Days in Avalon

Released in October 2000, Days in Avalon represents a pivotal moment in Richard Marx's career as his first truly independent venture. After a decade of massive commercial success with EMI/Capitol, Marx founded the Signal 21 label alongside Bobby Colomby to regain creative control. The album was recorded primarily in Los Angeles and Nashville, featuring a high-caliber roster of session musicians and engineers like David Cole and Darrell Thorp. Sonically, it moves away from the synth-heavy power ballads of his youth toward a more acoustic-driven, soft rock sound that flirts with country-pop, particularly evident in the duet with Chely Wright. While it didn't achieve the multi-platinum heights of his earlier work, the title track became a staple on Adult Contemporary radio, and the album itself became a cult favorite among fans who appreciated the more personal, less commercialized direction of his songwriting. It stands as a testament to his longevity and his ability to evolve into the role of a sophisticated singer-songwriter within the adult contemporary landscape.