Band

Chris Rea

Mapped through Blues influences; 25 albums in the Staimusic archive.

Chris Rea
Biography

Chris Rea: history and sound

Christopher Anton Chris Rea (-?ri??- REE-?, born 4 March 1951) is an English singer-songwriter, recognisable for his distinctive, husky voice and slide guitar playing. UK singer-songwriter and blues guitarist Chris Rea has a fascinating history in the music world! From 'Fool (If You Think It's Over)' to 'On the Beach,' you can tell just how long he's been making great tunes. Want to go back in time? Listen to some of his older songs like 'Everybody’s Holding Their Breath', as you join a trip down memory lane with Chris Rea! Even today, ‘Josephine’ and ‘Working on It’ are songs that wouldn't feel out of place in any radio station, the masterful artist surely showing little sign of handing up his guitar for most talented workstation. So no matter your tastes, sit back and enjoy the soulful melodies from this endearingly talented musician.
Exploring the Rich Musical Journey of Chris Rea - From Blues to Rock and Beyond
Chris Rea is a name that needs no introduction for music lovers worldwide. This talented musician has delighted fans with his soulful singing and powerful guitar playing for decades. He's a versatile artist who has never been limited to any one genre, exploring blues, rock, and beyond to create a unique sound that's all his own. His songs are known for being deeply personal, exploring themes of heartache, love, and nostalgia. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the life and work of Chris Rea, and delve into some of his best songs, concerts, and reviews.
1. Musical Biography: Chris Rea's musical journey began in Middlesbrough, England, where he was born in 1951. He started playing the guitar at an early age and was inspired by blues legends like Muddy Waters, BB King, and John Lee Hooker. In the early '80s, he signed his first record deal and released his debut album, Whatever Happened to Benny Santini? His breakthrough hit came with the song Fool (If You Think It's Over), and he went on to release a string of successful albums, including Water Sign, Shamrock Diaries, and The Road to Hell.
2. Music Genre: One of the most remarkable things about Chris Rea is his ability to blend genres effortlessly. Over the years, he's explored everything from blues, rock, and pop to Latin and Eastern-inspired music. He's even experimented with Celtic sounds on some of his albums, showing his willingness to push boundaries and create something new. This eclectic approach has earned him fans from all walks of life and cemented his legacy as a true genre-bending artist.
3. Best Songs: Chris Rea's discography is full of memorable songs that have touched the hearts of millions of fans. Some of his best-known tracks include The Road to Hell, On the Beach, Looking for the Summer, and Josephine. Each of these songs showcases his emotive guitar playing and songwriting skills, with lyrics that are often introspective and deeply personal. His unique ability to craft stories through music has made him one of the most beloved singer-songwriters of our time.
4. Famous Concerts: Chris Rea has performed countless shows over the course of his career, but some stand out as particularly memorable. One such concert was his performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 1994, where he played to a sold-out crowd and delivered a stunning performance that's still talked about to this day. Other standout concerts include his appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2005 and his legendary gig in New York's Central Park in 1992.
5. Critic and Reviews: Chris Rea has received critical acclaim throughout his career, with many lauding his musical prowess, thoughtful lyrics, and unique sound. Rolling Stone once called him a master of slow-building blues and moody lyricism, while The Guardian declared him one of Britain's best singer-songwriters. His music has stood the test of time and continues to inspire fans and fellow musicians alike.
Chris Rea is a true legend of music, with a career spanning over four decades and countless classic songs. He's an artist who has never been afraid to take risks, blending genres and styles to create a sound that's entirely his own. His music has touched the hearts of millions of fans worldwide and inspired a generation of musicians. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to his music, exploring the rich catalogue of Chris Rea is a journey that's sure to be rewarding.
Concepts

Genres, influences and musical ideas

Songs

Selected YouTube songs from our archive

Driving Home For Christmas - 2009 Remastered Version
Chris Rea Driving Home For Christmas - 2009 Remastered Version
The Road To Hell, Pt. Ii - 2019 Remaster
Chris Rea The Road To Hell, Pt. Ii - 2019 Remaster
Little Blonde Plaits
Chris Rea Little Blonde Plaits
If I Ever Break Free
Chris Rea If I Ever Break Free
Do You Still Dream?
Chris Rea Do You Still Dream?
The Last Open Road
Chris Rea The Last Open Road
Articles and news

Stories, updates and listening guides

Music

DISCOGRAPHY OF CHRIS REA