Christopher Cross enjoyed one of the most remarkable breakthroughs in pop music history. His self-titled debut album swept the 1981 Grammy Awards, earning Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist—an achievement no artist would duplicate for nearly four decades. Known for his smooth voice, exceptional songwriting, and polished musicianship, Cross became one of the defining artists of the soft rock era. Among his most touching recordings is “Think of Laura,” a heartfelt ballad that has endured as one of the most emotional songs of the 1980s.
Released in 1984 from the album Another Page, the song reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a major Adult Contemporary hit. While it gained additional exposure after being featured on the daytime drama General Hospital, “Think of Laura” was written long before its television association. At its heart, it is a deeply personal tribute to a young woman whose life ended far too soon.
The Story Behind the Song
Unlike many fictional love songs, “Think of Laura” was inspired by a real person.
Christopher Cross wrote the song in memory of Laura Carter, a close family friend who was tragically killed in an automobile accident at just nineteen years old. Cross wanted to honor her memory with a song that celebrated the impact she had on those around her rather than focusing solely on the sadness of her passing.
The result was a composition filled with hope, remembrance, and the comforting belief that those we lose continue to live on in our hearts.
Although the song was already climbing the charts, it received an additional boost when it was used prominently on General Hospital during the storyline involving Luke and Laura Spencer. Many viewers assumed the song had been written specifically for the show, but Cross repeatedly explained that the connection was entirely coincidental.
That television exposure introduced the song to millions of additional listeners and helped cement its place as one of the defining ballads of the decade.
The Sound
“Think of Laura” exemplifies the sophisticated soft rock production that Christopher Cross perfected during the early 1980s.
The recording opens with delicate piano before gradually introducing warm synthesizers, tasteful guitar, melodic bass, gentle percussion, and subtle orchestral textures. Every instrument is carefully placed, creating an atmosphere of quiet reflection.
Producer Michael Omartian keeps the arrangement remarkably restrained. Rather than relying on dramatic crescendos, the music unfolds naturally, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to remain the focus.
The keyboards provide warmth without overpowering the recording, while acoustic and electric guitars add tasteful melodic accents throughout.
The production remains elegant and timeless because it emphasizes clarity, balance, and musicality over trendy studio effects.
Performance and Musicianship
Christopher Cross delivers one of the most sincere vocal performances of his career.
His gentle tenor conveys compassion and tenderness without becoming overly sentimental. Rather than oversinging the emotional material, Cross allows the melody and lyrics to speak for themselves.
His phrasing is particularly effective. Every line feels conversational, making the performance intimate and believable. That understated delivery gives the song much of its lasting emotional impact.
The supporting musicians perform with exceptional sensitivity. Piano, keyboards, bass, and rhythm section work together seamlessly, creating a soft musical backdrop that never distracts from the vocal.
The tasteful guitar work reflects Cross’s own remarkable musicianship. Although widely recognized as an outstanding guitarist, he wisely chooses subtlety over technical display, demonstrating impressive restraint throughout the recording.
Why It Worked
Several factors helped “Think of Laura” become one of Christopher Cross’s biggest later hits.
First, the melody is beautifully crafted. The chorus is memorable without being overly dramatic, allowing listeners to connect emotionally from the very first listen.
Second, the song’s message of remembrance and enduring love resonated deeply with audiences. Nearly everyone has experienced the loss of someone important, giving the lyrics a universal quality.
The production also appealed across multiple radio formats. Pop, adult contemporary, and soft rock stations all embraced the recording, helping it reach a broad audience.
Its unexpected association with General Hospital further expanded its popularity, bringing the song to millions of television viewers who might not otherwise have discovered it.
Most importantly, Christopher Cross’s heartfelt performance gave the song an authenticity that listeners immediately recognized.
The Legacy
“Think of Laura” remains one of Christopher Cross’s most beloved recordings and one of the defining soft rock ballads of the 1980s.
Although many people continue to associate it with General Hospital, its true legacy lies in its deeply personal inspiration and timeless message about memory, love, and healing.
The song continues to receive regular airplay on adult contemporary and classic hits stations while appearing on numerous collections celebrating the greatest love songs and ballads of the decade.
For Christopher Cross, it stands as a reminder that some of the most meaningful songs emerge not from commercial calculation but from genuine personal experience.
Its emotional honesty has allowed it to remain relevant across generations.
Final Thoughts
“Think of Laura” is one of the most moving ballads of the 1980s. Built on graceful songwriting, elegant production, and Christopher Cross’s heartfelt vocal performance, it continues to offer comfort and hope to listeners decades after its release.
Cross transforms a deeply personal tribute into a universal expression of remembrance, demonstrating that the best songs often speak to shared human experiences. His understated performance, supported by tasteful musicianship and immaculate production, creates an atmosphere of quiet beauty that never feels forced.
More than forty years after climbing the charts, “Think of Laura” remains one of Christopher Cross’s finest achievements. It stands as a timeless reminder that while loss is an unavoidable part of life, the memories of those we love continue to inspire, comfort, and remain with us long after they are gone.
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