David Foster is not the devil.
Granted, he’s given us plenty of adult contemporary pablum to chew on in the last 30 years or so. A bunch of shitty Chicago records, the entirety of Josh Groban’s oeuvre, etc. However, he’s also (at least) partially responsible for stone gems like this lush EW&F classic from late ‘79.
“After The Love Has Gone” is somber without being maudlin. I’m sure many of you have reached a stage in a relationship of “I guess we’re just not in love anymore”, making this song incredibly relatable.
AND THEN THE GORGEOUS KEY CHANGES. HOLY MOLY HOW DOES PHILIP BAILEY EVEN DO THAT???
A modern standard; the classic status of which is confirmed by 4-star covers by acts as disparate as Minneapolis funk outfit Mint Condition and yacht rock duo Airplay (½ of which is…David Foster).
NOT QUITE FIVE STARS
“After The Fall” by Journey (1983): “After The Fall” is considered a B-level Journey hit, but it’s as strong a piece of pop/rock goodness as there is in the Bay Area band’s catalog. Melodically sound, it’s got a chorus that you won’t stop humming to yourself. It strikes the perfect balance between easy listening/yacht rock and anthemic arena rock. Add Steve Perry’s vocals (and this might’ve been peak Perry vocally), and you’ve got yourself a classic.
Five Star Jamz 