(1982) was 's first full LP to have been recorded in the 1980s, and is best remembered for including and lyricist 's tribute to the their slain friend . While the pair had been writing together again, albeit infrequently, since the late '70s, continued to include material written with his primary non- collaborator, . The latter team had previously scored big with on 's (1980), and to a lesser degree with the noir from (1981). However, on , the quality of material ranges from the absurd and inane and the insipid breakup opener to the sublime beauty of and the cathartic value of the aforementioned The dramatic is an understated masterpiece, marking the first public effort between and . The pair would garner Tony and Grammy awards 12 years later for their work on the original motion picture to the animated feature film (1994). 's backing band includes many of the same musicians who contributed to his most recent recordings. Representing the "classic" personnel are (bass) and post- (1975) recruit (keyboards). Fleshing out the core combo are studio guitarist extraordinaire drummer (and another highly regarded session heavy) . , who worked with as well as circa (1978), guests on the tracks the latter also featuring guest guitarist . While far from a total washout, would remain tethered in the wake of the follow-up, (1983), marking a reunion between and both his "classic" 1970s combo and . ~ Lindsay Planer