Artist: Chris Rea Album: Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?

Year: 1978
Duration: 0:0-1

An In-depth Look at Chris Rea's Classic Album: Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?

In the world of music, some albums come and go without making a lasting impact. However, there are those gems that leave an indelible mark on the industry and continue to impress listeners for years to come. One such album is Chris Rea’s ‘Whatever Happened to Benny Santini.’ Released in 1978, this album marked Rea’s debut into the industry and established him as a major force in the rock and roll scene. In this article, we’ll explore the album, the artist behind it, and why it continues to be a classic after more than four decades.

Chris Rea is a British music artist born in Middlesbrough, England, on March 4, 1951. His music career kicked off in the late 70s, with the release of 'Whatever Happened to Benny Santini.' Rea's music style was unique; he was inspired by both blues and rock, which he used to create a sound that was both soothing and intense. His voice, too, was exceptional, and it captured listeners’ attention with its husky, smoky, and gravelly quality.

‘Whatever Happened to Benny Santini,' the album, was Rea's first major success. The tracks in the album are predominantly based on blues and rock music. The album opens with Whatever Happened to Benny Santini, the title track. The title track is an upbeat and catchy tune that gives listeners a glimpse of what to expect from the rest of the record. Other standout tracks in the album include ‘Fool (If You Think It's Over)' and ‘Diamonds.' The album's overall tone was mellow and introspective, and Rea's vocals cut through this mood effortlessly.

The most innovative part of the album was the use of a synthesizer. At that time, the synthesizer was a relatively new instrument, and not many artists had experimented with it. Rea utilized the instrument tastefully in tracks like ‘Candles.' The synthesizer’s use in ‘Candles’ created a different kind of mood, one that was almost otherworldly. It was a stark contrast to the rest of the album, but it worked brilliantly with the record's melancholic mood.

If there is one criticism of the album, it would be that it lacks any standout compositions. All of the tracks are of a consistently high quality, but few are genuinely remarkable. While there are good tracks on the album, the record might benefit from a bit more diversity in terms of melody and style.

In conclusion, Chris Rea's ‘Whatever Happened to Benny Santini' was a fantastic debut album that showcased the artist's unique blend of blues and rock music. Rea's smoky voice, musical style, and the innovative use of the synthesizer made the album an instant classic. Even though the album lacked a definitive standout song, it nevertheless remains an important piece of music history that will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come.