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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
Whatever other criticisms may be advanced of Bruce Hornsby, it is clear from the credits of Halcyon Days, Hornsby's ninth album, that he is utterly unconcerned by his reputation as a purveyor of mercilessly tasteful middle-of-the-road rock for mortgage-paying grown-ups: Sting duets on the Dylanesque opening track "Gonna Be Some Changes Made", Elton John sings on "Dreamland", and lead guitar on three tracks is contributed by Eric Clapton, who also sings on "Candy Mountain Run". In fairness to Hornsby, he does not shy from acknowledging his arrival in middle-age: the Randy Newman pastiche "What The Hell Happened" is a wry and funny reflection on growing old.
Hornsby's previous album, "Big Swing Face", was notable for a relative lack of Hornsby's signature piano. As if to compensate, Halcyon Days, returns the instrument to star billing, especially on "Hooray for Tom" and "Heir Gordon", which hardly feature any other instruments both are sprightly, sarcastic tracks that also evoke Randy Newman. Most of Halcyon Days, however, sees Hornsby's piano and vocals woven into the familiar glossy textures that made his name. "Mirror on the Wall", in particular, has the ring of an inescapable radio hit about it. --Andrew Mueller
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Mr M Molloy
Format:Audio CD
Absolutely right! A change is as good as a rest, the cliche goes - and this case it is dead right. This is Bruce's best album since his first, and might even be better than that. No weak tracks, and some absolute crackers. The best track is 'Mirror on the Wall' which will have you grabbing for the lyric sheet and singing along. But all the other tracks are Bruce Hornsby at his best. Whilst previous albums just had the odd gem, this has a hatful of them. It is a worthwhile addition to any collection. I love it!!
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By "chriscook1"
Format:Audio CD
I wouldnt call myself a big fan of Bruce, I brought "The Way it is" in 1986 and played it to death (along with several million other people). I also caught a live show in the USA several years back, which was good but not great.
However, this album is magificent, a great blend of styles and collaborations. Well written and arranged. You can clearly hear the influences in each track, and this adds to the listening pleasure.
Best played loud, and often. Its a shame I can only give it 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By andysnap
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Well Amazon's reviewer says this is "mercilessly tasteful middle-of-the-road rock for mortgage-paying grown-ups", well what's wrong with that!
Bruce Hornsby's latest CD just shines through as the work of a very skilled musician, the kind of thing that only comes with years of experience, no boy band synth here.
Some tracks have a distinct 'Americana' style to them (that sound and atmosphere that brings to mind images of Wild West settlers crossing a prairie:-) ) and there is a certain 'sameness' to a couple of tracks, but Hornsby's magnificent, flowing piano playing lights up every single track.
Hornsby fans will love this new CD, its a great fusion of jazz, pop, and piano, while other music loving grown ups with or without a mortgage should love it too.
Bruce Hornsby's latest CD just shines through as the work of a very skilled musician, the kind of thing that only comes with years of experience, no boy band synth here.
Some tracks have a distinct 'Americana' style to them (that sound and atmosphere that brings to mind images of Wild West settlers crossing a prairie:-) ) and there is a certain 'sameness' to a couple of tracks, but Hornsby's magnificent, flowing piano playing lights up every single track.
Hornsby fans will love this new CD, its a great fusion of jazz, pop, and piano, while other music loving grown ups with or without a mortgage should love it too.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A return to stunning form
He has just changed record labels after becoming disenchanted. He has called in favours from friends to produce a stunning album . Read more
Published on 20 Oct 2004 by FairlieBrae
5.0 out of 5 stars
BACK TO HIS BEST
A sure fire Grammy winner, or it should be! As good as his first 2 albums. Eric Claptons' solos(2) and duet are as near perfect as you could ask for, some of his best work ever. Read more
Published on 12 Sep 2004 by W. Hutton
5.0 out of 5 stars
Yet another cracking album.......good on ya Bruce!
After his last album I was a little unsure of what to expect, however within listening to this one a few times I'm completely hooked on most of the songs. Read more
Published on 25 Aug 2004 by Mr. D. T. Stewart
4.0 out of 5 stars
Early days
Lot's to worry about here - Elton John, Sting, Eric Clapton guest, and a new Randy Newman fixation. But Bruce has probably pulled it off. Read more
Published on 18 Aug 2004 by A. P. Kerry
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hornsby back on top form
After Hornsby's brief sojourn to the funk and of trip-hoppy landscapes of Big Swing Face, I put Halcyon days into my cd player with an uneasy sense of trepidation. Read more
Published on 17 Aug 2004 by "sparkie209"
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