Search - Chris De Burgh :: Man on the Line

Good pop rock

J. Houzet | Chicago, IL | 01/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chris de Burgh moved firmly into pop with this album, which was jarring for fans who wanted him to be the perennial bard, writing epics like Crusader and quirky pieces like Patricia the Stripper. But I loved the songs on this album. It was my first real introduction to de Burgh's music after having some memory of "Don't Pay the Ferryman" and thinking my sister was into devil music for listening to "Spanish Train." I have since come to appreciate all of de Burgh's music, even if I have not kept up to date with his music since 1992.

Man on the Line has several great pop songs that I never get tired of hearing. The obvious hit is "High on Emotion." It's a rock anthem. I can even remember the music video for that song, with Chris strutting around a stage in a white open-collar shirt. The title track is another one of the faster pop-rock songs on the album and has a catchy hook. I love the tune and lyric for "Sight and Touch." It's such a romantic song. Other good ballads are "The Head and the Heart" and "Much More than This."

This album is a bit expensive due to the fact there are no local pressings, only imports (mine is a German print). But it's worth getting this solid album by Chris that paved the way for the even more commercially successful Into the Light."

One of my very favorites ...

L. Vassallo | Tampa, FL. | 08/25/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've listened to other CDB records and this is not only the best for me by far, but it's the one that will always be in my top ten list of records ever, right beside The Beatles' Revolver and Peter Gabriel's So and Lennon's Double Fantasy (without Yoko's songs). Each song is a gem! I generally edit even my favorite albums, but this is one of those that I just play straight. It is simple brilliant from head to toes. Not a single flaw. The Getaway is fabulous, but this one is definetely superior!!!"