Ticket 2 Ride

Friday Five expands this week to ten-plus, in recognition of Chris Rea’s long musical career.

Chris Rea, 74, passed away this week. He had battled cancer, a stroke, in addition to other recent health issues. Rea was successful in different parts of the world, but seemingly not at the same time. Initially popular in America, he has been under the radar for decades, although longtime fans have tracked him. When I think of guitar players, Chris Rea makes my list of the most versatile pickers. Not only are his solos melodic and well-placed, he’s one of the most skillful slide players. His guitar work is measured and enhances his music. Rea writes all of his songs, and is a multi-instrumentalist.

Rea was from Middlesbrough, a town in the north of England, from a large working class family. Those who knew him remarked how he never forgot his roots. The blues were a part of his early musical life, but it wasn’t until later in his career that in his career, Rea’s music turned increasingly towards the blues. His guitar playing reminded me of Mark Knopfler Dire Straits): soulful, folky and a fingerpicking style described as clean, articulate, and rhythmic playing with fluid, “talking” melodies.

I couldn’t stop at 10.

 “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” (1978) From Whatever Happened to Benny Santini produced by Gus Dundgeon. The first Chris Rea song I ever heard, and picked up the album. Dundgeon helped put Rea on the map, his arrangements are tasteful and polished. That’s a good/bad thing.

“Dance (Don’t Think)” (1979) From Deltics, also produced by Gus Dundgeon. This album is looser in some respects, it certainly rocks harder.

“Diamonds” Also from Deltics. Another rocker, a more of a dance song. Not every song on the album is uptempo, there are some lovely, quiet ballads. A storyteller, Rea is an accomplished songwriter, able to create rock and roll, and sweet, tender love songs.

“Raincoat and a Rose” (1979) Also from Deltics. Another lovely ballad. Sometimes Rea’s love songs could begin to sound similar, especially with syrupy arrangements. This is not the case here.

“Tennis” (1980) From the album of the same name, with Rea taking over production duties. I always liked this song, musically it ranks with his best, yet the lyrics are a bit obtuse.

 “Do You Still Dream” (1982) From the album Chris Rea, produced by Rea and Jon Kelly.

“Loving You”Also from Chris Rea. A tender ballad.

“I Can Hear Your Heartbeat” (1983) From Water Sign, produced by Rea and David Richards (Queen, Bowie).

“Josephine” (1985) From the album Shamrock Diaries. My favorite Rea song. An uptempo song about his older daughter. I could listen to this song over and over. Why it wasn’t a big hit is a mystery.

“Stone” (1985) Also from Shamrock Diaries.

“On the Beach” (1986) On the Beach produced by Rea and David Richards. Another favorite of mine.

“The Road to Hell (Part 2)” (1989) From the album The Road to Hell, produced by Jon Kelly.

“That’s What They Always Say” (1989) From the album The Road to Hell.

“The Mention of Your Name” (1991) From Auberge, produced by Jon Kelly. A beautiful song, sung in Rea’s deep, resonant voice, with an orchestral backing.

Rest in peace, Chris. Thanks for sharing your music with us.