Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 158 - Hidden Masterpiece Exploration: The Pinnacle of Sophisticated Ballad Music

Irregularly posted Hidden Masterpiece Exploration Team 2

This time, Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal will focus on the music of Jim Messina.

My first encounter with Jim Messina’s music happened by sheer coincidence.
That coincidence was the 1980 breakout novel Nantonaku Crystal by Yasuo Tanaka. This novel depicted the daily life of affluent, brand-conscious female college students—carrying Gucci bags, dining at high-end restaurants in Aoyama, and living in luxury apartments in Tokyo. Young people at the time admired this lifestyle and saw themselves reflected in the story. Japan was in the midst of its high economic growth period, and society labeled these trend-conscious youths as the “Crystal Tribe.”
Meanwhile, the term Crystal itself became a cultural phenomenon. It even influenced the Japanese title of Grover Washington Jr.'s hit song Just the Two of Us, which was released as Crystal no Koibitotachi (Crystal Lovers) in Japan.
Nantonaku Crystal was later adapted into a film, and a soundtrack was also released. The album featured a lineup of sophisticated AOR tracks, including Paul Davis' I Go Crazy, Boz Scaggs' We're All Alone, and Toto's 99.
Amidst these stylish selections, I found myself captivated by a beautiful ballad that played during one scene in the film. The songwriter behind that mesmerizing piece was none other than Jim Messina.

Who Is Jim Messina?

Jim Messina, born in 1947, is now 75 years old. He is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and music producer from California.
He was a member of the legendary American bands Buffalo Springfield and Poco before gaining widespread recognition through his duo with Kenny Loggins—Loggins & Messina—formed during his time at Columbia Records. With their signature American pop sound, the duo achieved remarkable success, selling over 20 million albums and solidifying their status as top-tier stars.

■ Recommended Album: Jim Messina – Oasis (1979)

Three years after the breakup of Loggins & Messina, Jim Messina released his solo debut album, Oasis. This album is truly a hidden masterpiece. The cover features a portrait of Messina in a crisp white linen shirt, exuding a strong resort vibe—perhaps taken on a beach in Cancún, Mexico?
The overall atmosphere is worlds apart from the Loggins & Messina sound. Who would have thought that Messina would venture into Latin-infused jazz fusion? Honestly, I never imagined he had this kind of musical depth. Yet, the moment he starts singing, there's no mistaking it—this is still Jim Messina.
Each track is exceptional, radiating the same laid-back, sun-kissed energy as the album cover. I absolutely fell in love with this side of Messina. His use of horn sections and intricate 16-beat rhythms demands a higher level of musicianship than traditional American pop. Rather than being a gimmick, Oasis showcases Messina’s musical sophistication—a surprising yet completely natural evolution for this seasoned artist.

Recommended Track: "New and Different Way"

A funky Latin fusion masterpiece, New and Different Way perfectly captures the resort-like essence of Oasis. The lively, rhythmic instrumentation provides the ideal backdrop for Jim Messina’s smooth vocals. Though he was primarily known for his country-influenced sound, Messina transitions seamlessly into this style, proving his versatility. The track’s relaxed 16-beat groove makes it an excellent opening number, setting the mood for the entire album.
Released as a single, the song reached #43 on the U.S. charts.

Recommended Track: "Seeing You (For the First Time)"

This is the mesmerizing ballad that captivated me during a scene in Nantonaku Crystal. The song opens with a deep, groovy bassline, soon intertwined with Jim Messina’s Telecaster-crafted melody, creating a truly sublime intro. The guitar solo at the beginning alone proves that Messina is no ordinary guitarist. His ability to deliver a dramatic and emotionally charged performance within a short musical phrase is simply outstanding. The Fender Rhodes piano backing also adds just the right touch of warmth and depth.
From the A-section to the soaring chorus, the melody unfolds beautifully, showcasing Messina’s exceptional songwriting skills. His use of harmonies is particularly effective—perhaps a reflection of his time as a producer at a major record label. His deep understanding of various musical styles allows him to craft songs with remarkable depth and sophistication.

Craig Thomas’ saxophone solo in the outro further enhances the song’s mood, making Seeing You (For the First Time) a true AOR classic.
The Nantonaku Crystal soundtrack also features another legendary ballad—Boz Scaggs’ We Are All Alone from his album Silk Degrees. While Boz Scaggs’ song is a widely recognized masterpiece, Jim Messina’s Seeing You stands as its hidden counterpart, an underrated gem that deserves just as much recognition.

■ Recommended Album: Jim Messina – Messina (1981)

After the sophisticated musical exploration of Oasis, Jim Messina takes a different approach with Messina, shifting back to polished American rock.
The fusion and Latin influences from his previous work take a backseat, allowing him to embrace a chic, classic American pop-rock sound. Messina continued this direction with his next album, One More Mile, reaffirming that his true musical identity lies in this style of American pop and rock.

Recommended Track: "Moving Your Heart"

A return to classic American pop balladry, Moving Your Heart feels like Jim Messina embracing his roots—though it may have also been influenced by his record label’s expectations.
The song opens with a beautiful acoustic piano intro, leading into a melody that carries Messina’s signature country touch. With lyrics like "I love you in blue jeans and a sweater...", it paints a charming picture of everyday life, making it a quintessential American pop song. Messina’s use of breaks is masterful, adding dynamic tension to the arrangement. And of course, his Telecaster-driven guitar solo, with its crisp, punchy tone, is unmistakably Jim Messina.

Featured Artists, Albums, and Recommended Tracks

• Artists: Jim Messina, Boz Scaggs, and more
• Albums: Oasis, Messina
• Tracks: New and Different Way, Seeing You (For the First Time), Moving Your Heart

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