Kid.' Containing the message that love heals all, we move swiftly onto 'I'm Too Old For This,' where Cross becomes self-aware, self-observant ('It's hip to be stupid, just wear the right brand!')
On the next three tracks - 'When You Come Home,' 'Dreamers' and 'November' - Cross goes back to his melodic roots, his voice a tender flashback to MOR airwaves of days gone by. 'Leave It To Me' gets the vibe back into his tracks, before the title track is upon us. Infused with the dulcet tones of the unmistakable Michael McDonald, the song isn't as powerful; or as good as I'd hoped it to be ... sorry!
However, 'Rescue' is Cross at his finest on this new album, that's for sure. Soaked in sax and a 'Sailingish' flow, the song is delicious to listen to on a summers day, trust me. 'Help Me Cry' is next and tells a tale that all married men are well accustomed to, before 'Still I Resist' comes lovingly down the line.
Both 'Poor Man's 'Ecstasy and 'Everything' are run of the mill, but the album ender 'Prayin' is simple beautiful; and a well-chosen way to close the new arrival out. Thirty-one years from when it all began; indeed five Grammys and an Oscar later, this is Christopher Cross on form and plying his trade in great style - for the most part.
www.christophercross.com