This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Bruce Hornsby & the Range's "On the Western Skyline"

There aren't many songs better suited for this weekly feature than "On the Western Skyline," an overlooked classic from Hornsby's debut record, 1986's The Way It Is. Perhaps even more than the deserving hits "Every Little Kiss" and "Mandolin Rain", this song is beautifully evocative of its songwriter's coastal Virginia locale of choice. Particularly at that early point of his career, Hornsby spun arresting yarns of real people in search of hope and companionship, all in the environment of specific, vivid landscapes. What's more, this track offers a perfect showcase for the fine musicianship found in Hornsby's backing band the Range. This is sweeping Americana that should never be forgotten, even if much of what Hornsby has chosen to do since his initial splash on the music scene has been too much noodling and not enough song-centered genius like this.

• Sample or download "On the Western Skyline" here.
• Compare prices on Bruce Hornsby & the Range CDs here.
• Bruce Hornsby's Official Website