Straight From My Heart

During the late '80s and early '90s, Richard Marx was one of pop's more prolific hitmakers, and he has continued to distinguish himself as a writer/producer. His numerous credits include Sarah Brightman's "Last Words You Said," the Barbra Streisand and Vince Gill duet "If You Ever Leave Me," and most recently, the 'N Sync hit "This I Promise You." He has also been spending time in the Nashville community (see story, page 39), writing for and/or producing Chely Wright, Meredith Edwards, Shedaisy, Kenny Rogers, Jamie O'Neal, and others. This gorgeous, understated ballad is from his Days of Avalon album, released last year on Signal 21 (the label he launched with former Blood, Sweat & Tears drummer Bobby Colomby). Marx wrote this poignant lyric after losing his father, and the heartfelt sentiment about love and loss will tap a universal emotion in anyone who misses a loved one. Bluegrass diva Alison Krauss lends her lovely vocals to the outing, and Marx's voice is so intimate, he just pulls the listener right in. All in all, it's a superb record that could totally fit the country format, if programmers could just get over the fact that Marx has an impressive history in the pop community. Some stations are playing Marx as a mystery artist and getting great response. This record deserves to be heard, and Marx has more where this came from.—DEP