Artist: Chris Rea Album: The Blue Cafe

Year: 1998
Duration: 53:34

An In-depth Review of Chris Rea's The Blue Cafe Album

Chris Rea is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist whose career began in the late 1970s. He is known for his blues-infused rock music and soulful voice. One of his most successful albums, The Blue Cafe, was released in 1998 and received critical acclaim for its bluesy sound and well-crafted songs. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the album and discuss its genre, history, best songs, and most innovative parts.

Genre and History of the Album:

The Blue Cafe is a blues-rock album that incorporates elements of soul and jazz. It was produced by Rea himself and recorded in his own home studio. The album marked a turning point in Rea's career, as he moved away from the pop-oriented sound of his early work and returned to his blues roots. The songs on the album are personal and introspective, drawing on themes of love, loss, and regret.

Best Songs of the Album:

One of the standout tracks on the album is the title track, The Blue Cafe, which features Rea's distinctive guitar playing and soulful vocals. Another notable song is Square Peg, Round Hole, which has an infectious groove and catchy chorus. Do You Still Dream? is a haunting ballad that showcases Rea's ability to convey emotion through his singing. Other standout tracks include As Long as I Have Your Love and Every Second Counts.

Most Innovative Parts of the Album:

One of the most innovative aspects of The Blue Cafe is the use of atmospheric soundscapes and ambient sounds. Rea incorporated elements such as the sound of rain and distant thunder to create a mood of introspection and reflection. Another innovative aspect is the album's use of unconventional instrumentation, such as the accordion on Cenotaph/Letter From Amsterdam and the harmonica on Stick By You. These elements give the album a unique sound that sets it apart from other blues-rock records.

Critique of the Album:

While The Blue Cafe is a strong album overall, it does have some weaknesses. Some of the slower songs can feel a bit repetitive and drag on too long. Additionally, the production quality on some tracks could be improved, as they sound a bit muddy and unfocused. However, these issues are relatively minor and do not detract significantly from the overall quality of the record.

Overall, The Blue Cafe is a well-crafted and emotionally resonant album that showcases Chris Rea's talents as a musician and songwriter. Its mix of blues, soul, and jazz influences, along with its use of atmospheric soundscapes and unconventional instrumentation, make it a unique and memorable record. While it is not without its flaws, it is still a must-listen for fans of blues and rock music. If you haven't already, give it a listen and experience the magic of The Blue Cafe.