Artist: Chris Rea Album: The Blue Jukebox

Year: 2004
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album: The Blue Jukebox by Chris Rea

Timeless music is a treasure, and the artist who creates such music is a rare gem. Chris Rea is one of those artists whose music has stood the test of time, and his album, The Blue Jukebox, is proof of that. Released in 1998, this album captured the hearts of many music lovers, and it still does. In this blog post, I will give a critical review of this album, take a brief look at the artist, explore the music genre of the album, highlight the best songs, talk about the most innovative parts, and end with a bit of criticism.

Chris Rea is a British singer-songwriter and guitarist. He started his music career in the late 1970s and has released over 20 albums. His music style is a blend of blues, rock, and soul, with a touch of Celtic influences. He is known for his distinctive gravelly voice and his ability to write songs that resonate with his listeners.

The Blue Jukebox album is a blues album that reflects the mood of the blues between the 1930s and 1950s. The album's opener, Jazzee Blue, sets the tone for the rest of the album with its rhythmic beat and bluesy tone. The album's sound quality was top-notch, with the use of old-fashioned recording techniques that gave it a vintage feel.

The best songs of the album are My Soul Crying Out, Sweet Summer Day, When the Good Lord Talked to Jesus, and The Blue Jukebox. These songs are a perfect representation of Rea's music style, with emotional and soulful lyrics that speak to the human condition. The Blue Jukebox is particularly notable for its instrumental solo that can make you feel like you're in a blues club in New Orleans.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is its ability to capture the essence of blues music from the past, despite being released in the late 90s. The album's recording techniques added to its nostalgic feel, making it one of the most authentic blues albums of its time. Rea's ability to take a genre of music that has been around for decades and make it his own is commendable.

While The Blue Jukebox is an exceptional album, it's not devoid of criticism. The album's flow is a bit disjointed, and some of the lyrics can come off as repetitive. The album's standout tracks are remarkable, but some of the other songs lack the same emotional depth.

In conclusion, The Blue Jukebox by Chris Rea is a blues album that stands out as an exceptional piece of timeless music. Despite its minor flaws, the album is an achievement in capturing the essence of blues music from decades past. Chris Rea is a rare gem, and this album is a testament to his exceptional talent as a songwriter and artist. If you're a fan of blues or just appreciate good music, The Blue Jukebox is definitely worth a listen.