Artist: Chris Rea Album: The Road to Hell, Part 2

Year: 1999
Duration: 0:0-1

A Deep Dive into Chris Rea's The Road to Hell Part 2: A Critical Review

Chris Rea has been around for quite a while, but his name might not be instantly recognizable. With a career spanning over 40 years, Rea has released multiple albums that have achieved a significant level of success but has never had that one defining moment of mainstream success. Among his catalog of albums, there is one title that stands out- The Road to Hell Part 2. In this post, we will delve into the history of Chris Rea, the genre of the album, its best songs, and the most innovative parts. Join me as we critically review this masterpiece.

The history of Chris Rea is one that spans four decades. The British singer, songwriter, and guitarist has been around since the '70s, but he gained success in the '80s. His brand of music is hard to categorize since he blends different genres. He is a man of many talents: a blues guitarist, a rock singer, and someone who can seamlessly mix folk, jazz, and soul. Rea's music is unique, and that's what makes it stand out. He is an artist that has never tried to mold himself to fit in with the mainstream.

That brings us to The Road to Hell Part 2, which is a continuation of his 1989 hit album of the same name. The album can best be described as a rock-blues fusion. It has an unmistakable '90s rock vibe. All the songs on this album are connected by the common thread of a traveler's journey to an unknown destination, and the music perfectly captures the feeling of moving down that road.

If there is one song that stands out from the album, it has to be Texas. Its guitar solo is the centerpiece of the song, and it captures the essence of Rea's sound. The solo is long and intense, showcasing Rea's blues-rock talents to the fullest.

Another track that deserves a mention is Thinking of You. The song stands out with its melody and orchestration. It's a heart-wrenching love song that has elements of soul and blues, but the strings give it a unique character. It's one of those songs that you can't help but sing along with.

The most innovative part of the album is Rea's use of the guitar. He employs a technique that was popular among blues guitarists in the '60s and '70s- using a slide. This technique is responsible for some of the album's most memorable moments, and it's a testament to Rea's skill as a blues guitarist.

Now comes the time to criticize the album. While it's true that The Road to Hell Part 2 has its fair share of memorable songs and innovative moments, the album doesn't hold up as a cohesive unit. The songs don't flow seamlessly into one another, and it's a little hard to follow the concept of a traveler's journey. It feels disjointed at times, and that's where the album loses some points.

In conclusion, Chris Rea's The Road to Hell Part 2 is an album that showcases the artist's range and talent. It captures the essence of a blues-rock journey, and it has some great songs that are memorable. However, it's not perfect, and it loses points for its disjointedness. Fans of Rea's music will enjoy this album, but it probably won't convince anyone who's not already a fan. But that's okay- Chris Rea has never tried to be mainstream, and that's what makes him great.