From his first album in 1979, to his Oscar winning song "Arthur's Theme," five grammy awards in 1981, to this latest release, "Walking In Avalon," Cross has been able to maintain a certain quality of storytelling in his music like few others. He says "When I started working on this new record, for the first time in many many years I found myself coming out of pure innocence and a desire to play music. That's how it used to be in the early days, but I have to admit it hasn't been like that for me for a long time until now." It's certainly nice to have this fine Texas musician back.

This is a two cd set, one of which is a live, greatest hits type album, and the his new album. I found this to be a wonderful combination, since I'd been looking for a couple of the old songs for a while.

The live half is very relaxed. That's the only way I can think of to describe it. When Cross sings, you know he's done these songs a million times before. You can hear it in his voice and yet it's not as if he's tired of them. It's more like they're old, comfortable friends. The only slight problem I had was that this version of "Think Of Laura," which has always been one of my favorite songs, wasn't quite what I was looking for. It's probably just because I'm so in love with the original recording, that any changes disturb me. I'm sure once I've heard the live recording a few more times I'll get over it, as it's still a beautiful song.

The other hits include "Ride Like The Wind" with Micheal McDonald, "Swept Away," and of course "Sailing" and "Arthur's Theme," as well as many others. All of these are very well done and worth the price of the CDs, even if you don't like the new stuff, which would be nearly impossible.

The new album begins with "In A Red Room," with soft drums and a smooth voice. If this isn't romance, I don't know what is. It also made me get out my dictionary, which isn't something you can say often about a song. The music brought to mind fields and jungles, deserted but for the two lovers. It may take place in a room but it's more freeing than any structure could be. Definitely one for those quiet nights with the one you love.

The title song, "Walking In Avalon," is actually quite similar. The music isn't very different but the love story takes a slightly different view. Loving each other in spite of, and then because of, differences is a nice message, and lyrics like "Remember those mushrooms down in Mexico/ How we found our clothes I'll never know," will make you giggle.

"Hunger" compares love to a drug you can't let go of. His "opiate angel" has got him running in circles not knowing what to do. The soft guitar takes the main stage here as the sad song plays out and almost makes you want to cry. Music, more than lyrics, is really the focus, and feeds the desperation to you as you sit back wondering the same thing he is. Which is scarier: finding his angel or never seeing her again?

On a lighter note, "When She Smiles" tells the tale of a first meeting between a future husband and wife. The way she smiles makes him light up with wonder and worry, as they go from the supermarket, to Starbucks, to his place. It's one of those charming stories you read about, or hear friends tell, and can't really believe, but you know it could be true. The music is fun and frisky and will make you smile as well.

If nothing else, it can't be said that Christopher Cross is behind the times when it comes to references in songs. In "It's Always Something," there's a line that goes "My AOL went down again/ They're starving in Zaire/ Close your eyes and count to ten/ The sky is falling dear." Any of you who are on AOL, as I am, certainly understand this line of thought. It goes on to mention other computer -- as well as general -- problems, but the gist of the song is that we can get past this if we just let go and not get all worked up over every little thing. Nice thought and well put within the song.

"Dreaming Too Loud" is exactly what he's doing in this one. Cross perfectly describes a paradise of his own making which sounds pretty good to me too! Airy and bright, this can cheer you up immensely just by taking the images he paints and going off into your own dream world.

"I Know You Well" is a duet with Gigi Worth. Great voice on her and it's not that dissimilar from Christopher's, which makes it a very smooth transition between verses. It seems to be a song about a long, tried and true relationship, but then ends up being more like a one night stand. Perhaps a relationship from the past rekindled for the night?

A couple of other very wonderful songs with similar themes come into play before the final tune, "Rainy Day In Vancouver," makes it's appearance. This instrumental is unbelievably peaceful. If you've ever purchased one of those relaxation tapes this isn't so different except that it's much better. There are vocals but they come in the forms of "aaah"s and "oooh"s. It's absolutely beautiful and will conjure many soothing images in your mind as you drift quietly off to sleep.

It's nearly impossible to find anything wrong with this album. The concert is fun, the new stuff is amazing, and listening to the two back to back is an experience. To see the changes he's made in the last 20 years, and imagine those yet to come, is almost too much to take in. It's probably not perfect, but it's very close. If you've ever liked a Christopher Cross song, or if you just like soft music and love songs with a little kick thrown in from time to time, you can't pass this up.