Halcyon Days

Bruce Hornsby | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 17, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00026IKTK
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #140,746 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Bruce Hornsby fans have their reasons for feeling defensive these days: Despite the stylistic virtuosity and his former gig as a Dead sideman, as a piano-playing, adult-aimed popster he's in danger of being lumped in with Norah Jones and her drowsy disciples. Which may be why he brought out the heavy hitters for Halcyon Days, his ninth album and one of his best. First single "Gonna Be Some Changes Made" leads the charge on a return-to-roots odyssey that reflects both a grown-up acceptance of the way it is circa 2004 and a keep-it-real, no-caving-to-artifice spirit. Sting pitches in on vocals, his voice at times blending with Hornsby's to take on a regular-guy likeability absent in his recent work, and backing the two up on guitar is Eric Clapton, who picks up the at-ease vibe and veers it in a Hornsby-eque, no-showoffs direction. And that's just the leadoff track. Deeper in, Sir Elton John wades gently into "Dreamland," defying parents to find a cooler, more of-the-moment lullaby, and Clapton returns twice more for lead guitar duties, picking up a vocal credit on "Candy Mountain Run". Hornsby is cashing in on high-profile favors here, and they will likely serve him well in scoring new listeners. But the loyal would have been satisfied without them: Courtesy of Hornsby's characteristic wit on tracks like "What the Hell Happened" and an un-stingy share of two-handed solo piano noticeably absent on his prior album, their own halcyon days have returned. --Tammy La Gorce

Product Description

Three time Grammy Award winner Bruce Hornsby has released nine full-length albums that have sold more than 10 million combined! "Halcyon Days" debuts 11 new songs written by Hornsby, including the catchy first single "Gonna Be Some Changes Made" which was #1 most added at AAA the first week! Sting, Eric Clapton, & Elton John guest on the album.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Getting About As Much Attention As A Circus On The Moon., September 1, 2004

By 

Jason Stein (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Halcyon Days (Audio CD)

Hornsby's latest, "Halcyon Days" (translated: peaceful or tranquil days, golden years)showcases his many talents and strengths. Unfortunately, he will probably get as much attention for this as a circus on the moon.

He has to be one of the most overlooked and underappreciated musicians of our time, certainly the equal to Elton John, Eric Clapton and Sting (all appear on "Halcyon Days) but strangely without the popularity of those three.

The sticker on the front of the cd features "Gonna Be Some Changes Made" and the only true change is Hornsby has moved from his former record label (RCA) to a new one (Columbia), and with excellent results. The lead off track is pure Hornsby perfection, and instant classic even thought the subject matter is a bit quirky--but that's what Hornsby does best. He weaves tales of human imperfection and longing into a seamless melody and virtuoso style. Elsewhere you find him dueting with Elton John on the misty and gospel "Dreamland", the high energy and self-effacing humor of "Circus On The Moon", then three Randy Newman-esque tunes: "What The Hell Happened" again, replete with self-effacing humor about being the ugly-looking one in the family, "Hooray For Tom" with it's hopelessly spelling-impaired protagonist waiting for his day in the sun and "Heir Gordon" with a moronic, wealthy, bumbling fool of a protagonist that other wish to be like. Hornsby closes the set with a look at an uncertain, but hopeful future on "Mirror On The Wall", and pleasant, gentle intrumental "Song F" followed by an unusual tale about getting lost while looking for the perfect Christmas tree and the hope someone will come along in "Lost In The Snow".

This is a near perfect cd from Hornsby, but then he always puts out quality material, and perhaps that's due to his musical training. Why this simple fact doesn't set him apart from other flash in the pan, but talentless top 40 artists of today, remains a mystery. So, for fans, this is both pleasing and frustrating as Hornbys remains underground and underexposed--a private pleasure, and certainly one of the best cds of 2004.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Some Changes Made!!!!!, August 17, 2004

By 

D. Sean Brickell (gorgeous Virginia Beach, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Halcyon Days (Audio CD)

This is the strongest release by Mr. Hornsby in many a year, and that's really saying quite a lot. Yes, it's loaded with one-name superstar backing talent: Clapton, Elton and Sting. Nonetheless, the formidable keyboard playing, composition, lyrical brilliance and vocals of Mr. Hornsby are center-stage throughout.

"Gonna Be Some Changes Made" is a return to Mr. Hornsby's original and purely unique characteristic sound. What a welcome return for his fans.

Other songs strongly remind me of Randy Newman, one of my alltime favorites, and not an artist whose influence is easily adopted. The superb satirical wit demonstrated on "Heir Gordon" fits so precisely with the piano playing, I just know Mr. Newman is gonna be happy to hear this.

Mr. Hornsby does not play to be clever. Every note and passage communicates. On his best songs, which will include many on this CD, Mr. Hornsby's playing doesn't weigh you down. It's uplifting, almost deceptively whimsical at points. Therein lies the true beauty. The songs are catchy and instantly unforgettable while the scope of the lyrics and depth of the playing will keep you enthralled for a long time to come.

Thanks again, Bruce. You definitely changed more than just record labels this time. You can continue to count me in!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of Career, March 7, 2005

By 

Virginia Miracle (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Halcyon Days (Audio CD)

I'm a long time fan, but have recently met folks who hadn't been in touch with Bruce since the Range days, and they have been as blown away by this disc as I have. Maybe it was the Sting/Clapton appearances that piqued interest, but I talked to one person who loved HD so much that she's starting to acquire the back catalog. Though Harbor Lights is still probably my favorite, this album has been in my car since the day I received it and I'm still hearing new things and feeling the need to "cardance".