In "The Very Best of Christopher Cross," all of those songs are included, but we are treated to Cross's best work since his days near the top of the charts. Many fans are likely not familiar with songs like, "I Will (Take You Forever)," which could be one of the most beautiful pop wedding anthems of all time. Cross's growth as a musician is evident in "Avalon," "When She Smiles" and "Hunger," which are infinitely deeper than most of the work on his debut album. In fact, as this CD has played almost constantly since I bought it, I have found myself listening to the newer songs much more than the older ones which won Grammys and an Oscar.

When he erupted on the scene more than 20 years ago, Christpher Cross had a unmistakable voice and was a musican and lyrical craftsman. Since then, that craftsmanship has only deepened, and in this CD we are finally treated to the best of Cross's songs, regardless of how high they may have peaked on the charts.


One of pop music's greatest mysteries...   April 16, 2002
 17 out of 17 found this review helpful

is why this talented composer faded so quickly after his amazing 1980 debut which won him FIVE Grammys. The thing is for people that continued to follow his music (especially oustide of the US) he didn't fade. To date he has released seven studio albums, each of which displays his unique voice, wonderful sense for melody, and ability to perform a ballad or upbeat number with equal success.

For those who thought Cross was a one-album-wonder this collection of hits, album tracks, and "shoulda been hits" should provide a nice summary of what they've been missing. After the Grammys came "Another Page" which contained the positive "All Right" and etherial "Think of Laura" which could be heard on the ABC soap "General Hospital". "Another Page" was a strong LP that deserved more attention than it received. '86 gave us a rockier Cross with "Every Turn of the World" (the energetic title track is included here). '88 found Cross returning to form with the excellent and all but overlooked "Back of My Mind". The title track, "I Will Take You Forever" and what may be Cross's most beautiful ballad, "Swept Away" are presented here in remixed versions.

OK, I confess, I lost track of Cross in the 90s and so for that reason the stuff culled from his last three efforts is new to me but is also as strong as his earlier efforts and only serve to tempt me to dig deeper into those later releases. Hopefully this compilation will serve as a reintroduction to other fans of that first effort who, like me, lost track of this talented singer/songwriter over the years.


Why Videos Killed The Radio Star   April 4, 2006
 14 out of 18 found this review helpful

Christopher Cross was on his way to mega stardom in his peak, but a new music form came along and killed that. That new music form is called, "the video". Mr.Cross is not the best looking man, so it was hard to market him. Therefore, his stardom declined. But for the people who knows a real artist , Christopher Cross remains close to our hearts. Songs like the classic, "Ride Like The Wind" will take you to another place especially if you are stuck in traffic. "Sailing" is so relaxing, it reminds me of a Sunday evening (just when the sun is going down) and Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do) just makes you feel good and gives you hope about love. Lesser known songs like "Walking In Avalon" is just as special as the classics. Critics may have hated Cross when he started out, but I bet they feel sorry for it (considering the sad state of the music business today).


First US Best of Set   March 9, 2002
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This is Christopher Cross' first US best of release and it covers his entire career from 1980-1998. Three new remixes aside, this touches on all his albums. The liner notes are up-to-date, there's track-by-track information and the sound is great. A perfect CD for those who've wondered what happened to Christopher Cross, and are interested in catching up with him.


Smooth Sailing   May 31, 2002
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

When the 1980's began, Christopher Cross seemed to be at the top of his game. He scored big hits with Sailing, Ride Like The Wind, and Think Of Laura. Surprisingly, once MTV came into play, Christopher Cross turned into a big joke. Nonetheless, his music still kept going its stride in full wind.

The 2002 album, The Very Best Of Christopher Cross, is a true retrospective to one of the most underrated singers and songwriters. The songs here are simple and melodic, like a relaxing tour of Lake Victoria. The songs here are pure classics that still keep the mind flowing like Arthur's Theme, Walking In Avalon, and Loving Strangers, from the Tom Hanks film, Nothing In Common.

While many still have written Christopher Cross off in the 1980's, his songs and countless melodies will still be played on for many years to come. For many people who've thought of him as a one album wonder, a man who has won 5 grammys and an Oscar, Christopher Cross will still keep sailing away.