Christopher Cross’s career experienced a significant decline after his early 1980s success. He struggled to maintain his popularity amidst changing musical tastes and the advent of MTV, which favored artists with a strong visual appeal.
Christopher Cross made a spectacular entry into the music scene with his self-titled debut album in 1979, which won him five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best New Artist. His smooth, melodic pop sound was encapsulated in hits like “Sailing” and “Ride Like the Wind.” The early 1980s saw Cross at the peak of his career, with his music frequently topping the charts.
However, as the decade progressed, Cross’s style of music fell out of favor with the mainstream audience. The rise of MTV and the emphasis on visual presentation in music marked a significant shift in the industry. Artists who had a strong visual image or who could produce compelling music videos thrived, while those who didn’t adapt as well saw their popularity wane. Cross, with his more low-key image and soft rock style, struggled to compete in this new environment.
Additionally, musical tastes were changing, with rock and pop audiences gravitating towards harder-edged sounds or more dance-oriented music. The soft rock and adult contemporary genres that Cross was associated with were becoming less dominant on the radio.
Despite the decline in mainstream success, Christopher Cross continued to record and release music. He maintained a loyal fan base and continued to tour, albeit on a smaller scale than during his commercial peak. His later albums did not achieve the same level of success as his earlier work, but they showcased his enduring talent as a songwriter and musician.
Cross’s career trajectory is a common tale in the music industry, where rapid changes in public taste and the importance of image can drastically affect an artist’s success. Nevertheless, his early achievements have secured him a place in music history, and his best-known songs remain beloved classics.