The Road to hell (The Very Best Of Chris Rea - Chris Rea)

Member Name: benlepensive

Product:	The Very Best Of Chris Rea - Chris Rea
Date:	21/02/09 (60 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: loads of hits

Disadvantages: bland cover

I like a little helping of Chris Rea every now an then. His gravelly voice never fails to stir emotions deep within. This album gathers his biggets hits and is a real treat.

Who is he:

UK singer and songwriter, guitarist and occasional actor. He is bearded and has a very husky voice.

On this album:

The distinctive 'Road To Hell' is an unnerving song. It makes me think of Dire Straits with the guitar work. The lyrics match the mood of the song perfectly, as Rea carves out a tale of a desolate trip ahead. You can literally hear the pitter patter of the rain on the car windscreen and sense the gloom. It is a dark and brooding song and a fine way to start the album.

Highlights:

'Let's Dance' is far more upbeat, a jovial melody with a brassy sound to it. It is the kind of song you can have a good old knees up too. Chris appears to be enjoying himself too here. The mysterious 'You Can Go Your Own Way' is not a over of Fleetwood Mac, but a smoky sounding, bluesy affair, in which Rea sounds a little creepy.

'On The Beach' is just lovely, that guitar twang conjures up images of frolicking naked in the ocean, it is the essence of summer and his gruff minimal vocals just cruise effortlessly over the guitar melody. I also love 'Auberge' which has a mean and moody guitar hook in it and once again finds Chris is a pensive frame of mind with his lyrics.

Finally, if the time of year is right, 'Driving Home For Christmas' is a delight. Sleighbells, a wonderful tune and it just sums up everything about the season.

Overall:

Seventeen tracks, all high quality. A bland sleeve though which is a shame, but a unique voice and gifted guitarist.

Summary: brill