Ride Like the Wind - Christopher Cross (1980) 6/24/23

As the 1980s began, a new artist blew onto the charts with the first of many Great Songs.

In late December of '79, Christopher Cross released his self-titled debut album, and two months later--in February--his debut single was released. Or maybe I should say "unleashed."

"Ride Like the Wind" had a lot going for it from the get-go. First of all, the album was one of the first to be recorded digitally, which gave the single a crisper/cleaner sound--something that wasn't blatantly apparent, but noticeable nonetheless.

Secondly, it featured background vocals by Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers.

Finally, "Ride Like the Wind" was different because of the story line itself. It was like an old western movie, where a convicted murderer is about to be hanged, but escapes and "rides like the wind" to Mexico, where he can't be caught.

In other words, the bad guy gets away!

At the Grammys, the album won Album of the Year, Christopher won Best New Artist, and "Ride Like the Wind" won Record of the Year AND Song of the Year!

Oh yeah, and the song reached #2 on the Hot 100, and #3 in Canada!

In 1991, the Italian group East Side Beat, remixed the song into a dance tune, which charted all over Europe--including the UK, where it reached #3.

"Ride Like the Wind" was truly a Great Song of 1980, and a great debut for Christopher Cross! (Be sure to check out the East Side Beat below!)

Christopher Cross: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qySwjyr1W0k

East Side Beat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLK-wQr03aM

Tomorrow: Bruce's Heart.