Chris Rea

I'd heard the title track, The Road to Hell, on the radio, but for some reason never picked up this CD until recently. This is a great 80s blues-rock concept album. I'm surprised I never heard any of the other tracks on the air, especially That's What They Always Say.

Highly recommended - add this to your collection.

Where have you people been, this is one of the all time greatest 'rnr' albums! Pick a track and put on your earphones.

I find very few albums that are so good it's worth buying.
This is one.... a very good one!

My favorite Rea album, with (in my opinon) one of his strongest collection of songs. Usually you will find some "fillers", but I love every track, with the possible exception of the last (Tell me there's a Heaven), which is a little sappy for my taste. I was introducted to this album many years ago in a bar in Houston, where they played (no surprise) "Texas"...this still rates as one of the best tracks on the album (along with the title track), but there are many joys to be had here....listen to "Warm & Tender Love" and "Daytona". All in all, not much to dislike here

This album is an excellent piece of music, one of my favorite actually out of 100s of CD I own. Its style is difficult to pin in any well defined category, not really rock, not really jazz, no really blues and all of the above at the same time. But what's extraordinary about it is that even though it is probably 20 years old, that music could have been composed today or probably tomorrow as well. There is something powerfully universal about it. Definitely a strong mood music for the night, even better, for driving long hours into the night.

You never know where the internet will take you when one interest takes you to something else entirely different. That's what happened when I found the video for "Texas" and rediscovered one of those songs that I remembered playing on the radio back in the 1990s. A unique voice that was meant for the jazz & blues genre and it especially works well when intertwined with southern rock and country. After hearing his other works, there was no doubt the Best of Chris Rea was worth the purchase. It's just too bad that "Texas" was not included with this compilation which is why I gave a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

If you expect to find the original version of "Fool If You Think It's Over" on this CD, you will not get it... You will find it on "Hard To Find 45s on CD Volume 8 Seventies Pop Classics"... Spanish Language/ Si tu esperas encontrar la version original de la cancion "Fool If You Think It's Over" en este CD, aca no la encontraras... Se halla en el CD "Hard To Find 45s on CD Volume 8 Seventies Pop Classics"...

I just found this artist after listening to a radio station here in Denver. I really enjoy hearing his music. Plan on buying more of his cd's. He's from UK.

I can't believe I just *discovered* Chris Rea...absolutely love this guy, from his great guitar work to that sexy gravely voice. Now where is he? Last album 1998? Anyone out there know? I would love for him to do more. He is another person, along with the Dalai Lama and Mark Knopfler I would like to take to lunch, I'm buying.
*Fool* and *Road to Hell* are favorites, but this is one of those rare CD's of which I happen to like EVERY single track.....that never happens, ever. By all means BUY THIS, you won't be disappointed.

The Best of Chris Rea is almost the best of Chris Rea. Chris Rea has done so many good songs that to differentiate his greatest is impossible. Personally I found this CD to be very good. However, if I was given a chance to put the best of Chris Rea on one CD it would be slightly different. But if you are familiar with and enjoy the music of Chris Rea, you will buy this CD without hestitation. His album version of "Fool If You Think It's Over" is incredible. You will not stop playing it. If you buy this CD, you will enjoy it. - Marlon

This guy Is Not good but pretty great songwriter and musician.
The hits show many different fusions and styles yet somehow plays as an album too.

It was this compilation that orginally got me hooked on Chris Rea. Sadly and typically I had only heard "Road to hell" and "Fool (if you think it's over)" before. This compilation opened up my eyes and ears to the world of Chris Rea. I would highly recommend you purchase this album to begin exploring the world of all things Rea. Yes the songs are remixed/redone from the original versions, but I love these too!
I'll put it this way. 6 months ago I had nothing from Chris Rea. Now I have 14 cd's. This compilation just scratches the surface, but it such an engrossing musical retrospective.

I am a hugh Chris Rea fan, in my opinion this cd is an overview of the the best of all his music.I would recomand this.
Steve

I say I have to agree with S. B. Rotherforth "smithville boy" on this as driving music in its purest form! When I first had the cassette single much earlier days THIS SONG was my TGIF song. Later I lost the tape and by pure coincidence I have stumbled on the complete Greatest Hits which I must say if you like pure rock music you will LOVE Chris Rea! Needless to say now I am a little older but it still has that certain appeal to it, that is why I purchased it today 12/12/2005.

when this first was released, I'd heard 'working on it' on the radio. I couldn't get the driving music out of my head. why I waited so long to purchase the music, only makes having it that much sweeter.good stuff.

Auberge being Chris Rea's 1991 release is an album that I pretty much picked up by chance at my local library. Rea's voice is really soothing and it is a great after work album to kick back to and take a drink or two. The book-let is nothing special. The cover is nice but the font inside is awfull. Songs that stand out on this release are ofcourse the title track Auberge. Other songs that are good are Gone Fishing and Heaven. 4/5.

The only tune anybody except real fans can name from Chris Rea is his pop single "Fool (If You Think It's Over)" from his debut many years ago. Rea visited the US charts a few years little, albeit briefly with "Auberge", which is one of the smoothest, most elegant CD's out there.
Rea is no stranger in Britain - in fact, he's a bona fide guitar hero, and rightly so, as his slide work is as slick and sinewy as a basketful of snakes. Add his husky baritone and mellow background musicians, and you have a real class act.
The high points of "Auberge", possibly his finest work, include "Gone Fishing", "Looking For the Summer" and the bouncy "Red Shoes". Why his smooth music hasn't made the same impact as later Clapton music, Sting, or any other adult contemporaries you could name is a mystery, but that's the fickle music biz for you. Clapton may make his guitar gently weep; Rea makes his break down and sob.

Chris lends his typical rich voice to this CD and includes both somber and whimsical tunes.

Chris Rea spent a quarter century playing sleek, grown-up rock that has two easy-to-spot signatures --- guitars that are fluid as mercury and a voice that sounds as if it's been up all night and doesn't plan to rest any time soon --- even if his style is impossible to pigeonhole.

Who is Chris Rea? A master guitarist who didn't pick up a guitar until he was 19. A Brit who learned the blues from records. And a singer-songwriter who, a wag noted, "seemed only to get in the charts when Dire Straits were somewhere else."

Yes, there are echoes of Mark Knopfler in the seamless guitars. A bit of the languor of Knopfler too. But there's something about Rea's music that's idiosyncratic and addictive --- in almost every song, I hear the summer. Blazing sun, burning beach, the tang of lotion mixed with ocean ozone. And time nowhere to be found, time banished. In Rea's pre-global warming world, I feel forever young, fit, in love or about to be.

This is dreamy stuff. With lyrics you'd actually listen to if the music weren't so damn compelling. Organ hotwired to your spine, wicked harmonica, guitar riffs that J.J. Cale would happily steal --- this is the music a lot of us make in our heads and never find in reality. Well, here it is.

For Rea's fans, the one irresistible CD is 1991's "Auberge," which was huge in Europe. Not hard understanding why --- the start of the title song is like nothing you've ever heard before. To wit: A door closes. Boots on stone. Car door slams. Ignition. A guitar trill, building. An organ asks a haunting question. A slide guitar responds. Now the drums kick in. A guitar figure, repeated. Horns. And, at last, that rough voice:

On the hard fast train
On the road to gain
Something gets right through to your telling bone
There's a sudden itch
An electric twitch
Sometimes I swear this body's got a mind of its own

If you listen to this much and are not dancing in your seat --- oh, but that's impossible. At any volume, when the horns, guitars and drums are working together, resistance is futile.

I've been listening to Chris Rea, on and off, since "Auberge." Each time, he's a glorious anti-depressant: a grittier Chris Isaak, a raunchier Bryan Ferry. He's good for parties. As subliminal dinner music. To seal an assignation.

Or when all you need to time-travel is a whiff of Coppertone

I purchased Auberge when it came out in '91. I had heard "And You My Love" on a show and bought the album for that one song. Turned out to be a bonus. With the exception of cuts 1,2 and 6 this album is outstanding. The vocals are pure sex appeal with songs like "Looking For the Summer" the perfect western movie backdrop, the elusive cowboy always holding back. It encompasses romance and promise. It is timeless. I loved it so much, I bought it again on CD.

I first became acquainted with the music of Chris Rea while living in England during the mid-1980's. The voice reminded me of Bruce Springsteen but the songs were more mellow and jazzy. Like Dylan, Warren Zevon and even Springsteen himself, Rea's is not a beautiful voice but his range works perfectly for the songs he sings and especially the hits on this album. The voice has become more raspy over the years but these are still great songs sung by the only man who has the soul to really show them off. I'm surprised he hasn't picked up a bigger following in the U.S. over the years. For the long-time fan or the uninitiated, this album is a great place to start.

This CD is Great,Great,Great! After years of not hearing this awesome performer......I am glad to have this CD. "Driving Home For Christmas" is now my favorite Holiday song. I Love "On The Beach" and "Fool If You Think It's Over" from the seventy's. All of the songs are very well done and to me not a bad one can be found here. His voice is very "sexy". This guy has many musical talents. I want more of his work!!!!!

If you expect to find the original version of "Fool If You Think It's Over" on this CD, you will not get it... You will find it on "Hard To Find 45s on CD Volume 8 Seventies Pop Classics"...

Chris Rea is a wonderful artist. While his music may not be for everybody, if you like the music and melodies of the Moody Blues or The Alan Parsons Project, you will enjoy the music of Chris Rea.

I was introduced to Chris Rea by a friend with "The Road to Hell" cassette (no cds back then)..probably around 1995..loved "Texas" and couldn't figure out why others hadn't discovered Mr. Rea. I forgot about that music over the years, but the other night while watching the intro to a new tv series, I could've sworn the song had Chris Rea singing. Afterwards, I watched the credits to no avail, went onto the Amazon site and did some searching around; ordered "Road to Hell" cd. When i received the cd, i listened to it intently and decided i needed more of his music. I ordered the Very Best of Chris Rea from Amazon...and I've had it about 2 weeks. I fall more in love with it the more I listen to it. Do yourself a favor and buy it for yourself. Heck, buy it for any of your relatives or friends who you owe a present to. This is music for the ages and you shouldn't pass it by. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to be able to recommend a superior cd or movie to someone. Enjoy!

The music contained in this huge set of Cd's is truly amazing - in quality and breadth of styles included.

I was already a Chris Rea fan but this work pushes into areas that commercial single CD's tend to avoid. He does this without the work being too heavy - it therefore would be appropriate as a first buy of Chris Rea and also for someone who was not that much into the blues.

Truly enjoyable - and the book and paintings is an added huge bonus!

Why Chris Rea has never toured the States is a mystery. I can't find the words that could possibly pay justice to this man. He has an amazing voice, plays a mean guitar, composes great songs and yet is unknown in this country. I just don't get it. But for those who want to see what England has somehow managed to hide all this time (an undiscovered gem), check any one of his albums out. You'll soon be asking the same question.

As a blues lover, I accidentally discovered Chris Rea on a compilation blues album that included '90's Blues' that gained my attention. Having listened to some of his other output, my feeling was that he was an artist who had some feeling for the blues. On an internet crawl last year I discovered the `Blue Guitars' album and after reading the reviews had to buy a copy. This is an incredible undertaking: 128 songs on 11 Cds based on the history of the blues. Each CD features one historical and geographical environment. The album comes in a hard cover book (unfortunately the CDs tend to fall out), that includes an interview with Chris Rea, paintings by Chris, a description of each album's basis, lyrics and includes a history of blues instruments used. Also included is a DVD detailing the production of an earlier CD, `Dancing down the road'.

The first album, `Beginnings' blew me away. The album gives you a feel for the misery and despair suffered by people captured and transported. In addition it highlights the hope that the slaves envisioned via religion and the misunderstanding of their situation. The album is especially inspired as a result of the use of African instruments. This CD alone made the album worthwhile providing brilliant blues playing and incredible blues lyrics.

The second album, `Country Blues' does not general reach quite the same heights. However, it is still superb, particularly `KK Blues'.

Unfortunately the other 9 Cds do not reach the same level. Each CD has some high points and some sparkling moments, but never reach the same high point that the `Beginnings' album reaches. Many of the CDs provide a musical style, while probably accurate, does not appeal to my music tastes.

In general, each subsequent album gets slowly poorer. The biggest disappointment is the last album `60s & 70s'. I grew up in this era and discovered the blues. Unfortunately, this CD offers blues that I do not identify with.

It is a fantastic collection of Chris Rea interpretation of the different Blues.
I love Chris voice and his daring lyrics. With this collection Rea moved way up in the world of meaningful songs and music. BRAVO CHRIS

I find this music to be very enjoyable. This is the most I have paid for any group of music. Chris Raye's music is blues but not is the strictest sense of the blues. Another CD by Chris Rea is Highway to Hell. This was my first experience listening to him. Also very enjoyable. I find that I listen to at least one of these CDs every day. Well worth the money.

I'd heard about Chris Rea off and on through the years and apart from a few songs, knew next to nothing about his output. Come 2006, I find myself engrossed in this artist and his entire body of work. Sadly, I doubt I will ever get to see him perform live here in the states.

I get drawn into this album more and more with each subsequent listen. The only song I don't really care for is "Crack that mould", but apart from that it is a winner. A very atmospheric and relaxing album to my ears. I enjoy listening to this one on the way to work in the morning too. A solid and consistent release that rates close to the top of Rea output! If you have any Chris Rea, you should add this to your collection.

This is one of THE most wonderful CD's I have ever had the good fortune of listening to. I purchased this CD originally in 1990 and subsequently lost it to my ex in our divorce. I thought so much of this CD that I purchased it on my own - and I STILL love the music. Chris Rea has a unique, sexy quality to his voice that cannot be adequately described. You MUST listen to experience!

Unlike most albums released in the mid 80's, this one is not dated. It it the perfect anytime album. The soft soothing music is a perfect fit for Chris Rea and his unique vocal presentation. It is also the best of all the Chris Rea albums. (so far) The song "Giverny" is a great catchy song, but my favorite is still "Just passing through". Simply lovely! I bought this CD for my dad for father's day a few years back and it remains one of his favorite albums in recent times. I have searched Chris Rea's entire catalog for another gem like this one. All of his albums contain a few gems (sans Tennis; what was he thinking?) But this CD is loaded with great songs.

If you are a Chris Rea fan or wish to know his music - this is the album. And of course the commercial success of Road to hell is another. But this is the album which gets you rooted and does take you beyond the beach with or without her...

I came to this album late -- a girlfriend introduced me to it -- and I know next to nothing about Rea himself. But that in a way helps, because this album stands on its own as a magnificent piece of mood music, a slightly plaintive ode to holidays and loves of the past. In different hands, this could have been simple lightweight pop music, but the whole packaging of the album, from the lapping surf on the opening track, to the visual design of the cover, gives it a wonderful atmosphere.

The standard of musicianship is high: Dave Mattacks played drums on the Joan Armatrading album, and Max Middleton did the keyboards on the very heavy 'Blow by Blow' of Jeff Beck. Rea himself has a catarrhal voice which, while not quite possessing the gravelly nature of Tom Waits's, often sounds as if he is just recovering from something seriously bronchial.

Many of the tunes here are great. The only ones that seem possibly out of place are the upbeat ones which disturb the mellow sunbathing mood. Rea has always been wielding a guitar whenever I've seen him on TV, but with many of the tunes,I cannot tell whether they were originally written on guitar or keyboard. Rea has himself re-recorded the track 'On the Beach' several times, but the version on this album -- the first -- is by far the best and much more subtle.

Dancing with Strangers is yet another quintessential Chris Rea album. This album is a real feast for the ears. A very diverse album that mixes styles rather well and the various styles serve to enhance the material Rea brings with him this time out. Rea's output from 1984 through 1991 is as solid as it gets. Another release I never tire of hearing. Pick it up. You won't be disappointed.

I bought this cd after listening to other Chris Rea cds for the past 3 months. I have had it a week, thanks to the other reviews here. Thanks, folks, you were right! I had this on at work and "Windy Town" jumped out at me first, but by Thursday, it became clear that "Loving You Again" was the best for me. I started cranking it up after the doors were locked and probably listened to it 20 times between work, the car, and home. Wow! It grabs you! Simple message, but any long term husband/wife or girlfriend/boyfriend should key on this one. "I'm only loving you again....After all these years; through rain and tears". If this were the only dynamite song on the cd, I would be happy with it, but each song has its way growing on you. "Joys of Christmas" is hardly a joyful song, but what a great beat. I have not been disappointed by any of my Chris Rea purchases, and I don't make copies for other people; I buy them. Do the same and make your friends happy with this great music. I now own "Blue Guitars" (11 cds + the DVD); "The Road to Hell" (6 super songs); "Dancing...."; "On the Beach"; "The Very Best...."; and have just ordered 3 more different cds. Chris Rea is so damned good, I am saddened he has remained a virtual unknown here in America. I dare say, if Chris would re-release some of his best songs over here on the top 40 stations, he would sell millions and millions more. Letterman should bring him over or something. I know my friends and family all agree with me. Better buy some while they are still available, folks.

There are times in life when you buy a CD, play it for months on end, and when you eventually put it away, you miss it. This is one of those albums. Bringing it out years on has reminded me just how damn good Chris Rea is. 14 superb tracks, flowing wonderful from start to finish, a start "Joys Of Christmas" telling us about miserable times in poverty stricken, recession clad England of the early eighties. "Windy Town" is a joy, recalling times on tour and times gone past, while "Gonna Buy A Hat" is a footstomping classic. "Curse Of The Traveller" is a bluesy masterpiece while the instrumental "Josie's Tune" is a beautiful piece of music that could be pulled from the middle of the Sahara Desert. There is time for the hits too, "Let's Dance" is wonderful and "Loving You Again" a great reminder of how good a long term relationship should feel. The finest moment for me is "September Blue". Apparently written for his late mother, it is sad, reflective and awesomely beautiful.

I have a lot of time for Chris Rea. His recent blues offering "Dancing Down The Stony Road" is also worth investigating, as are most of his albums. But this one is the best!

It contains "curse of the traveller" my favourite Rea song, incredibly not on his greatest hits albums

a nice album to travel with, actually

This is Chris Rea's finest hour of music. I never get tired of listening to this album. It has such diversity of musical influences: the moody blues rap of Joys of Christmas, the playful I Can't Dance to That, the pure Rea blues Curse of the Traveller, the swing sound of Let's Dance, the Caribbean essence of Que Sera and the mournful Irish folk of Josie's Tune.
This was Chris Rea's commercial smash hit in South Africa. It seems to be his personal celebration as well, even though it has its somber moments. It makes you want to get up and dance, much the same way as the Traveling Wilburys' second album did. In my opinion, Rea has never matched the high of this album. He took a deliberate turn to pessimism on his next album, The Road to Hell, which is still a good album, but then he gradually stopped writing catchy tunes and squandered the lovely diverse instrumentation on low-key blues efforts.
This album had a bushel of hits and potential hits, but has not figured much on Rea's "Best of" compilations for some strange reason.

After the debacle that was "Road to hell Pt II", it sure is nice to hear Chris Rea back in form with some consistent and solid material. This album grew on me quickly. An excellent album to listen to in the heart of the summer (or the winter to forget those blues!) I love the production, the playing, the vocals : ), and the vibe throughout. Highly recommend you give this album a chance.

I bought this CD on Amazon after hearing it in a bar nearby the sea. I was amazed of the perfection and good taste of this music. The low and deep voice from this singer takes you to quiet and silent places full of relax and peace.


The first song, 'King of the Beach', is a perfect opener breaking the silence with a mellow, new agey melody that turns to swinging blues. Speaks about the central theme of the album: the beach as a place for resting and self-discovering.


The next one, 'All Summer Long' is probably the most commercial tune in the album and has a haunting rythm with female chantings, and the deep voice of Rea drawing a lot of summery images. The next song, Sail Away, is an exquisite ballad full of tenderness, told to a woman that has to leave. But for me the probable spotlight in the album is the sixth song, 'Guitar Street', a very bluesy song about a guy that decides to be a guitarist and leaves it all behind. The style and consistency of the song are unique, with a lot of elegance and emotion, this is a song that really uplifts you and I would count it amongst the best I've heard with a Dire Straits / Bruce Springsteen rocky style.


Another gem is the penultimate, 'Tamatave', with a part of the song sung in French. It's not exactly a ballad but a very slow song with loads of atmospheric sounds, a very strange and mysterious song. 'Who do you Love' is elegant and deep, with a very gentle piano driving melody, and the last one, 'Waiting for a Blue Sky' is bluesy again and really optimistic, a nice ending to the album (I don't have the bonus track).



This album is a masterpiece in its genre. Although I don't have anymore from Chris Rea I'll stick to this for a while as I heard it's the best in ten years. The best the smooth rock/blues can get, cleverly composed and with exquisite genuine guitar playing.

Sit back. Relax. Put on the latest Chris Rea album and feel the gentle sea breezes wash over you. The musical journey that Chris Rea has travelled since he debuted on the scene over 20 years ago with the Light FM standard "Fool (If You Think It's Over)" has been a long and varied one. Light pop, heavy blues, driving rock, reggae, and anything else you can think of has been thrown into the cauldron of Rea's career. Left to simmer for a few years, his muse has emerged with an album of delicate beauty that merges all of these elements. The tone is quiet, but not boring. The music flows gently from start to finish, but there is an underlying urgency that gives it power. A seasoned veteran in top form.

Sit back. Relax. Put on the latest Chris Rea album and feel the gentle sea breezes wash over you. The musical journey that Chris Rea has travelled since he debuted on the scene over 20 years ago with the Light FM standard "Fool (If You Think It's Over)" has been a long and varied one. Light pop, heavy blues, driving rock, reggae, and anything else you can think of has been thrown into the cauldron of Rea's career. Left to simmer for a few years, his muse has emerged with an album of delicate beauty that merges all of these elements. The tone is quiet, but not boring. The music flows gently from start to finish, but there is an underlying urgency that gives it power. A seasoned veteran in top form.

It's a pitty that people like Chris Rea don't get the credit they dezerve for their work these days.Although the music audience has stopped listening long time ago,he still releases high-quality stuff.With King of the Beach he proves that his talent has nothing but abandoned him,more like grown up and became even more fascinating.It's hard to choose highlights in this great tracklist but i guess you could say that the smooth "The Memory Of A Good Friend" and the relaxing "All Summer Long" kind of stand out.Guitar man with male-throaty voice is back!And he is better than ever.

I happened to buy my first Chris Rea album at a Half Price Book Store and became a fan. The music is thoughtful, tuneful, off the beaten path. "Espresso Logic" is the best.

I have a German release of Espresso Logic which has a different track line-up and some completely different songs. The edition I have is all new material which I think makes it superior to the rehash of God's Great Banana Skin that the album here presents.
Nonetheless, Espresso Logic is a nice album in either form. You could say it's just more of the same from Chris Rea, and I have noticed that he uses the same riff again and again. The riff on Johnny Needs a Fast Car was used before on the songs Auberge and Just Wanna Be With You (from The Road to Hell). But it's a nice riff.
Chris always starts his albums well. The title track is a pleasant moody intro to the album, and Julia, the obvious single, is a strong pop song with an infectious drum line. On the Euro release, Julia only turns up later (beginning of side two on the LP version). Soup of the Day is more true blues, as are some of the latter songs (New Way and Stop, which are not on this version) The aforementioned Johnny Needs a Fast Car is a catchy piece, another one of my favorites.
God's Great Banana Skin and Miles is a Cigarette were repeated here from the 'Banana Skin album for some reason. If You Were Me is from Elton John's Duets album, probably included here just to please commercial listeners.

Espresso Logic is different enough from his other CD's to keep your attention, yet retains enough of the voice and guitar to continue to define Chris Rea as one of a kind. If you can listen to She Closed Her Eyes without a shiver and a sigh, you aren't paying attention. A must for fans, and a good place to start for the newcomer.

Espresso Logic finds Chris Rea taking life a little less serious than on his last two releases. The songs are generally more pop friendly and the lyrical commentary is brighter and more trival. Sometimes that doesn't work to good effect, like on "Julia" for example. But Rea maintains his moments of moody atmospherics, such as the dream-like intro to "Espresso Logic" and on "Miles is a Cigarette," both being fine songs. Rea should have made the Top 40 on some format or another with "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" and the spectacular riffery towards the end of that track. Much the same could be said for "Johnny needs a Fast Car." If you only are familiar with Rea's work through "The Road to Hell" and found that album interesting, it would be worth your while to track this one down.

With such a variety of tunes, I find this to be the best work yet. The duet with Elton John, "If You Were Me" is a must for any collection.