SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: CHRISTOPHER CROSS – CHRISTOPHER CROSS (EXPANDED EDITION)

CHRISTOPHER CROSS
CHRISTOPHER CROSS (EXPANDED EDITION)
OMNIVORE/SEEKER MUSIC

Christopher Cross seemed like an overnight sensation when he exploded onto the music world in 1980. The truth was, however, that he had been singing and writing for about a decade before his hugely successful self-titled debut album. Christopher Cross was released in 1979 and was not an instant hit. It took a while for the album to take root and grow. And it grew into a monster album, with four hit singles and numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards (taking home Best Record, Best Song, Best Album and Best New Artist). The album is expertly produced by Michael Omartian and features some very big L.A. players (such as Larry Carlton, Michael Omartian, Jim Horn, Michael McDonald and Nicolette Larson to name just a few). But keep in mind, Cross is playing electric and acoustic guitars and provides many of the solos.

Over time, it is almost forgotten that Cross wrote all the songs on the album. He had a decade of honing his craft and developing his skill as a writer. Perhaps due to the slick production (and it is slick), it is also forgotten that Cross should be considered a singer/songwriter. The songs are very commercial and today the term ‘Yacht Rock’ is used to describe his music. But there is so much more to the songs and the album than that genre implies.  A song like “Poor Shirley” is a distant cousin to “Eleanor Rigby” with very heartfelt lyrics and a beautiful melody. The harmonies and structure of the song are stunning. The same with “Spinning” that is expertly played and is in the Steely Dan realm and features Valerie Carter dueting with Cross.

This new reissue also features a second disc of demos which gives a slight glimpse into the songs before the lush arrangements. Quite frankly, they are not all that different, and there are no acoustic, stripped back versions but they are not as produced. A song like “Sailing” has all the components but is a little rougher and has more space in the song. It is a lovely version. It is slower and has a really relaxed feel to it. There is also a very rough version of “What Am I Supposed To Believe” that appeared on his 1983 album, Another Page.

Christopher Cross is an album that has grown in stature since its release over 40 years ago. This new expanded version of the album adds a great deal and does not take away from the beauty of the original album. Sure, it has the slick, 1980s L.A. sound, but beneath that gloss are remarkable songs. Beautiful melodies flow throughout the album, and Cross’s musicianship and vocals still sound incredible in 2025. This is the perfect summer album. It works as background music for a nice BBQ but even better, it is a perfect reflective album to enjoy on those long, quiet summer evenings.

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