There are hidden gems and then there is Windows And Walls; arguably a contender for the very best singer-songwriter album of the 80s.
Yes, Windows and Walls is that good! There isn’t a bad song to be heard, not even a B-Side. Fogelberg had a magical formula. His songwriting and musicianship were simply astonishing and while you’ll find Windows And Walls has an 80s feel, it is true to the era and I adore it.
George Marino mastered it beautifully and while I’d love to see Windows And Walls reissued on vinyl, I’m elated that Sony/Epic records haven’t remastered the album for I don’t believe it is necessary as the soundstage is wide and enveloping to the listener with next-to-no compression.
It isn’t only the musicianship and mastering that is beyond reproach; the cover art is magnificent. The multidimensional aspect captivates me and it’s ultimately one reason why I’d love to see Windows And Walls reissued on vinyl for the cover art deserves to be seen on the larger canvas.
This review is based on listening to the Apple Music stream and while I long to have a copy in my physical library, I can say with absolute certainty that you won’t be disappointed with the streaming edition of Windows and Walls.
The Language Of Love is a toe-tapping, head-bopping, pop-rock tune that is the perfect opener for the album, bookending the album nicely with Gone Too Far.
Windows And Walls is incredibly beautiful. Fogelberg’s vocal presentation and musicality is captivating from the first note with a stunning orchestral backing that surrounds you with an exceptionally wide, deep, and dynamic soundstage. It is this soundstage that would likely be ruined should the album ever be remastered for any additional compression would only eliminate these breathtaking sonic aspects.
The Loving Cup is a sensational multi-tempo song. Like many of the songs on Windows And Walls, when The Loving Cup comes on I just want to turn the volume up. Music doesn’t get much better than this, does it? Yes, the outro is a little abrupt, but I love it and it ultimately flows masterfully into Tucson, Arizona (Gazette).
Tucson, Arizona (Gazette) is stunning. That guitar tracking is incredible and again, as with many of the songs, you’ll find yourself in awe of the incredible soundstage that is akin to having Fogelberg in the room with you for a private performance.
Let Her Go returns the album to the 80s pop-rock styling that is similar to the album’s opening The Language Of Love. I love it and I can’t listen to Let Her Go without head-bopping and toe-tapping, or dancing if I’m on my feet. Oh, I forgot to mention that you’ll need your air guitar for that creamy guitar solo throughout and towards the end. Sensational!
Sweet Magnolia And The Travelling Salesman is an absolute masterpiece.
Believe In Me is magnificent. I simply adore Fogelberg’s smooth and delicate vocal presentation on this song. He took his vocal right to the edge but didn’t force it, thereby making Believe In Me extremely compelling and lovely to listen to.
Gone Too Far is the perfect closing track with an 80s rock-style that will get your body moving and will encourage you to listen to the album again.
Windows And Walls ultimately reminds me how much I love music every time I play the album. The only problem is it is so good that I tend to play it on repeat for hours as I never tire of Fogelberg’s remarkable musicality.
The album is tracked incredibly well, meaning the flow between songs is exceptional. With a runtime of ~40 minutes, I’m left wanting more and that is a sign of a good album in my opinion.
There is little doubt that this is one very special album that should be in every music lover’s collection.