Exiles

Production

Fogelberg spent two years writing the songs, which were inspired by his divorce. The Tower of Power horns played on "What You're Doing". In an interview around the album's release, Fogelberg described Exiles as a return to a more rock-oriented sound following the bluegrass-influenced direction of his previous album, High Country Snows. He said the album featured more electric guitar and described it as the most rock and roll-oriented album he had made.

Reception

The Ottawa Citizen noted that, "as with any mellow musician who turns up the volume, Fogelberg now claims he has been a closet rock and roller all along." The Cincinnati Post wrote: "The title song recalls Springsteen, featuring an anguished, Michael Brecker tenor sax solo that's pure Clarence Clemons. 'What Your Doing' is solid soul, with Fogelberg doing his best Otis Redding, backed by a girl group and the Tower of Power horn section. For ballad fans, there's the gentle pop of 'Seeing You Again' and the solo voice and piano of 'Hearts in Decline'. Breaking up is hard to do, but Fogelberg should find some solace in LP sales. Exiles is custom made for his millions of adult rock fans."

The Toronto Star wrote that "Fogelberg's phony soul inflections on 'What You're Doing' are barely short of laughable." The Indianapolis News wrote that "Dan Fogelberg's "Exiles" (Full Moon-Epic) is an album-long look at the downside of love, and it's a strong record."The Washington Post called "Lonely in Love" "a soulless string of bromides with a twist of tenor sax supplied by designated-soulman Michael Brecker." The Morning Call listed the album among the worst of 1987. The Boston Globe said, "After a three year hiatus from rock 'n' roll and a brief foray onto country music turf, this Colorado recluse returns with a blazing vengeance."

Track listing

All tracks composed by Dan Fogelberg, except where indicated

"Exiles" – 4:13

"What You're Doing" – 4:52

"Lonely in Love" – 5:30

"Seeing You Again" – 5:00

"She Don't Look Back" – 4:49

"The Way It Must Be" – 4:17

"Hearts in Decline" – 3:14

"It Doesn't Matter" (Chris Hillman, Stephen Stills) – 4:32

"Our Last Farewell" – 4:50

"Beyond the Edge" – 3:46 (Not included on the original LP)

Personnel

Dan Fogelberg – lead vocals, backing vocals (1, 3–9), electric guitar (1, 3, 5, 8, 9), acoustic piano (2–4, 7, 9), lead guitar (2, 5, 8, 9), vibraphone (2), horn arrangements (2), acoustic guitar (3, 6, 8, 9), synth guitar (3), synthesizers (4, 9), rhythm guitar (5, 8, 9), drum programming (5), string arrangements

Mike Hanna – keyboards (1–6, 8, 9), string arrangements

Michael Landau – rhythm guitar (2), electric guitar (3, 4, 6)

Mike Porcaro – bass (1, 4, 5, 9)

Bob Glaub – bass (2, 3, 8)

Larry Klein – bass (6)

Russ Kunkel – drums (1–4, 9), percussion (2, 3, 5), drum programming (5)

Niko Bolas – drum programming (5)

Andy Newmark – drums (6)

Rick Marotta – drums (8)

Joe Lala – percussion (8)

Michael Brecker – tenor saxophone (1, 3)

Tower of Power – horn arrangements (2)

Julia Waters – backing vocals (2)

Maxine Waters – backing vocals (2)

Oren Waters – backing vocals (2)

Production

Producers – Dan Fogelberg and Russ Kunkel

Assistant producer – Charlie Fernandez

Charts

Album

Singles – Billboard (North America)