Boasting four hit pop singles: “Sailing” (#1), "Ride Like the Wind" (#2), "Never Be the Same" (#15), and "Say You'll Be Mine" (#20), the quintuple platinum album impressively featured backing vocals by Michael McDonald, Don Henley (yacht rock masters in their own right), Eagles co-writer JD Souther and Nicolette Larson, not to mention electric guitar contributions from Larry Carlton and Eric Johnson. 

 

Among the 11 bonus tracks are seven previously unissued demos. A mostly fully formed "Ride Like the Wind" was previously available elsewhere, but because it differs slightly in phrasing, the uninitiated should find it interesting. The sprightly "Mary Ann" - a Japan-only single - could've easily fit on the original nine-track release. Other demos here, such as "Parade," and "Passengers" are strong. Gene Sculatti penned an informative essay for the reissue package. Available in CD and 2LP configurations.

 

Meanwhile, All Right: The Worldwide Singles 1980-88 collects Cross’ domestic and international A-sides from those years. Available as a 2LP set, it contains the original single versions, and the 2CD counterpart adds B-sides on the second disc. The compilation was remastered and has liner notes by Garrett Price, director of the HBO Original film Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary. 

 

Highlights include all the singles from Christopher Cross, the romantic and engaging #1 Oscar-winning "Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)"; top 40 pop charters “All Right” and “No Time for Talk" off sophomore album Another Page; the luxurious top 10 “Think of Laura” (popularized through its use on the soap opera General Hospital); “A Chance For Heaven (Swimming Theme From The Official Music Of The XXIIIrd Olympiad Los Angeles 1984),” which reached #16 on the Adult Contemporary Charts, and the top 30 “Loving Strangers (David’s Theme From Nothing In Common). 

 

To purchase the albums, go to: omnivorerecordings.com.