For over four decades, Christopher Cross has been a celebrated songwriter and performer.
His music has been widely praised for its exceptional composition, creating an iconic sound that has been successfully captured in some of his greatest hits.
This article examines twelve of the most popular songs from Christopher Cross’ extensive catalog.
This selection includes classics such as “Sailing,” “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do),” “Never Be the Same,” and “Ride Like the Wind.”
It is a comprehensive review of the artist’s impressive body of work, featuring some of his most iconic anthems.
It also includes lesser-known tracks such as “Think Of Laura,” “Spinning,” “Minstrel Gigolo,” and “Poor Shirley.”
The article provides an in-depth analysis of each song, exploring the unique elements of Christopher Cross’ songs.
1. “Sailing”
“Sailing” is a popular song by Christopher Cross that has become an enduring classic, often used as a symbol of relaxation and escapism.
Its lyrics and melody blend together to create an atmosphere of peace and reflection.
The song’s instrumentation is minimalistic, highlighting a single guitar and piano line to create a subtle yet powerful sound.
Cross’ vocal style is gentle and soothing, adding to the calm mood of the song.
Through its dreamy feel and introspective lyrics, “Sailing” has become one of Cross’s most beloved songs, adored by fans and critics alike.
2. “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)”
The Grammy-winning single “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” has become an iconic musical staple in the pop culture landscape.
The song features a strong melody, with a memorable chorus and a sing-along hook.
Instrumentally, the song is driven by a prominent piano line and a lush string arrangement.
Lyrically, the song speaks of personal determination and commitment to one’s goals.
Ultimately, “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” is a timeless classic that continues to be appreciated by music fans.
3. “Never Be the Same”
The 1979 song entitled “Never Be the Same” by Christopher Cross is a reflection on the difficulties of growing up and the changes that come with it.
Cross’ version of the song is characterized by a slow tempo and gentle musical accompaniment, which allows for the lyrics to take center stage.
His smooth vocals and powerful vocal delivery make the song an emotional and memorable experience.
Ultimately, “Never Be the Same” is a poignant and thoughtful take on a modern classic.
4. “Ride Like the Wind”
“Ride Like the Wind” is a classic rock ballad originally released by Christopher Cross in 1979.
It was the second single from his eponymous debut album, which earned him five Grammy Awards.
The song has a distinctive guitar-driven melody and includes a bridge with spoken words.
The single topped the charts in Canada, Ireland, and the United States, and peaked at number two in the United Kingdom.
It has become a staple of classic rock radio and is one of Cross’ best-known songs.
5. “Think Of Laura”
Released as the third single from his debut album, Christopher Cross’ “Think of Laura” was an international hit in 1983.
The song is an ode to a former lover of the singer and was recorded for a television soap opera.
The song’s lyrical content is focused on the singer’s nostalgia for the past and his desire to re-experience the feelings he had for her.
Musically, the song features a unique combination of acoustic guitar, synthesizers, strings, and rhythms.
This combination of elements creates a sound that is both nostalgic and modern.
“Think of Laura” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
6. “Say You’ll Be Mine”
Moving forward, another classic Christopher Cross song is his 1979 single “Say You’ll Be Mine”.
The track follows a classic verse-chorus structure, with the verses arching towards the chorus in its melodic line.
The song is a plea for a lover to stay, with a slight hint of insecurity, as the protagonist asks the object of his affections to “say you’ll be mine”.
The song is a showcase of Cross’s ability to write a catchy melodic hook, as the chorus of “Say You’ll Be Mine” sticks in the listeners’ heads long after the song has finished.
7. “I Really Don’t Know Anymore”
One of Christopher Cross’s lesser-known songs, “I Really Don’t Know Anymore,” expresses a feeling of vulnerability and uncertainty in a relationship.
The lyrics describe a situation in which the emotions of both parties are unclear and the future of the relationship is uncertain.
The song starts with a gentle guitar riff and builds to a chorus of layered vocals and synthesized strings.
The song’s lyrics emphasize a sense of loneliness and confusion in a relationship, and its somber melody serves to highlight the emotion of the song.
This track is a reminder that relationships can be difficult and complex, and not always easy to understand.
8. “The Light Is On”
Christopher Cross’s song “The Light Is On” offers a hopeful and optimistic outlook on love and relationships.
The song speaks of a renewed appreciation and understanding of one’s partner, and the willingness to let go of ego and past misunderstandings in order to remain in the relationship.
Musically, the song is carried by Cross’s signature acoustic guitar, supported by a full band arrangement.
The lyrics detail a journey of self-discovery and growth, culminating in the chorus where Cross’s vocals soar over a swelling arrangement.
“The Light Is On” is a track that celebrates the beauty of love, and its power to heal and make whole.
9. “Spinning”
“Spinning” is a track by Christopher Cross that conveys a sense of motion and transformation.
The song’s structure is a classic verse-chorus-verse, creating a sense of anticipation and resolution.
The melody is light and airy, with the chorus punctuated by a powerful solo saxophone.
Cross’ vocal performance is exceptional, conveying a range of emotions with subtlety and nuance.
The lyrics are full of imagery, conveying themes of personal growth and discovery.
Overall, “Spinning” is a standout track in Cross’ catalog, demonstrating his skill as a songwriter.
10. “Minstrel Gigolo”
Continuing with Christopher Cross’ music catalog, “Minstrel Gigolo” is a song that stands out for its expansive soundscape.
It is an example of Cross’ skill in creating a diverse sound that is both melodic and layered.
The song’s tempo is engaging and it features a variety of instruments that carry a sense of depth and emotion.
The lyrics are poetic and introspective, providing a reflective atmosphere that allows the listener to connect deeply with the song.
It is a unique and captivating track.
11. “Poor Shirley”
“Poor Shirley” is a song that showcases Christopher Cross’ ability to create a heartfelt and passionate atmosphere with his music.
The lyrics and the song’s musical structure create an atmosphere of contemplation and reflection.
The song starts off with a somber piano melody and builds up to a crescendo with a full band playing throughout.
The lyrics of the song explore a person’s feelings of regret and sorrow, and how they are dealing with the situation.
The song’s composition and lyrics work together to create a powerful and moving piece of music.
12. “Charm The Snake”
“Charm The Snake” is a song that demonstrates Christopher Cross’ ability to capture an emotional and powerful atmosphere with his music.
Crafted by the singer-songwriter, the track features a catchy guitar riff and a bassline that propels the song forward.
Cross’ vocals have a haunting quality, as he sings about the challenges of a relationship.
His lyrics are poetic and poignant, painting a vivid picture of the situation.
The chorus of the song has a melodic quality, creating a memorable hook.
Overall, “Charm The Snake” is an example of Cross’ ability to create an evocative atmosphere with his music.
Best Christopher Cross Songs Of All Time – Final Thoughts
Christopher Cross has solidified himself as a mainstay of contemporary music.
His discography is vast and includes a variety of genres, giving listeners a plethora of options to choose from.
The twelve best Christopher Cross songs, as determined by popularity and longevity, are “Sailing”, “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)”, “Never Be the Same”, “Ride Like the Wind”, “Think Of Laura”, “Spinning”, “Minstrel Gigolo”, and “Poor Shirley” among others.
Each of these songs has become a staple of the music industry and continues to garner praise and attention from fans.
With a wide array of hits, Christopher Cross has created a legacy that will remain timeless for generations to come.
