"On The Western Skyline", now THAT is a good song. It has always been one of my favourite Bruce Hornsby songs. But that was more than 10 years ago. So my question is: Is he still that good?
With big expectations I put Spirit Trail into the CD-player. (Editor's note: In the U.S., this disc is a two-CD release with 20 songs.) "Line In The Dust" is what I hear. And it certainly has that Bruce Hornsby feel to it, but still it sounds fresh. A pretty weird song, but so good. So modern - yet so 80's.
After listening to the second track, "See The Same Way", I can't do anything but to give the producer, Bruce Hornsby, two thumbs up. The bass and the vocals are up-front in the mix, obviously there are drums - but nothing more, at least not on the first verse. On the second verse, the Hammond organ comes in. Nice move, Bruce!
But all the moves aren't nice; while "Preacher In The Ring" is alright, it's not a song that I'll remember. Luckily, it gets followed by a better song, "Song C". Instrumental. It sounds like the symphony session David Foster did back in the late 80's, but without the orchestra. It is controversial for sure. It's quite good as well…
There are 17 songs. Too many in my opinion. Some of them are fantastic, some of them are ok, some of them are very forgettable, and some of them are… instrumental. So before I bring this CD into the car, I think that I will take use of my CD-burner (can I say that word here?) and burn myself a 10 song version of Spirit Trail with my favourite songs.
But I know one thing; every big Bruce Hornsby fan will love this release. It's certainly their cup of tea. I like this tea too, but I think I'll skip the milk and the sugar.