Customer Reviews

Windows & Walls

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Not counting his 1982 "Greatest Hits" release which contained a couple new songs, "Windows and Walls" was Dan Fogelberg's first album since his 1981 double album "The Innocent Age". Fogelberg was clearly trying hard to make a 'Big Statement' with "The Innocent Age" which received a remarkable level of commercial success for a double album, hitting the Billboard top 10 and going platinum within its first four months of release, as well as yielding 4 considerably big hit singles. "Windows and Walls", a single LP originally released in January of 1984, did make it to #15 on the Billboard charts and went gold quickly, but it basically marked the end of Fogelberg's period of highest popularity, and it seems that it didn't receive even close to the kind of critical praise that "The Innocent Age" did.

All that said, some might suspect "Windows and Walls" to be something of a hiccup or a last gasp, especially considering the gap of well over 2 years between "The Innocent Age" and this album, but actually, "Windows and Walls" is a characteristically ambitious effort from Dan with several of the very best tracks he's ever done. Plus, I must admit that I really like how Fogelberg, a prominent `70s artist, is staying true to himself on this effort and not trying in the slightest to `update` his sound to fit in with the popular trends of the mid-'80s. This album VERY much sounds like it could have come out 5 years earlier than it did, and I mean that as a compliment.

The opening 4 song sequence (`side 1' in vinyl terms) is great--it shows you how good Fogelberg can be. "The Language of Love" is a catchy rocker with stop and start riffery that recalls AC/DC, and Dan's rough-edged vocal puts the lyrics over which are somewhat simple, but fun and right on the money. The atmospheric title track is a haunting, powerful cautionary tale about ageing--again, the lyrics are right on the money, almost frighteningly so. The splendidly tuneful "The Loving Cup", one of his 'romantic desperation' songs, kind of straddles the line between being a ballad and a rocker and has a really nice mid-song guitar solo; it's a very strong track overall, but it's a tad slight--for the third verse, instead of coming up with something new, he splices together the first two lines from the first verse with the last two lines from the second; and it's also marred a bit by the overdone outro which blatantly imitates "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and has an annoying `pull the plug' ending. The `side-closer' "Tucson, Arizona (Gazette)" is a marvelous accomplishment, an excellently melodic and captivating 8+ minute story-song that's rich with detail, very strongly reminiscent of Al Stewart--classical guitar & all--and also suspiciously similar musically to the Hollies' "Tell Me To My Face" which Fogelberg had already covered on his 1978 duet album with Tim Weisberg; in any case, the song shows Fogelberg carrying out his ambitiousness in such a way that his earlier attempt at an epic story song with "Beggar's Game" (from his "Phoenix" album) did not--it`s no wonder that Fogelberg himself has cited this as his "all-time favorite track".

Unfortunately, it's as if Fogelberg burnt himself out with these first 4 tracks, because `side 2' is much weaker. "Let Her Go" is a rocker that's not even quite mid-tempo, and it's decent, but rote. Then there are a pair of orchestrated ballads including the drippy and dull "Sweet Magnolia (And The Travelling Salesman)"; and the tender "Believe In Me" which is decent, but still frustratingly slight. He does end the album with the moody environmentally-themed rocker "Gone Too Far" which, despite unimaginative lyrics, is excellently catchy.

So, it's rough sailing at times with this album, but with all of the excellent material that it does contain, it's very worthwhile and a must for any serious fan, and it makes for a solid starting point for new/ casual fans as well.

Usually when people mention Fogelburg's albums, you hear of Souvenirs, the Innocent Age, or the Wild Places. Many don't mention Windows and Walls. That is a shame, for it is SO underrated. Many only seem to remember that "The Language of Love" or "Tucson, Arizona (Gazette)" came from this album. Both are great songs which are considered some of Dan's very best, but what about the others? I think all are good on this album. "Sweet Magnolia" and "Believe in Me" are beautiful, "Gone Too Far" is a song one might expect to find on the Wild Places. "The Loving Cup", "Windows and Walls", and "Let Her Go" are also good. Not one of the songs in this collection is disappointing. My point is, if you are looking for a good Fogelburg album, DON'T overlook Windows and Walls. I nearly did, but I am glad that I listened to it and decided to get it.

This cd has some good songs like the hits "Language Of Love", "Believe In Me" and alot more. But it is not all slow ballads, there are some uptempo things as well. Dan Fogelberg's writing touches the soul and the melody is distinct and flowing. He always produces quality work which is hard to say these days. Excellent well-crafted songs! Take a "trip" with this one.

You could say that Mr Fogelberg is not exactly an icon "down under" but the first time I heard "Tucson Arizona" (in the early 90s) it reminded me of other signature stories in song. For me and my family (including head banging teens) this is our favourite song and ranks (for me) along-side Bob Dylan's "Hurricane", Marc Armond's "Days of Pearly Spencer" and Jerry Jeff Walker's "Mr Bojangles". It's a pity I can't get too enthused about the rest of Dan's work - it's OK but fairly middle of the road. However "Tucson Arizona" is a real gem.

Unfortunatly, Dan Fogelberg is not well-known in France and Europe, but for me, he's one of the best american songwriters. I got about ten albums, from "never lands" to "river of souls" and "Tucson Arizona" is my favourite. Romantic, beautiful song. Just one word : respect !

The title track, "Windows and Walls" is a masterpiece and ranks among the saddest songs I have ever listened to. It conveys lonliness and the passage of time, arguably, like no other song, and can melt even a hard heart.
Tucson, Arizona, Language of Love and Magnolia are very good too.
Beautiful music that spans a range of emotions- be ready for an emotional roller coaster ride with this CD.

First of all...how in the heck do you follow - up a masterpiece like "The Innocent Age" ? The answer is...you don't ! You simply continue to do what you do best....and that's what Dan Fogelberg does on "Windows And Walls" !

When I bought "Windows And Walls" in 1984...I didn't expect "The Innocent Age Part 2" ! I considered it to be exactly what it was...the latest release from Dan Fogelberg...consistently great songwriting....arranging...production...and a great performance ! My favorite songs Are "Believe In Me"..."Windows And Walls"...."Tucson,Arizona (Gazette)"...."Gone Too Far" and "The Language Of Love" .

Just enjoy this....don't compare !

I have owned this album since it's first release in 1984. Since Dan's death in Dec. 2007, I recently listened to it for the first time in 24 years. I forgot how much I really liked this album!You will hear some rock and beautiful ballads. Being released after The Innocent Age, this album holds it's own,even though the critics ripped it apart.The critics were expecting The Innocent Age part two. This album will not disappoint. You will notice Dan's voice had changed from Innocent Age to this album. Dan had his tonsils removed and by doing that, it lowered his voice.It's still sounds as awesome and solid as it ever had been. His beautiful song writing is still riding high on the tails of The Innocent Age,regardless of what the critics say. Language of Love, total rock. Window and Walls, a ballad that is written with such imaginary. Sweet Magnolia and the Traveling Salesman ,a love song that I believe was written for his first wife Maggie. Believe in Me is just beautiful. Possibly another inspiration of Maggie? Maggie was the inspiration for the Exiles album,known as the divorce album. Take a peek into the window of Dan's soul and discover what you have been missing.

Dan Fogelberg is - I believe - sort of big in the States, but he doesn't have one foot (or too) on the ground in Europe. Maybe his music is (or sounds) too American for us Europeans. Even his album 'Netherlands' didn't sell more than a few dozen of copies in The Netherlands. He had a almost hit with his 'Part of the Plan' (1973, I think it was), but his album sales have been mediocre over here. That's especially a pity for his 'Windows and Walls', released in 1984, and a fine example of what Mr. Fogelberg is capable to do (and write). It has a fine balance between ballads and more up-tempo songs. I'd say, just get him on a plane and let him convince us here in The Netherlands that we've been wrong (or overlooking him) for some 25 years. In the meantime, I'm very much enjoying this one.

I love most of the songs on this album, but my very favorite is Tucson Arizona. I have listened to it a hundred times and know every word to this song, and still I can't sing along without choking up. Dan sings it masterfully, the story of a troubled young man who kills a bar waitress. This is one of Dan Fogelberg's best works. Kudos to Mr. Fogelberg, who remains one of my most favorite artists.