Crossover
David Cross · 2020
49 min · 8 tracks · progressive rock
A dynamic blend of intricate melodies and complex rhythms that push the boundaries of progressive rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Rock to a Hard Place — This opening track sets the tone for the entire album with its elaborate structure and shifting time signatures, showcasing Cross's virtuosity and the collaborative chemistry with Banks.
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The Smile Frequency — With its ethereal harmonies and intricate guitar work, this track exemplifies the band's ability to blend emotive melodies with complex arrangements, making it a highlight of the album.
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Crossover — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album, merging diverse musical influences into a cohesive whole while spotlighting lyrical themes of connection and transformation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Crossover showcases ambitious compositions and intricate musicianship, solidifying Cross's place in progressive rock.
What we noticed
- Each song features extended instrumental sections, often exceeding four minutes, allowing for intricate solos and thematic development.
- The album closes with a title track that revisits motifs from earlier songs, creating a sense of circularity in its structure.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intricate melodies that demand attention
- dynamic rhythms for focused listening
- exploratory journey through soundscapes
- satisfying length for deep engagement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid lengthy, complex compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2020, Crossover marks David Cross's return to the music scene after a lengthy hiatus since his last solo album in 2005. This project showcases Cross's evolution as an artist, collaborating with guitarist Peter Banks to create a rich tapestry of sound that reflects both their musical journeys.
- Stylistic neighbors
- King Crimson· Yes· Gentle Giant
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Rock to a Hard Place 9:11
- 2 Upshift 8:20
- 3 The Smile Frequency 5:16
- 4 The Work Within 4:27
- 5 Missing Time 4:10
- 6 Plasma Drive 6:04
- 7 Laughing Strange 7:23
- 8 Crossover 4:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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