Another Page
Another Page is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Christopher Cross, released on January 31, 1983, by Warner Bros. Records.[1] Recorded in 1982 at Warner Brothers Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California, the album features a soft rock and yacht rock sound characterized by polished production and contributions from notable session musicians, including members of Toto.[2] It includes guest vocals from Michael McDonald on tracks like "All Right" and "No Time for Talk," as well as appearances by Steve Lukather on guitar for "All Right," Karla Bonoff on "What Am I Supposed to Believe," and Art Garfunkel providing harmony on "Talking in My Sleep."[2] The album comprises ten tracks, with the tracklist as follows:- "No Time for Talk" (4:22)
- "Baby Says No" (6:04)
- "What Am I Supposed to Believe" (4:22)
- "Deal 'Em Again" (3:10)
- "Think of Laura" (3:22)
- "All Right" (4:18)
- "Talking in My Sleep" (3:34)
- "Nature of the Game" (3:55)
- "Long World" (3:32)
- "Words of Wisdom" (5:52) [3]
Background
Conception
Following the immense success of his self-titled debut album, which sold over five million copies worldwide and earned Cross five Grammy Awards including Album of the Year, the singer-songwriter began conceptualizing his sophomore effort amid significant personal upheaval.[7] The end of his first marriage prompted a period of introspection, during which Cross met Paige McNinch, his girlfriend at the time, whose influence profoundly shaped the album's romantic and emotional core.[8] He described the project as "kind of a personal record… involved connected a lot to my personal life — my marriage ended, I met Paige," highlighting how these events fueled the songwriting process.[8] Dedicated to McNinch, Another Page emerged as a "love album" with many tracks directly inspired by their relationship, including the upbeat single "All Right," which she specifically requested to counterbalance the record's prevalent ballads.[9] The album's insert featured a photograph of McNinch, underscoring her central role in its conception.[10] A poignant exception was "Think of Laura," written as a tribute to Laura Coffin Carter, an 18-year-old Denison University student and friend of McNinch's who was tragically killed by a stray bullet in Columbus, Ohio, in April 1982.[11] Cross composed the song to console McNinch during her grief, transforming personal loss into one of the album's most haunting ballads.[9] The conception was also marked by the pressures of following a blockbuster debut, with Cross navigating expectations from Warner Bros. Records and critics who anticipated a similar yacht rock polish.[8] Despite these challenges, he aimed for authenticity, resulting in a more introspective collection recorded in 1982 that leaned into soft rock and adult contemporary sensibilities, ultimately achieving gold certification and peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard 200.[9]Relation to debut album
Another Page is the sophomore studio album by American singer-songwriter Christopher Cross, following his self-titled debut released in December 1979. While the debut album peaked at number 6 on the Billboard 200 chart and spawned multiple hit singles, including the number-one track "Sailing," Another Page reached number 11 on the same chart upon its January 1983 release, reflecting a decline in commercial momentum despite retaining core elements of Cross's soft rock sound.[4][5][2] Stylistically, Another Page mirrors the laid-back, yacht rock-influenced aesthetic of the debut, featuring polished production, intricate harmonies, and contributions from session musicians like Toto members Steve Lukather and Jeff Porcaro, who also appeared on the first album. Both records emphasize melodic introspection and smooth orchestration, with producer Michael Omartian overseeing both projects to maintain Cross's signature blend of pop accessibility and adult contemporary appeal. However, critics noted that Another Page felt like a "carbon copy" of the debut, with familiar elements present but somewhat "smudged," lacking the fresh breakthrough energy that propelled the earlier work to five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.[2][12][13] Commercially, the singles from Another Page underperformed relative to the debut's chart-toppers. "All Right" peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, while "Think of Laura" reached number 9 after gaining popularity through its association with the soap opera General Hospital, marking Cross's last top-ten hit from the album. In contrast, the debut featured four top-40 singles, establishing Cross as a major artist. This sophomore effort, though solid in craftsmanship, struggled to replicate the debut's cultural impact and sales, positioning it as a continuation rather than an evolution in Cross's discography.[5][4][9]Production
Recording sessions
The recording sessions for Another Page took place primarily at Warner Bros. Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California, during 1982.[14] Additional sessions were held at The Pop 'n' Roll Playroom, The Aspen Studios, and Studio South in Austin, Texas.[14] The album was produced by Michael Omartian, who had previously helmed Cross's self-titled debut, with engineering duties led by Chet Himes, who also mixed the tracks.[15] Assistant producers Michael Ostin and Rob Meurer supported the production, while additional engineering was provided by Lee Herschberg, Richard Mullen, Mark Linett, and John Guess.[15] The sessions featured a range of prominent session musicians and guest vocalists, reflecting the album's soft rock and yacht rock style. Guitar contributions came from Jay Graydon on "Deal 'Em Again" and Steve Lukather on "All Right," with saxophone by Tom Scott on "No Time for Talk" and Ernie Watts on "What Am I Supposed to Believe."[14] Vocal harmonies were enriched by Michael McDonald on "No Time for Talk" and "All Right," Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys on "Baby Says No," Karla Bonoff on "What Am I Supposed to Believe," Don Henley and J.D. Souther on "Deal 'Em Again" and "Nature of the Game," and Art Garfunkel on "Talking in My Sleep."[14] Cross later described working with Wilson in the studio as an "unreal experience," noting that he contributed to a couple of tracks.[16] The production emphasized a ballad-heavy sound, with Cross incorporating personal influences from his life at the time, including the end of his first marriage and the start of a new relationship with Paige Oliver, to whom the album is dedicated.[8] Tracks like "All Right" were added at Oliver's suggestion to provide an upbeat contrast to the more mellow material.[8]Key collaborators
Michael Omartian served as the primary producer for Another Page, having previously collaborated with Christopher Cross on his debut album and bringing his expertise in arranging and keyboard performance to the project.[17] Omartian also contributed keyboards and handled string arrangements and conduction, shaping the album's polished soft rock sound.[3] The core band featured renowned session musicians, including drummer Jeff Porcaro of Toto, who provided the rhythmic foundation across multiple tracks with his precise and dynamic style.[18] Bass duties were shared by Abraham Laboriel, Andy Salmon, and Mike Porcaro (also of Toto), adding depth to the grooves.[18] Keyboardist Rob Meurer, a frequent Cross collaborator, played a central role in arrangements alongside Cross and Omartian, incorporating synthesizers and percussion elements.[18][12] Guitar work was led by Cross himself, with notable solos from Jay Graydon on "Deal 'Em Again," Steve Lukather (Toto) on "All Right," and Cross on "Words of Wisdom."[18] Percussionists Lenny Castro and Paulinho da Costa enhanced the tracks with Latin and rhythmic flair.[12] Saxophone solos were contributed by Tom Scott on "No Time for Talk" and Ernie Watts on "What Am I Supposed to Believe."[18] Guest vocalists elevated several songs, including Michael McDonald on "No Time for Talk" and "All Right," Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys on "Baby Says No," Karla Bonoff on "What Am I Supposed to Believe," Don Henley and John David Souther on "Deal 'Em Again" and "Nature of the Game," and Art Garfunkel on "Talking in My Sleep."[18] These collaborations drew from the era's yacht rock and AOR scene, blending high-profile talents to support Cross's songwriting and lead vocals.[12]Composition and style
Musical elements
"Another Page" exemplifies the soft rock and yacht rock genres prevalent in early 1980s adult contemporary music, characterized by its smooth, melodic arrangements and polished production.[1][19] The album maintains a mellow, warm tone across its tracks, blending pop sensibilities with subtle jazz influences through intricate instrumentation and harmonious vocal layers.[18] Its sound is meticulously crafted, featuring sweetly melodious compositions that appeal to a broad pop audience while incorporating personal, introspective elements in the songwriting.[20] The production, handled by Michael Omartian, emphasizes squeaky-clean, radio-friendly aesthetics typical of middle-of-the-road (MOR) pop-rock, with high-fidelity mixes that highlight layered guitars, keyboards, and rhythmic sections.[2] Recorded at Warner Bros. Recording Studios in North Hollywood, the album's engineering accentuates a calm, sophisticated vibe, avoiding aggressive dynamics in favor of relaxed grooves and subtle builds.[18] Instrumentation draws heavily from session musicians associated with the West Coast sound, including Toto members like Steve Lukather on guitar solos, which add melodic flair without overpowering the arrangements.[2] Christopher Cross's high, melodious tenor vocals serve as the album's centerpiece, evoking Paul McCartney's ballad style with clear, emotive delivery that conveys vulnerability and introspection.[20] Backing vocals from luminaries such as Michael McDonald, Don Henley, Art Garfunkel, and Carl Wilson enrich the harmonies, creating a lush, communal texture.[18] Saxophone solos by Tom Scott and Ernie Watts introduce jazzy inflections, as heard in "No Time for Talk" and "What Am I Supposed to Believe," while keyboards and pianos underpin the yacht rock essence with their smooth, supportive roles.[18][21] Representative tracks illustrate the album's musical range: the up-tempo "All Right" features peppy rhythms and guitar hooks for an optimistic drive, contrasting the melancholic ballad "Think of Laura," which relies on quivering strings and minimalistic piano to evoke emotional depth.[2] Cross contributes a soaring guitar improvisation on the closer "Words of Wisdom," marking a rare personal instrumental moment amid the ensemble-driven sound.[20] Overall, these elements coalesce into a cohesive, accessible soft rock palette that prioritizes melodic warmth over complexity.[19]Lyrical themes
The lyrics of Another Page delve into personal explorations of love, relationships, and emotional vulnerability, marking a shift toward more introspective songwriting compared to Christopher Cross's debut album. Cross's high tenor delivery complements the themes of doubt, resilience, and loss, often framed through everyday relational struggles and poignant reflections on human connection.[20] Central to the album are songs addressing romantic uncertainty and perseverance. In "What Am I Supposed to Believe," a duet with Karla Bonoff, Cross examines alternating perspectives in a faltering partnership, questioning fidelity and emotional truth amid intimacy's dim light. Similarly, "All Right" conveys hope and endurance in the face of relational hardships, urging a partner to persist through tough times with an upbeat chorus emphasizing optimism: "When you're down and out / When you're flat on your face / Just remember, whatever you do / Don't give up." "Baby Says No" captures the sting of rejection, portraying a lover's reluctance to commit despite the narrator's earnest overtures, highlighting unrequited affection and the persistence of desire.[22][23] A notable departure comes with "Think of Laura," an acoustic ballad dedicated to Laura Carter, a college student and friend of Cross who was fatally shot by a stray bullet in 1982. Written to console her roommate, the lyrics encourage remembrance without despair—"Think of Laura but laugh, don't cry / I know she'd want it that way"—blending grief with calls for resilience and positive legacy. "Talking in My Sleep" extends this introspective tone, likening love to entries in a diary or history book, where memories "cut you deep" yet serve as enduring reminders of passion's highs and lows.[11][24] Overall, these themes underscore Cross's focus on emotional authenticity, using simple yet evocative imagery to navigate love's complexities without overt drama, contributing to the album's soft rock intimacy.[22]Release and promotion
Original release
"Another Page" is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Christopher Cross, released on January 31, 1983, by Warner Bros. Records.[25] The album followed Cross's critically acclaimed debut, which had won multiple Grammy Awards in 1981, but it marked a shift toward a more collaborative production style involving members of Toto.[2] Recorded primarily in 1982, it was issued in various formats including vinyl LP, cassette, and later compact disc, with the original vinyl pressing featuring a gatefold sleeve and lyrics insert.[3] The release was positioned as a continuation of Cross's soft rock sound, though it incorporated yacht rock influences and guest appearances from high-profile musicians like Michael McDonald and Don Henley.[12] Warner Bros. promoted the album through radio airplay and music video exposure on emerging outlets like MTV, with the lead single "All Right" preceding the full release in early 1983.[26] Despite these efforts, the album did not replicate the commercial peak of its predecessor, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart upon release.[2] Internationally, "Another Page" saw releases in markets such as the UK, Japan, and Brazil, often with region-specific artwork variations, though the core tracklist remained consistent across editions.[3] The album's packaging emphasized Cross's evolving artistry, with photography by Norman Seeff capturing a more mature image compared to his debut.[12]Singles and marketing
The album Another Page spawned three singles, each contributing to its promotion through radio airplay and targeted media placements. The lead single, "All Right", was released on January 5, 1983, and peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart while reaching number 3 on the Adult Contemporary chart.[5][27] The track's upbeat yacht rock style aligned with Cross's established sound, and it gained additional exposure through its use in CBS's coverage of the 1983 NCAA basketball tournament, enhancing the album's visibility during the spring season.[28] The second single, "No Time for Talk", followed on April 15, 1983, achieving a more modest peak at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.[5][29] Produced by Michael Omartian, the song emphasized Cross's soft rock sensibilities with layered vocals and saxophone accents, but it received less promotional emphasis compared to the lead single, focusing primarily on adult contemporary radio formats.[30] "Think of Laura", released in November 1983 as the third single, became the album's biggest hit, climbing to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart for four weeks.[5][31] Dedicated to a murdered college student Cross had known, the ballad's emotional resonance was amplified by its integration into the ABC soap opera General Hospital, where it served as a thematic motif for the character Laura Spencer during actress Genie Francis's storyline return, driving crossover popularity among daytime TV audiences.[32][33] Marketing efforts for Another Page, handled by Warner Bros. Records, centered on leveraging Cross's Grammy-winning momentum from his debut album while targeting adult-oriented markets. The campaign included promotional posters and in-store displays in Japan, where the album topped the Oricon charts, reflecting strong international push through localized advertising.[34] In the U.S., the RIAA certified the album gold on March 29, 1983, for 500,000 units shipped, a milestone promoted via trade publications to underscore its commercial viability despite not matching the debut's platinum success.[17] Additional certifications followed in France, Germany, and Spain, each at gold level, supporting export-focused marketing that highlighted the singles' radio performance to build sustained catalog sales.[34] Overall, the strategy emphasized soft rock radio rotation and media tie-ins over large-scale tours, aligning with Cross's intimate performer image.Reception
Contemporary reviews
Upon its release in January 1983, Another Page garnered mixed reviews from music critics, who frequently praised its polished production and melodic craftsmanship while critiquing its perceived lack of depth and innovation compared to Christopher Cross's self-titled debut. The album's soft rock style, featuring lush arrangements and guest appearances by artists such as Michael McDonald, Don Henley, and Art Garfunkel, was seen as emblematic of mainstream adult contemporary fare, but often dismissed as formulaic. In The New York Times, Robert Palmer described the record as "as carefully crafted, as sweetly melodious and, yes, every bit as bland as 'Christopher Cross.'" He noted that Cross largely cedes guitar solos to studio musicians, reserving a "soaring improvisation" for the closing track, which underscores the album's reliance on professional polish over personal flair.[20] Stereo Review's Steve Simels offered a similarly lukewarm assessment, labeling Another Page "as small as small potatoes get" and faulting its "melodious, computerized retreads" of influences from James Taylor, Michael McDonald, and Paul McCartney, paired with "vapid lyrics like TV commercials for designer jeans." Simels conceded the album's strengths in "seamless purity" and "pristine recording quality," highlighting its inoffensive appeal bolstered by high-profile collaborators, though he concluded it lacks lasting memorability.[35]Retrospective assessments
Retrospective assessments of Another Page have generally positioned it as a competent but underwhelming successor to Christopher Cross's blockbuster debut, emphasizing its adherence to soft rock and yacht rock conventions while noting a dip in songwriting vitality and commercial momentum. In a 2017 retrospective, Rhino Records described the album as embodying "pure MOR [middle-of-the-road] product" with polished production and high-profile collaborations, including members of Toto and guests like Michael McDonald and Art Garfunkel, yet concluded that it "falls short of fully recapturing the mojo that made Cross' debut so special," highlighting tracks like "All Right" and "Think of Laura" as standout but isolated successes.[2] AllMusic retrospectively rated the album 3 out of 5 stars, describing it as a listenable but less innovative follow-up to Cross's debut, with a middle-of-the-road appeal.[1] Critics have pointed to the album's mixed reception as a turning point in Cross's career, marking the beginning of his fade from mainstream prominence after the Grammy sweep for his 1979 self-titled release. A 2009 BBC Music review of Cross's holiday album reflected on Another Page as receiving "mixed reviews," which contributed to the artist "slipping from the limelight" amid the era's shifting pop landscape. Similarly, Best Classic Bands' 2022 analysis of Cross's early work stated that the 1983 effort "couldn’t match his debut," underscoring how its ballad-heavy structure and subdued energy failed to sustain the initial hype.[36][37] In the broader revival of yacht rock since the 2010s, Another Page has gained renewed appreciation for exemplifying the genre's glossy, harmony-driven aesthetic and studio craftsmanship. A 2024 Variety feature on the HBO documentary Yacht Rock highlighted Cross's role in the movement and its enduring influence on contemporary artists rediscovering 1970s and 1980s smooth pop through ironic and sincere lenses. This reassessment frames the record as a key artifact in Cross's catalog, valued for its collaborative sheen—featuring Toto's Steve Lukather and David Paich—despite not achieving the cultural footprint of hits like "Sailing."[38]Commercial performance
Chart performance
Another Page debuted at number 44 on the US Billboard 200 chart in February 1983 and reached a peak position of number 11, spending 16 weeks on the chart. In the United Kingdom, the album entered the UK Albums Chart at number 15 in February 1983, climbing to a peak of number 4 and remaining on the chart for 16 weeks. It also achieved moderate success internationally, peaking at number 9 on the New Zealand Albums Chart. The album's lead single, "All Right", was released in January 1983 and peaked at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it spent 16 weeks, while reaching number 3 on the Adult Contemporary chart. In the UK, it charted at number 51 on the UK Singles Chart. The second single, "Think of Laura", released later in 1983, performed stronger, peaking at number 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for 17 weeks and topping the Adult Contemporary chart for four weeks. The third single, "No Time for Talk," peaked at number 33 on the US Adult Contemporary chart but did not enter the Hot 100. Other tracks from the album did not achieve significant chart success as singles.| Chart (1983) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums (Kent Music Report) | 44 [34] |
| Canada Top Albums/CDs (RPM) | 52 [39] |
| Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) | 17 [34] |
| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) | 39 [34] |
| New Zealand Albums (RMNZ) | 9 [40] |
| Norwegian Albums (VG-lista) | 7 |
| Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan) | 20 |
| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) | 25 [34] |
| UK Albums (OCC) | 4 [41] |
| US Billboard 200 | 11 [42] |
| Single | Chart (1983–1984) | Peak position |
|---|---|---|
| "All Right" | US Billboard Hot 100 | 12 [5] |
| "All Right" | US Adult Contemporary | 3 [43] |
| "All Right" | Canada Top Singles (RPM) | 5 [44] |
| "All Right" | UK Singles (OCC) | 51 [45] |
| "Think of Laura" | US Billboard Hot 100 | 9 [5] |
| "Think of Laura" | US Adult Contemporary | 1 [43] |
| "Think of Laura" | Canada Top Singles (RPM) | 17 [44] |
| "No Time for Talk" | US Adult Contemporary | 33 [43] |
Sales and certifications
Another Page achieved moderate commercial success compared to Christopher Cross's debut album, with worldwide sales exceeding 1 million copies.[34] In the United States, the album sold 500,000 copies, earning a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments of at least 500,000 units on March 29, 1983.[34] This certification reflected the album's solid performance on the Billboard 200, where it peaked at number 11, driven by singles like "Think of Laura" and "All Right."[34] Internationally, the album performed well in select markets. In Germany, it was certified Gold by the Bundesverband Musikindustrie (BVMI) in 1993 for sales exceeding 250,000 units, underscoring its enduring popularity in Europe.[34] In Japan, Another Page sold 369,510 copies, as reported by Oricon chart data, contributing to Cross's strong foothold in the Asian market during the 1980s.[34]| Country | Certification | Sales | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA) | Gold | 500,000 | March 29, 1983 |
| France (SNEP) | Gold | 100,000 | 1983 |
| Germany (BVMI) | Gold | 250,000 | 1993 |
| Japan (Oricon) | N/A | 369,510 | N/A |
| Spain (PROMUSICAE) | Gold | 50,000 | 1986 |
| United Kingdom (BPI) | Gold | 100,000 | April 11, 1983 |
Track listing and personnel
Track listing
All tracks written by Christopher Cross, except "Deal 'Em Again" (co-written with Michael Maben).[46]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "No Time for Talk" | 4:22 |
| 2. | "Baby Says No" | 6:04 |
| 3. | "What Am I Supposed to Believe" | 4:22 |
| 4. | "Deal 'Em Again" | 3:10 |
| 5. | "Think of Laura" | 3:22 |
| 6. | "All Right" | 4:18 |
| 7. | "Talking in My Sleep" | 3:34 |
| 8. | "Nature of the Game" | 3:55 |
| 9. | "Long World" | 3:32 |
| 10. | "Words of Wisdom" | 5:52 |
Production
- Producer: Michael Omartian[3]
- Engineers (recording and mixing): Chet Himes[17]
- Mastering engineer: Doug Sax at The Mastering Lab[3]
- Arrangements: Christopher Cross, Michael Omartian, Rob Meurer[18]
Musicians
- Vocals, guitars: Christopher Cross[3]
- Keyboards, background vocals, percussion: Michael Omartian[3]
- Guitars: Jay Graydon (solo on "Deal 'Em Again"), Steve Lukather (solo on "All Right")[18]
- Bass: Abraham Laboriel, Andy Salmon, Mike Porcaro[18]
- Drums: Carlos Vega, Jeff Porcaro[18]
- Percussion: Lenny Castro, Paulinho da Costa[26]
- Saxophone: Tom Scott (solo on "No Time for Talk"), Ernie Watts (solo on "What Am I Supposed to Believe")[18]
- Trumpet: Chuck Findley[3]
- Trumpet, flugelhorn: Jerry Hey[3]
- Synthesizer programming: Rob Meurer[3]
- Guitar solo (on "Words of Wisdom"): Christopher Cross[18]
Additional vocals
- Michael McDonald: background vocals on "No Time for Talk" and "All Right"[18]
- Carl Wilson: background vocals on "Baby Says No"[18]
- Karla Bonoff: background vocals on "What Am I Supposed to Believe"[18]
- Don Henley: background vocals on "Deal 'Em Again" and "Nature of the Game"[18]
- J.D. Souther: background vocals on "Deal 'Em Again" and "Nature of the Game"[18]
- Art Garfunkel: background vocals on "Talking in My Sleep"[18]
- Background vocals: Tommy Funderburk, Richard Page, Steve George[3]