Very Best Of

2 songs didn't play at all. Poor quality

I was introduced to Chris Rea by a friend with "The Road to Hell" cassette (no cds back then)..probably around 1995..loved "Texas" and couldn't figure out why others hadn't discovered Mr. Rea. I forgot about that music over the years, but the other night while watching the intro to a new tv series, I could've sworn the song had Chris Rea singing. Afterwards, I watched the credits to no avail, went onto the Amazon site and did some searching around; ordered "Road to Hell" cd. When i received the cd, i listened to it intently and decided i needed more of his music. I ordered the Very Best of Chris Rea from Amazon...and I've had it about 2 weeks. I fall more in love with it the more I listen to it. Do yourself a favor and buy it for yourself. Heck, buy it for any of your relatives or friends who you owe a present to. This is music for the ages and you shouldn't pass it by. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to be able to recommend a superior cd or movie to someone. Enjoy!

I love Chris Rea and consider him one of the finest guitarists ever. That having been said, this album disappointed me in one way: "Fool If You Think It's Over" was not the original release, and I personally think the newer version is inferior. Four Stars.

A good selection of a great artists work, but then I am a little biased having grown up in the same part of the UK!

Great recordings missing a few of my new favorites like Texas and Rainbow

I first became acquainted with the music of Chris Rea while living in England during the mid-1980's. The voice reminded me of Bruce Springsteen but the songs were more mellow and jazzy. Like Dylan, Warren Zevon and even Springsteen himself, Rea's is not a beautiful voice but his range works perfectly for the songs he sings and especially the hits on this album. The voice has become more raspy over the years but these are still great songs sung by the only man who has the soul to really show them off. I'm surprised he hasn't picked up a bigger following in the U.S. over the years. For the long-time fan or the uninitiated, this album is a great place to start.

I purchased this Digital Download primarily to get the song "Fool If You Think It's Over." The rendition of this song on "The Best Of Chris Rea" album was anemic. I am very disappointed in this version. Happily I save my old vinyl album of Chris Rea's "Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?" and recently digitized it. Much better even off an old record!!! BTW Chris Rea's music is quite good and a select group of his songs outstanding. A shame I had to rate the download so low do to the low quality of my favorite song.

Looked fro this a long time! Thanks much...

The very best of...? Well kind of. There's an awful lot of 2nd guessing going on here!I was looking for the singles collection and expected this might be it (since many of these were singles). But no, for example "On the Beach" is the full version which outstays its welcome by quite some time - as compared to the tight and classy single, this full version just rambles along wondering what to do next. Then, Josephine is not the hit version - it's the slower more acoustic version, which IMO turns the song into a dirge rather than a love song. "Road to Hell" and "Fool" are I think original singles versions as is "Driving Home for Christmas" - a great track for sure, but you'll already have numerous copies of that...!So, if like me you were looking for a genuine singles collection to replace those old 45s - this may disappoint.

Chris Rea is prolific. His talent is too. His music has always evolved and explored successfully the possibilities his huge talent offers. This album contains many of his very best songs. It is therefore either a perfect introduction to Chris Rea that will allow him to seduce you into buying more of his music or it is a brilliant compilation showcase of his prodigous talent. Whatever, the album is a delight. For me high lights are, on the beach, josephine, lets dance, and I can hear your heartbeat, but those are only 4 personal favourites out of 17 gorgeous tracks. So if you are new to Chris Rea, this album is a great buy. If you are a longstanding fan it is still a great buy with his best songs, but will not capture the "mood" of his albums which are so gorgeous in their own right.

Chris Rea is a great guitarist and song writer,and this CD reflects that.However,one of my favourite tracks by Mr.Rea,'Nothing To Fear',has on this compilation been cut from over nine minutes to just over four minutes!This track features some of Chris Rea's most incredible slide guitar ever in my opinion, and should not have been edited to just one verse of lyrics,and half of Chris's guitar!Politics?

I just love the music it has a terrific beat, that gets you up and move. I just love it, it calms me to listen to this cd. But gets you up and dance what ever takes you. Just amazing artist.

I bought this for my husband's 68th birthday. He loved it! The condition and quality of sound didn't disappoint. We just love listening to Chris Rea's music, it transports us back in time. We may be older now, but we still love to play the music loud; but maybe that's because our hearing is not as good. Fantastic service, it came nearly a week early. Thank you, will return to buy again.