RIDE LIKE THE WIND - CHRISTOPHER CROSS / MICHAEL MCDONALD

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Ride Like The Wind - CHRISTOPHER CROSS

"Ride Like the Wind," the debut single from Christopher Cross’s 1979 self-titled album, is a dynamic soft rock classic that blends cinematic storytelling with infectious energy. Written by Cross while under the influence of LSD during a drive from Houston to Austin, the song narrates a fugitive’s urgent escape to Mexico, infused with a Western-inspired outlaw spirit. Its driving rhythm, propelled by a four-on-the-floor bass drum beat, Cross’s crisp guitar solo, and Michael McDonald’s distinctive backing vocals, creates a vivid, propulsive soundscape. Produced by Michael Omartian, the track’s polished instrumentation—featuring Lenny Castro on congas and a 28-piece string section—elevates its yacht rock appeal, making it a standout in the early 1980s soft rock scene. Its unique blend of narrative depth and melodic accessibility sets it apart from Cross’s later ballads like "Sailing." On the Billboard charts, "Ride Like the Wind" was a major success, debuting in February 1980 and peaking at Number 2 on the Hot 100 for four weeks, held off the top spot by Blondie’s "Call Me." It spent 17 weeks on the chart, showcasing its broad appeal, and reached #3 on Canada’s RPM Top Singles chart. The song’s performance helped propel Cross’s debut album to Number 6 on the Billboard 200, contributing to its multi-platinum status and five Grammy wins, including Album of the Year. Compared to Cross’s other hits like "Sailing" (#1) and "Arthur’s Theme" (#1), "Ride Like the Wind" remains his most energetic chart entry, its success driven by its catchy hook and the era’s appetite for sophisticated yet accessible pop. Christopher Cross’s live performances of "Ride Like the Wind," particularly during his 2019 "It Was Fifty Years Ago Today – A Tribute to the Beatles’ White Album" tour with Todd Rundgren and others, highlight his ability to recapture the song’s vibrant energy. At venues like the Tobin Center in his hometown of San Antonio, Cross delivered the track with his signature smooth yet clipped baritone-tenor, backed by a skilled band including Chazz Frichtel and Richie Gajate Garcia. His guitar work, often underappreciated, shone in the song’s iconic solo, earning praise from fans for its precision and passion. The performance, often a set closer, ignited audiences, with Cross introducing it as the song that “started it all,” amplified by McDonald’s recorded backing vocals for authenticity.