After a more than 30-year career and four years since his last studio release, Dan Fogelberg is back where he began. On his newest CD, Full Circle (Morning Sky/Mailboat), the much-loved singer/songwriter hearkens back to the acoustic country-folk sound fans will recall from his early-70s albums Home Free and Souvenirs. And while many enjoyed Fogelberg's often thrilling forays through pop, bluegrass, and world beat, no doubt they will hail his return home.
Produced at the artist's own Mountain Bird Studio, Full Circle offers nine original tunes and two intriguing covers, Bill Martin's stately, green-themed "Earth Anthem" and the title track, an obscure yet wonderful Byrds composition. Together with the originals, the CD presents thoughts on love, relationships and life backed by Fogelberg's trademark lush harmonies, masterful instrumentation, and crisp, clean production that — happily — is not as glossy-sounding as his some of his later works (such as 1984's Windows and Walls, 1987's Exiles, 1990's The Wild Places, and 1993's Rhythm of Souls).
The album starts — as many older, beloved Fogelberg collections do — with a piano-driven instrumental that features lots of gorgeous strings. "Half Moon Bay" gives one the sense of being near water, the source of life. It makes a fitting entryway to the music to come.
And that music, for those who appreciate finely crafted acoustic sounds, is prime. Like his earliest efforts, love is the main topic. Songs such as the bouncy "When You're Not Near Me," the haunting, intimate Gordon Lightfoot tribute "Whispers in the Wind" (which evokes memories of Nether Lands' "Dancing Shoes"), and "Once in Love" will resonate with listeners who carry on with hope in spite of life's inevitable romantic tribulations. It's a good thing "Drawing Pictures," a song Fogelberg composed 30 years ago, was saved until now: The piece's wisdom sounds most appropriate coming from a fiftysomething.
Vocally, the singer doesn't showcase the soaring, supple tenor of his youth. But that is more than OK — the older Fogelberg's voice is deeper and mellower, world-weary but hopeful, and it lends a richness and gravitas to the music that enhances the whole.
The CD's best track, the dynamic, encouraging "Icarus Ascending," makes Full Circle worth the price all by itself. One lyric likely will resonate with me until I breathe my last: "There is a gamble in each proud act of flight / But the losses pale before the winnings." The Fogelberg faithful and new fans will be thrilled that the artist took this gamble. If you haven't heard Dan Fogelberg or if you are one of those only familiar with his hits, buying Full Circle is a gamble that will pay off in spades.
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