There are hidden gems and then there is Windows And Walls; arguably a contender for the best singer-songwriter album of the 80s. Released in 1984, Windows And Walls is Dan Fogelberg’s eighth studio album and is one of his greatest releases for there isn’t a bad song to be heard, not even a B-side. Fogelberg is a master musician with a magical blend of folk, rock, and pop, all of which shine through clearly on this release. Whether it’s the ballads or the more up-tempo numbers, you won’t be able to fault this masterpiece; it’s that good!
While the album’s artwork may not appeal to some, the multidimensional aspect captivates me. It is with that in mind that, despite appreciating the Apple Music stream, I’d love to see Sony Music (Epic Records) reissue Windows And Walls, on Vinyl, for the cover art is magnificent. Unfortunately, this record hasn’t been reissued on any physical format since 1987, so unless you’re interested in picking up a secondhand copy, or are fortunate to already have one in your collection, the stream is your best bet.
Naturally, when music is recorded, mixed, and mastered this well, it’s going to sound incredible. While I haven’t been fortunate enough to hear an original release of this classic album, I can say with complete confidence that the 24-bit/44.1 kHz ALAC Lossless stream from Apple Music is flawless and perfectly suited to the era and Fogelberg’s overall style. Is it the final word in sonic quality for the record? Well, that’s subjective, of course, but if any aspect wasn’t quite right, one could rest assured that a minor tweak to an individual’s EQ settings would bring it in line with subjective expectations. For this listener, however, I consider it utterly perfect and hope that, even as much as I wish it would be reissued, they don’t remaster it for it doesn’t need it. The soundstage is wide and enveloping with adequate separation between all musical elements. There’s also next-to-no compression to deal with meaning that you can pump the volume to your preferred listening levels without experiencing any fatigue or harshness.
The Language Of Love is a lively, synth-driven number that is the perfect opener for Windows And Walls. While it also marks a slight departure from Fogelberg’s more acoustic roots, the song’s pop-rock sound captures the energetic vibe of the mid-80s and is perfectly suited to Fogelberg.
Windows And Walls is an incredibly beautiful ballad. Fogelberg’s vocal presentation and the delicate musicality are captivating, thereby creating an intimate atmosphere that ensures it's an ideal title track and one of Fogelberg’s greatest recordings.
The Loving Cup is a sensational multi-tempo tune. Like many of the songs on Windows And Walls, when The Loving Cup comes on, I just want to turn the volume up for music doesn’t get much better than this. That said, no matter how smooth the rich harmonies and musical bed are, the outro is a little too abrupt and a fade-out would have been perfect. However, the sharpness of the ending does flow masterfully into Tucson, Arizona (Gazette) so all is not lost.
Tucson, Arizona (Gazette) is a stunning narrative-driven piece. The arrangement combines country aspects with classic rock elements, resulting in a song that leaves me in awe each time I hear it for this masterful recording is akin to having Fogelberg and the band in the room with you for a private performance.
Let Her Go returns the album to an 80s pop-rock styling. I don’t know about you, dear reader, but I can’t listen to Let Her Go without head-bopping, toe-tapping, or dancing along to this incredibly addictive number. The guitar solo will similarly encourage the playing of the infamous air guitar and it’s these elements, all masterfully connected, that make me question why Let Her Go wasn’t a hit for it’s reminiscent of the most popular music of the era. Of course, it would have had to have been released as a single to be noticed. It is, nevertheless, an incredible hidden gem for anyone not familiar with Windows And Walls.
Sweet Magnolia And The Travelling Salesman slows the album’s tempo and can be best described as a masterpiece for it’s one of the greatest songs Fogelberg ever recorded.
Believe In Me is another beautiful tune for Windows And Walls simply keeps getting better as the album progresses. Fogelberg’s smooth and delicate vocal presentation, along with the lush arrangement, ensures this song is a standout that’s both compelling and memorable.
Gone Too Far is a perfect closing track with an 80s rock style that will get your body moving and will encourage you to listen to the record again.
Windows And Walls is a compelling album that showcases Dan Fogelberg’s lyrical and musical versatility. As an album that I can play on repeat indefinitely, for I never tire of listening to this exceptional release, it’s music such as this that reminds me why I love music as much as I do. The album's mix of folk, rock, and pop elements, along with Fogelberg's introspective storytelling, makes it a memorable addition to his discography and one of the very best albums released in the 80s; particularly in 1984.