Grammy-Winning Debut From Christopher Cross Gets Expanded Edition
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Christopher Cross
An expanded edition of the self-titled debut album from GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Christopher Cross has been released on digital platforms with CD and 2-LP editions arriving June 20, 2025, via Omnivore Recordings and Seeker Music. The new edition features never-before-heard material for the first time, including previously unreleased demos and bonus tracks recorded during the album’s sessions. Originally released in 1979, Christopher Cross introduced the world to classics like “Ride Like the Wind” and “Sailing,” and went on to sweep the GRAMMYs, winning Album, Song, and Record of the Year, as well as Best New Artist (only ever done since by Adele and Billie Eilish). The new CD edition is available for pre-order in the U.S. here. [When the 2-LP set is ready for pre-order, it’ll be available in the U.S. here.]
In July 1979, hunkered down at Warner Bros.’ Amigo Studios in North Hollywood, Cross and his band members were supplemented by a raft of top session players and singers, under the direction of producers Michael Omartian and Michael Ostin.
From the May 2 announcement: Produced by frequent Steely Dan-sideman Omartian, the sounds on this album put “soft rock” (or what much later became known as “yacht rock”) high upon the charts. “Ride Like the Wind,” with its infectious rhythm and gliding melodies, is a group effort par excellence, as Lenny Castro’s congas, Omartian’s acoustic piano, Michael McDonald’s echo-vocal, the horn section and a fantastic blend of synth, strings and wordless chorus all do their parts.
Cross’ debut album spawned four Top 20 hits including “Never Be The Same” (#15), “Say You’ll Be Mine,” with Nicolette Larson on background vocals (#20), and the #1 smash “Sailing” which was awarded both Record and Song of the Year Grammys. The album went 5x Platinum.
Listen to the demo of “Sailing”
On February 25, 1981, Cross achieved something no one had ever done before at the music industry’s annual gathering to recognize the best in music, the 23rd Annual Grammy Awards. Cross swept the “Big Four” awards which included not only Best Record and Best Song, but also Best Album and Best New Artist. In total, Cross and his stellar debut album collected five of the six Grammys for which they were nominated.
The expanded edition arrives 45 years later. In addition to the Bernie Grundman mastered original album, this deluxe edition includes 11 extra tracks, including seven previously unissued demos from the original recording sessions painstakingly restored by multi-Grammy Award winning engineer Michael Graves.
The new expanded edition features the original nine-track album plus early versions of “Say You’ll Be Mine ” and “Ride Like the Wind,” as well as the Japan-only single “Mary Ann” plus outtakes like “Passengers” and “Smiles of Angels,” and several more.
The collection also includes Japanese-only A-Side, three songs never issued before—“What Am I Supposed To Believe,” “Smiles Of Angels” and “Passengers,” demos of classic album tracks, and new liner notes by music journalist Gene Sculatti who also served as the editorial director at Warner Bros. Records. His notes are informed by a fresh interview with Omartian.
Related: Our Album Rewind of this classic LP
Christopher Cross (Expanded Edition) Tracklist
1. Say You’ll Be Mine
2. I Really Don’t Know Anymore
3. Spinning
4. Never Be The Same
5. Poor Shirley
6. Ride Like The Wind
7. The Light Is On
8. Sailing
9. Minstrel Gigolo
10. Mary Ann
11. Say You’ll Be Mine (Demo)
12. I Really Don’t Know Anymore (Demo)
13. Parade (Demo)
14. Smiles Of Angels (Demo)
15. What Am I Supposed To Believe (Demo)
16. Ride Like The Wind (Demo)
17. The Light Is On (Demo)
18. Passengers (Demo)
19. Say Goodbye To Mary Ann (Demo)
20. Sailing (Demo)
3 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationToo bad the 5.1 mix of the album is not included on the reissue.
Listening to the demos informs you that a good producer is worth his weight in GOLD.
Second City TV did a hilarious skit (The Gerry Todd Show) showing how in-demand Michael McDonald was at that time. Find the long version on youtube. It’s a hoot.
Oh! That demo of « Ride Like The Wind » ! With its reminiscent voices of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, America, and guitar style « à la Sugarloaf » (Green Eyed-Lady) and moments of Foreigner. That is an excellent instant rock moment that sadly wasn’t…