In the nineties, David Foster’s collaboration with the talented Irish quartet, The Corrs, resulted in a welcome change of musical scenario for the Canadian super-producer. Foster put aside his typical mega-successful power ballads of those days to immerse himself into the catchy pop/rock atmospheres created by the four siblings.

September ’95 saw the release of The Corrs’ debut cd titled Forgiven Not Forgotten. It boosted the group’s irresistible blend of pop, rock and traditional Irish music to the top of the charts in several countries. A few of those tracks can be found in the archives including the hit single, “Runaway,” the catchy “Someday,” co-written with Foster, and the energetic title track.
This time around the focus is on a rousing instrumental version of an Irish traditional folk tune entitled, “Toss The Feathers.” On this number, Foster beefs-up the sound by enlisting former Toto drummer Simon Philips, session ace bassist Neil Stubenhaus and the trademark guitar of Michael Thompson who can be heard on other tracks of Forgiven Not Forgotten. The Corrs’ take on “Toss The Feathers” is a total knock-out and one of the highlights of the cd. The four siblings wonderfully play the traditional Irish instruments. On top of an enthralling rhythm section, the result is an exciting mix of Irish music, rock with an echo of some light jazz/fusion. On his website, Philips wrote a little about his work on “Toss The Feathers.” Here’s an excerpt:
“I was called by the session coordinator to see if I was available. David Foster had asked specifically for me. I was available so I was booked and turned up to the Record Plant. I met the band, Bob Clearmountain was engineering so I knew him. We discussed microphones and then I went out to get a drum sound. I took a listen to the track, maybe I made a chart, can’t remember, and then played it down a couple of times. I really don’t remember how many takes it took or whether I did a couple of drops, but I actually played 2 tracks that day. It was a really fun track to play and totally up my street.”
The energetic feel of “Toss The Feathers” quickly became a concert favorite. This jam is still the song that closes the group’s concerts.

Listen

• Keyboards & Guitar: Jim Corr
• Tin Whistle: Andrea Corr
• Violin: Sharon Corr
• Bodhran: Caroline Corr
• Additional Keyboards: David Foster
• Guitar: Michael Thompson
• Bass: Neil Stubenhaus
• Drums: Simon Philips
• Arranged by The Corrs
• Produced by David Foster
• Co-Produced by Jim Corr

Lyrics

No Lyrics

Rascal Flatts is one of the most successful country/pop groups of the past 20 years. The multi-platinum-selling trio tops the Country charts with many hits including “These Days,” “Bless The Broken Road,” “What Hurt The Most,” “Here Comes Goodbye” and “Why Wait.” Their country music style has strong pop flavors that reflect the influence on the group by celebrated music-makers like David Foster.

In 2006, Rascal Flatts’ bass player, Jay De Marcus, produced Chicago XXX. De Marcus admitted to following in the footsteps of Foster’s seminal work with the veteran supergroup from the eighties. In 2012, singer Gary LeVox, De Marcus and guitarist Joe Don Rooney received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame and Foster was the guy who was asked to do the induction speech. Recently, around the end of 2018, Rascal Flatts released an EP titled Jukebox that featured great covers of four evergreens that the trio loved. Those songs were Foreigner’s rock anthem “Feels Like The First Time,” the soulful “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates, “Do You Believe In Love” originally made by Huey Lewis & The News and, not surprisingly, the Kenny Loggins’ 1982 hit “Heart To Heart.” 

“Heart To Heart,” with its smooth groove and breezy feel, might be considered the quintessential Westcoast/pop song. It was co-written by Loggins with his friends David Foster and Michael McDonald. The Rascal Flatts cover was very respectful of the original version, modernizing it just a tiny bit to please today’s audiences. LeVox’s vocals were astounding and a good challenge to Loggins’ classic performance. The vintage production was rich with winning touches like the use of a fender Rhodes and the rousing saxophone solo. 

We hope that Rascal Flatts will deliver more winning covers like this in the future, showcasing their superior talents with the beauty and timeless value of the best quality pop music of the seventies and the eighties.

Listen

• Lead & Backing Vocals: Gary LeVox
• Bass Guitar, Keyboards & Backing Vocals: Jay DeMarcus
• Guitar & Backing Vocals: Joe Don Rooney
• Produced by Rascal Flatts

Lyrics

You ain’t crazy, I ain’t gonna lie anymore
What you’re feelin’, there’s a reason for
I wanna do right yeah
Oh, I gotta do right

Do I love you, oh, you know I’ve tried
But what you’re after, you can’t find in my eyes
I wanna do right

Darlin’ tell the truth, don’t turn away
This is our last chance
To touch each other’s heart

Does anything last forever? I don’t know
Maybe we’re near the end (So come and tell me)
So darlin’, oh, how can we go on together?
And now that we’ve grown apart
Well the only way to start
Is heart to heart
Yes it is

One by one, we’re collecting lies
When you can’t give love you give alibis
Now I’m gonna do right
This time I gotta do right

I don’t wanna leave, I don’t wanna say goodbye
Sooner or later, honey, there comes a time
Tomorrow, when you gotta do right
Come on home, darlin’

Darlin’ tell the truth, don’t turn away
This is our last chance
To touch each other’s heart

Does anything last forever? I don’t know
Maybe we’re near the end (So come and tell me)
So darlin’, oh, how can we go on together?
And now that we’ve grown apart
Well the only way to start
Is heart to heart

(Why are you so torn apart?)
I need a little more lovin’ in my heart
(People say that love will grow)
So how was I to know
Love that comes through years and years
Can’t find a way back home anymore

Darlin’ tell the truth, don’t turn away
This is our last chance
To touch each other’s heart

Does anything last forever? I don’t know
Maybe we’re near the end (So come and tell me)
So darlin’, oh, how can we go on together?
And now that we’ve grown apart
Well the only way to start
Is heart to heart

(Does anything last forever? I don’t know
So come and tell me)
Come and tell me now
How can we go on together?
And now that we’ve grown apart
Well the only way to start
Is heart to heart to heart

Maybe we’re near the end (So come and tell me)
So darlin’, oh, how can we go on together?
(The only way to, to start
Is heart to heart)