Exploring the Good and Bad of Christopher Cross' Music

If you’ve been listening to music for any length of time, chances are you’ve heard of Christopher Cross. Known for timeless classics like “Sailing” and Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do), Cross has earned many accolades throughout his career – both positive and negative. In this post, we take an in-depth look at the beloved artist through a critical lens, exploring what works with Christopher Cross' music as well as some issues that may need addressing. Whether you're a fan or have only just started listening to Cross, stick around to find out why he's such a beloved figure in popular music and what could use improving!

Christopher Cross is a name that has been around for decades in the music industry, mainly due to his timeless classics that have captivated millions of fans worldwide. With hits like “Sailing” and Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do), Cross has earned many accolades throughout his career, including five Grammy Awards! Yet, as with any artist, there are always criticisms of their work. In this post, we take an in-depth look at the beloved artist through a critical lens, exploring what works with Christopher Cross' music, as well as some issues that may need addressing. So whether you're a fan, or have only just started listening to Cross, stick around to find out why he's such a beloved figure in popular music, and what could use improving!

Let's start by examining what works with Christopher Cross' music. One of the most apparent things fans love about Cross and his music is his incredible songwriting. Cross' ability to paint vivid imagery with words is well-evident, especially in songs like Sailing and Arthur's Theme. His songs almost always have a positive message and are perfect soundtracks for happy moments. Christopher's voice is another thing that has made fans fall in love with him over time. His smooth, soothing voice has a range that, combined with his lyrics, can make anyone feel better.

However, there are some issues that fans have also noticed with Cross's music. For starters, a criticism is that his music is sometimes stereotypical of the era it was made in. '80s synth sounds and repetitive choruses are common, particularly in his later works. His lyrics can also be somewhat predictable in their themes, constantly talking about love and relationships, but not necessarily in the most novel way.

Another criticism leveled against Cross is that his music tends to lack the edge or punch that define great pop music. Cross' tunes are often pleasing to the ear but can sometimes leave the listener yearning for something more. The structures of his songs are relatively simple, and they stick to safe chord progressions and structures, leading to songs that all seem somewhat similar at times.

Lastly, it's worth noting that as much as people love Arthur's Theme, it's essential to bear in mind that Cross didn't write the iconic When You Get Caught Between the Moon and New York City lyrics - Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager did. In some ways, this overshadows Cross's musical talents.

Despite criticisms, Christopher Cross remains a beloved figure in popular music, and his contributions have made an indelible mark on the world. His music has undoubtedly brought joy to millions of people worldwide, and there's no denying that his talent as a lyricist and singer has captured the hearts of many. However, as with any artist, there's always room for growth, so it's entirely reasonable to critique his songs' styles and structures. Hopefully, as Cross continues to evolve and grow in his craft, we can look forward to even more awe-inspiring music that we'll adore for many years to come.