The Scarf, the Soul, and the Songbook: Revisiting Chris Rea
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- 4 days ago
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Chris Rea – Whatever Happened to Benny Santini? (United Artists – UA-LA879-H, 1978)
Could you pull off a striped scarf with the quiet confidence Chris Rea had on the cover of his debut album? Maybe. But fashion aside, “Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?” introduced a musician with a subtle touch—part blue-eyed soul, part soft rock, and firmly rooted in thoughtful songwriting.I’m relatively new to Rea’s work, and I’ve been slowly making my way through his catalog.
It’s been a rewarding listen: strong melodies, warm production, and a well-worn voice that could tell a few good stories. So I was glad to hear that his 1988 compilation, “New Light Through Old Windows”, is getting a vinyl reissue on July 11—the first time since its original release.
The album was a commercial success in the UK, peaking at #5 and eventually going triple platinum. It features his breakout hit “Fool (If You Think It’s Over),” and offers a concise overview of his early output.
If you’ve missed Rea until now, this reissue might be a good place to start: well-crafted songs with staying power.
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