Chris Rea – The Road To Hell

Chris Rea – The Road To Hell

Released in 1989, The Road To Hell became the most successful album of Chris Rea's career and remains one of the defining British rock albums of the late 1980s. Combining atmospheric production, blues-influenced guitar work and thoughtful songwriting, the album explores themes of modern life, social change and personal reflection.

The title track, split into two parts, opens the album with one of Rea's most iconic recordings. Featuring a spoken-word introduction, haunting synthesisers and memorable guitar melodies, The Road To Hell became one of his signature songs. Throughout the album, Rea balances introspective lyrics with polished rock arrangements, creating a record that is both accessible and richly textured.

Other highlights include the driving Texas, the expansive Looking For A Rainbow, the heartfelt Your Warm And Tender Love and the emotional closing track Tell Me There's A Heaven. Rea's distinctive gravelly voice and expressive slide guitar playing are central to the album's enduring appeal.

A landmark release in British rock, The Road To Hell combines commercial success with artistic depth and remains an essential album for fans of blues-rock, melodic rock and classic singer-songwriters.

Tracklist

1. The Road To Hell (Part I) – 4:52
2. The Road To Hell (Part II) – 4:30
3. You Must Be Evil – 4:20
4. Texas – 5:09
5. Looking For A Rainbow – 8:20
6. Your Warm And Tender Love – 4:32
7. Daytona – 5:04
8. That's What They Always Say – 4:27
9. I Just Wanna Be With You – 3:39
10. Tell Me There's A Heaven – 6:00