Big Swing Face announced a new and improved
Bruce Hornsby, one who wasn't afraid to "Try Anything Once." The lead track of
Halcyon Days, "Gonna Be Some Changes Made" -- subtly echoing "The Way It Is" in its piano work -- continues this affirmation of progress, although
Hornsby's growth is not sustained across the entire album. Still, the first half of
Halcyon Days, while much less ambitious than
Big Swing Face, starts off promisingly enough. From the poppy "Changes" to the soothing title track,
Hornsby delivers an agreeable set of songs. In its own restrained way, it's a bid for commercial airplay, with guest stars
Elton John,
Sting, and
Eric Clapton all doing their part for the cause. ~ Skyler Miller