Fogelberg was a great pop artist and, in my opinion, this was his best effort, although all comparisons are personal when the work is of such high quality. The sentimental favorites, Auld Lang Syne and Leader of the Band, a tribute to his father he continued to perform until his death, never wear thin. What I'd have given to see him on stage! A wonderful, generous man who was able to convey those qualities in his music.
Yes, there are the big hits but Good Lord are there some phenomenal deep cuts. (Actually all the songs are winners!) This album is outstanding on all levels. It is a concept album from birth to death. Sand and the Foam, about the loss of the innocence of childhood and the Reach, which displayed the eventual fascination Dan had with the sea, and Ghosts are three of my favorite deep cuts, in addition to the obvious hits.
...not a bad release but not as powerful and emotional as his earlier LP, "Nether Lands" ...which in my opinion, wass his most beautiful and inspired LP. "Nexus" and the title track are really worth every penny of your downloads! Thanks, eMusic!
On this album Fogelberg outdid himself with the imagery expressed in these songs. Favorites include "nexus" and "the reach" as well as the better known radio played songs. Worth the download.
Fogelberg takes on more complex themes than earlier albums and shows signs of wrestling with life's weightier matters with a sense of maturity and thoughtfulness. What I like most about this collection is the musicianship he displays, playing most non-percussion instruments with the help of some ace guest stars. I wished he had pursued this more adventurous direction in later albums.
