Crusader Review

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Copyright (c) 1996, Diane Scholfield
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Crusader
Chris de Burgh
1979
A&M Records

This album, Chris' fourth, contains some of his most beautiful love songs. Some are uplifting and whimsical, others melancholy and haunting, but most celebrate the worth of having a special, long-term companion. Those love songs, combined with a few of Chris' thought-provoking looks at our place in eternity and the state of the world, make this an album you'll listen to again and again.

"Carry On" - Every time I'm outdoors on a clear, starry night, the memorable lyrics of this song spring into mind: "They say that the stars in the sky/Are the souls of the people who die/Will we meet them again when we reach our destination?" This is one of Chris deBurgh's classic what-is-the-meaning-of-life songs. Though the basic message is that humans do not control their destiny as much as they think they do, it includes the reassuring belief that wherever we are headed, we have "a silver light to guide" us. Play this song during a time of personal trouble, and you will feel much better.

"I Had The Love In My Eyes" - A tale of a love lost, of a man who "had the love in my eyes, I just didn't see it." Pretty, but Chris has better love songs, such as...

"Something Else Again" - This is a loving tribute to a very special woman. The melody is stirring and the lyrics extremely tender: "So take your woman by the hand/Love her till she dies/Be strong when she needs you/Hold her when she cries/And if a man should say to you/Love just brings you pain/Tell him, 'No, my woman's something else again.'" This song never fails to mist my eyes, no matter how many times I play it.

"The Girl With April in Her Eyes" - One of Chris' most beautiful arrangements, with harp, harpsichord and guitar among the instruments. Many of Chris' songs invoke a medieval feel, and this is one of them. It tells of a "girl with April in her eyes" who had the power to make things grow in the dead of winter, of a mean king who turned her away when she sought help and of the humble man who tried to save her.

"Just in Time" - The tympani-and-cymbals majestic opening is the first clue that this will be a heavy-themed song filled with symbolism. The plea to humanity is not to "throw it all away," "it" being the Earth's resources. It ends with a short reprise of the opening bars to "Carry On," which subtly reinforces the hopeful message of that song and keeps "Just in Time" from being too depressing.

"The Devil's Eye" - The album takes a sharp turn at this point. The title refers to television and the spell it casts over humanity. Told from the Devil's point of view, the song suggests that when you are mesmerized by constant TV watching, the Devil is "looking back at you." It also includes a reference to one of Chris' big hits from his second album, "Spanish Train," which also deals with the Lord and the Devil.

"It's Such A Long Way Home" - An incredibly tender story of a man who must travel frequently and how much he misses his sweetheart. Chris practically whispers the lyrics, which adds to the intimate quality of this song.

"Old-Fashioned People" - A song that tells how "old-fashioned people" long for the places and life they once knew. This is the most ho-hum song on the album. Neither the melody nor the lyrics are particularly memorable.

"Quiet Moments" - This is a very short (just one and a half minutes long) but sweet song about appreciating the simple things in life. With its bouncy tune and simple lyrics, it works very well.

"Crusader" - The title piece is typical of Chris' style. He often ends his albums with a grandiose, highly symbolic, lengthy song with medieval and/or religious themes. This has it all. You can listen to it over and over, with the lyrics clutched in your hand, and still not fully understand what he is trying to convey. No matter. You'll enjoy the effort.

"You and Me" - If the relationship between Chris de Burgh and his fans can be summed up in just 72 words, this little song does it well. It says in part, "I'll lead you through the ancient halls and stories of the past/And the many ways of loving/And when all is said and done, there's only you and me."