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CdeB Mailing List Review
Copyright (c) 1996, Diane Scholfield
All rights reserved
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."
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