Christopher Cross-Another Page (1983)

Three years after his acclaimed debut album, Christopher Cross left us with his second record, an album that was overshadowed by his impactful first work, despite containing enough musical merit to once again top the charts worldwide. However, in his second release, the style that blended irresistible ballads, soft rock, and clear mainstream pop influences was criticized for its lack of stylistic evolution. As with his debut album, on this new record, the guitarist from San Antonio, Texas, surrounded himself with a stellar lineup of musicians, including Mike Porcaro, Don Henley, JD Souther, Art Garfunkel, Steve Lukather, Tom Scott, Carl Wilson, Abraham Laboriel, and Jay Griden, among many others. Recorded throughout much of 1982, on "Another Page" Cross repeats the same formula that had propelled him to global stardom with a series of understated, impeccably executed compositions that navigate between romantic and nostalgic ballads; "Baby Says No", "Nature of the Game", "What Am I Supposed to Believe", "Talking in My Sleep", "Words of Wisdom", and "Think of Laura" are nods to the recent past with appealing melodies, such as the fast-paced and catchy "All Right," or the stimulating West Coast sounds of "No Time for Talk" and "Deal 'Em Again". While not reaching the commercial or creative heights of its predecessor, the album achieved a commendable eleventh place on the Billboard charts and earned half a dozen gold records worldwide for its sales.