Reviewed by Allen Lulu
Released: February 1981 Chris Rea Chris Rea Genre: Easy Rock Rating: 3.25 out of 5 Highlights: If You Choose To Go I don’t know what to say about Chris Rea other than he writes perfectly Knopfleresque/Steely Danny soft rock that appeals to those who don’t want anything too edgy. The kind of stuff that you hear at the end of an 80s big comedy like Legal Eagles or St. Elmo’s Fire.
Showing posts with label Chris Rea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chris Rea. Show all posts
Sunday, December 17, 2023
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
The 1980 Listening Post - Chris Rea - Tennis
Chris Rea - Tennis
#91
March 1 1980
Chris Rea
Tennis
1.75 out of 5
“Do you like Tennis? Do you like Tennis? Do you like Tennis? Yes, I do.”
That’s some inspiring songwritin’ right there.
This album is garbage. (I wrote that during the first song, intending to delete it once the album got better. It didn’t)
At the end of Side One, as I berated myself for even starting this project, I was stunned by just how much of a rip on “I’m Easy” is the side closer, “Every Time I See YouSmile”.
I do not care for Mr. Rea.
Saturday, December 7, 2019
The 1986 Listening Post - Chris Rea - On the Beach
Chris Rea - On the Beach
#136/1301
April 14 1986
Chris Rea
On the Beach
Genre: Smooth Rock
4 out of 5
Highlights:
On the Beach
I’m always a bit nervous when I get up early on a Saturday morning and open up Sonos, connect to my Listening Post playlist, adjust the sound level so I don’t a) blast it to the point of waking anyone sleeping in or b) play it loud enough that my son realizes I’m awake and decide to force me to look at his renderings in his Minecraft Steven Universe Resource Pack.
No reason to worry on either counts with the next album in the cue.
On the Beach is one of the most aptly titled records I’ve come across.
I still can’t stand Rea’s voice. That gravel doesn’t suit the gentle watch-the-waves musical stylings. But, I got past it.
This was pleasant.
Monday, May 20, 2019
The 1985 Listening Post - Chris Rea - Shamrock Diaries
Chris Rea - Shamrock Diaries
#138
April 1985
Chris Rea
Shamrock Diaries
Genre: Rock
2.75 out of 5
“Steel River” & “Stainsby Girls”. Right off the bat, Rea has decided being a Springsteen clone is the way to chart topping success. The former is a pleasant enough six+ minute mid-tempo offering but…why start your album with something this lugubrious? Throw it in the middle somewhere. It’s completely harmless and professional. The next track, is another Dire Straits-ian track but is so steeped in Bruce it drips working class earnestness.
I’m not saying that Bruce should sue Rea for trying to steal his sound.
I’m saying that Bruce should cock punch him for it.
And then Knopfler should take a shot.
And, you know what? Bowie should’ve taken a whack as well.
Saturday, February 2, 2019
The 1984 Listening Post - Chris Rea - Wired to the Moon
Chris Rea - Wired to the Moon
#99
April 1984
Chris Rea
Wired to the Moon
3 out of 5
Wow. I’m gobsmacked. I’ve literally never heard of this guy. And why should I? He had one minor hit in the US in the earllllly 80s. To be fair he was nominated for Best New Artist Grammy. And we all know what happens with that category. Also, back in that time I would have had very little interest in Adult Contemporary.
But, in England, he’s put out 24 (!!!!) albums PLUS compilations PLUS live stuff. Like I said, wow. He’s like a guitar virtuoso Cliff Richard!
So, how is this?
Well, lemme put it this way. We already have one Clapton. Rea isn’t as magical as Clapton can be and his songs are 3X less interesting. But it’s all very competently performed.
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