Hornsby's latest, "Halcyon Days" (translated: peaceful or tranquil days, golden years)showcases his many talents and strengths. Unfortunately, he will probably get as much attention for this as a circus on the moon.

He has to be one of the most overlooked and underappreciated musicians of our time, certainly the equal to Elton John, Eric Clapton and Sting (all appear on "Halcyon Days) but strangely without the popularity of those three.

The sticker on the front of the cd features "Gonna Be Some Changes Made" and the only true change is Hornsby has moved from his former record label (RCA) to a new one (Columbia), and with excellent results. The lead off track is pure Hornsby perfection, and instant classic even thought the subject matter is a bit quirky--but that's what Hornsby does best. He weaves tales of human imperfection and longing into a seamless melody and virtuoso style. Elsewhere you find him dueting with Elton John on the misty and gospel "Dreamland", the high energy and self-effacing humor of "Circus On The Moon", then three Randy Newman-esque tunes: "What The Hell Happened" again, replete with self-effacing humor about being the ugly-looking one in the family, "Hooray For Tom" with it's hopelessly spelling-impaired protagonist waiting for his day in the sun and "Heir Gordon" with a moronic, wealthy, bumbling fool of a protagonist that other wish to be like. Hornsby closes the set with a look at an uncertain, but hopeful future on "Mirror On The Wall", and pleasant, gentle intrumental "Song F" followed by an unusual tale about getting lost while looking for the perfect Christmas tree and the hope someone will come along in "Lost In The Snow".

This is a near perfect cd from Hornsby, but then he always puts out quality material, and perhaps that's due to his musical training. Why this simple fact doesn't set him apart from other flash in the pan, but talentless top 40 artists of today, remains a mystery. So, for fans, this is both pleasing and frustrating as Hornbys remains underground and underexposed--a private pleasure, and certainly one of the best cds of 2004.

I'm a long time fan, but have recently met folks who hadn't been in touch with Bruce since the Range days, and they have been as blown away by this disc as I have. Maybe it was the Sting/Clapton appearances that piqued interest, but I talked to one person who loved HD so much that she's starting to acquire the back catalog. Though Harbor Lights is still probably my favorite, this album has been in my car since the day I received it and I'm still hearing new things and feeling the need to "cardance".

Bruce Hornsby has come a long way since his days with the Range. As he says on the very first song on here, there's gonna be some changes made. And although those changes didn't exactly translate into his BEST album, there's still plenty of good stuff to be found on Halcyon Days.

Editorial reviewer Tammy La Gorce did a pretty good job summarizing this album (although I don't agree with what she had to say about Norah Jones). Bruce's fantastic piano work is still present throughout the album, especially evidenced by the instrumental track, "Song F". It's also present in my favorite song, "Dreamland", where Elton John joins him on vocals.

Metaphoric songs also work well, as shown by "Circus On the Moon" and the title track. The only song like that that didn't exactly work is "Hooray For Tom", because it's a metaphor about -- actually, I couldn't really figure out what. Oh well, Bruce is also still good at storytelling, which you can tell by listening to "Heir Gordon". But I can't say the same about "What the Hell Happened", which made me ask just that.

Before I came on this site, I didn't even know Bruce Hornsby had a new album, but I picked it up and I enjoy it, which is what other fans of good music should do. If you want some tunes to relax you, Halcyon Days should do just fine.

Anthony Rupert

One thing that I wanted to add to the (mostly) thoughtful reviews here.

To love Bruce Hornsby is to grow along with him. He hooked me with Every Little Kiss, and it's been quite a ride since then. He brought me into musical territory I never considered before, but I trust him and I stay with it.

Halcyon Days is a mixture of Hot House and Harbor Lights with a dash of Big Swing Face, which is a very intriguing mix. "Circus On The Moon" is his best-ever composition. "Mirror On The Wall" is very Harbor Lights-esque ... but "What The Hell Happened" is very jazzy and more like Hot House.

For the life of me, I cannot understand how a song like "Circus" isn't a hit. I know it's 6:30+, but it's so perfect. Such a seamless piece.

All in all, "Days" is a good record for the casual Hornsby fan to check in and see what he's done since "The Way It Is." He's an incredibly skilled pianist and arranger. His lyrics are a little cumbersome at times here, but they flourish at times as well.

This is a wonderful album from a great musician and songwriter. First off let me say YOU CAN'T COMPARE THIS TO WHAT HORNSBY DID IN THE EARLY 90's. I've read about 5 reviews here that mention Mandolin Rain, if you're looking for Mandolin Rain Part 2 you will not find it on this album. People change, and with that artist's styles change. You have to listen to this album for what it is. If you do, you'll find a album with many different song styles and you'll hear a great songwriter and musician. If you're interested in this album please don't buy it hoping to get the old Hornsby, buy it with the expectation to get something new but just as wonderful.