Walking in Avalon

Released in 1998, Walking in Avalon is a hybrid project that serves as both Christopher Cross's seventh studio album and a comprehensive live-in-the-studio retrospective. The first disc features new material that leans into a more adult-contemporary and occasionally sensual direction, characterized by the standout track 'In a Red Room.' This material showcases Cross's evolution as a songwriter, moving toward more atmospheric, 'after-hours' arrangements while maintaining his hallmark melodic sensibility. The second disc (often titled 'The Concert') features live recordings of his most iconic hits, including 'Sailing,' 'Ride Like the Wind,' and 'Think of Laura.' These versions are notable for their fidelity and the maturity of Cross's vocals, which had deepened slightly since his 1980 debut. The album was one of the few high-profile releases to utilize HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital) technology, reflecting Cross's career-long obsession with audiophile-grade production. Critically, it is viewed as a solid late-career entry that successfully bridges his yacht-rock past with a more sophisticated, contemporary pop future.