By popular request, here’s a high‑quality write‑up of KENNY LOGGINS’ 1988 album “Back To Avalon”, presented in its rare Japanese remastered edition — the only remaster ever released, long out of print and now extremely collectible.
It’s almost ironic: the standard U.S. CD can be found for a few dollars in bargain bins, while this Japanese remaster routinely sells for over $150 on the used market.
By the time Back To Avalon was recorded, Loggins had become nothing less than the king of ’80s movie soundtracks. His biggest hits of the decade came from films rather than studio albums:
• “Footloose” (Footloose)
• “I’m Alright” (Caddyshack)
• “Danger Zone” (Top Gun)
• “Meet Me Half Way” (Over The Top)
With studio time already booked to record “Nobody’s Fool” for Caddyshack II (included here), Loggins and his label decided to build a full album around the sessions. The result is one of the most star‑studded ’80s West Coast / pop‑rock productions ever assembled.
The lineup is a who’s‑who of legendary L.A. session musicians:
• Drummers: Pat Mastelotto, Mike Baird, John Robinson
• Guitarists: Dann Huff, Tim Pierce
• Keys: Jai Winding, Michael McDonald
• Percussion: Luis Conte
• Backing vocals: Jeff Pescetto, Richard Page, Mickey Thomas, Tata Vega, and many more
Production duties were handled by an equally elite roster:
Peter Wolf, Dennis Lambert, Patrick Leonard, Richard Page, Richie Zito, and even Giorgio Moroder, who produced the hit “Meet Me Half Way,” included here as a bonus track.
Musically, Back To Avalon leans more toward rock‑infused pop than Loggins’ earlier work — at times reminiscent of the polished style Richard Marx brought to his debut. Loggins’ voice is in superb form: flexible, expressive, and instantly recognizable.
Highlights include:
• “She’s Dangerous” — a velvety collaboration with Michael McDonald, echoing the magic of their earlier hit “What a Fool Believes.”
• “True Confessions” — co‑written with Martin Briley, featuring a gorgeous melody.
• “Isabella’s Eyes” — beautifully arranged and atmospheric.
• “Tell Her” — a fun, upbeat reinterpretation of The Exciters’ 1962 classic “Tell Him.”
Is the Japanese remastered edition worth the $150 price tag?
For fans of ’80s pop‑rock, West Coast AOR, or Loggins’ soundtrack era, the answer is absolutely yes. The remaster enhances the already immaculate production, giving the album more clarity, warmth, and definition. It’s one of those rare cases where the upgrade is genuinely noticeable.
This edition is extremely hard to find and desperately needs a reprint — until then, it remains one of the most sought‑after Kenny Loggins collectibles.
A superb ’80s album, beautifully remastered, and essential for fans of high‑quality pop‑rock production.