The respected English pop singer/ songwriter's 1999 outing, the sequel to his smash 1989 album 'The Road To Hell'. 11 tracks, including the single 'New Times Square'.
The respected English pop singer/ songwriter's 1999 outing, the sequel to his smash 1989 album 'The Road To Hell'. 11 tracks, including the single 'New Times Square'.
"Chris Rea over the last few CD outings has been somewhat predictable, to such a degree that a long time listener knew what riff he would play next. This spoilt some wonderful songs. The same cannot be said on this effort. He's bought in a long overdue Producer to assist and the benefits are immediate, with a full and mature sound. I would compare this with On The Beach with a bigger beat. The two backing vocal ladies do a great job without overtaking Chris, they sound like they should have been there two or three CD's ago! If his last outings haven't hurt his listeners too much this one should put him right back up where he once was! Throughly enjoyable!"
Most Rea Fans Probably Won't Like This.
Eric R. Last | San Bruno, CA United States | 11/15/2001
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I guess he got bored with the kind of music he'd been playing all his career. So here he takes a sharp turn towards techno, and if you're not already a fan of that style of music, I doubt if you'll find this very appealing. Having said that, I will admit that after 4-5 listens, a few songs did finally emerge from the muck and plant themselves in my brain. I'd initially planned on taking my copy down to the used record store and selling it, but on the strength of these few songs I decided to keep it after all. But if you're a fan of Chris Rea's music and you want more, I'd recommend any other album he has ever made over this one."
This CD takes its title literally
Ed Wilberding | Hooper, NE, USA | 06/16/2000
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a Chris Rea fan since "Benny Santini" and own and love every CD since then. I anxiously awaited my copy of The Road to Hell II, and was terribley disappointed. In his effort to be different, I think Chris lost his way. I admire him for his effort, but hope that his next album will include more guitar, real drums, less repetition, and better lyrics."
I'm a Chris Rea fan that is dissapointed
mokarl | Ballwin, Missouri | 06/02/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I agree with the other critiques when comparing this CD to the "Road to Hell" CD, there is no comparison to the overall effort. I understand that Rea needed to try new music and in a different direction, but I found the lyrics to be extremely limited and his slide guitar work to be muted. I also agree with others that Marvin, Firefly, and New Times Square are the best tracks. I found this album to have filler material in the form of the Euro Pop beat without substance in such songs as Good Morning, I'm In My Car, and Can't Get Through. I reviewed Rea's website "The Road to Hell II" and enjoyed the interview but I was greatly dissapointed with the final product that I went through much effort to get."
Litigation in order here
George Hayduke | Tucson | 01/14/2005
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I'll tell you what....Chris Rea ought to find out who used his name, mocked his voice, and aped a few of his guitar lines and sue his ass for defamation of character - because this is career-ending material. Fortunately, his career survived this attempt on his great name and reputation, and has since done, arguably, his best stuff."