Top tracks — play these first
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Nothing to Fear Start here — The lengthy opener establishes the album's contemplative mood with intricate guitar work and deeply introspective lyrics that set the tone for the entire record.
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God’s Great Banana Skin — This title track combines catchy melodies with clever wordplay, delivering a sense of irony that encapsulates the album's overall thematic exploration.
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90’s Blues — With its gritty instrumentation and raw emotion, this track reflects the struggles of the era while resonating with listeners through its relatable narrative.
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Soft Top, Hard Shoulder — This song showcases Rea's knack for storytelling, blending humor and nostalgia in a way that vividly portrays a carefree driving experience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends blues-rock with personal storytelling, featuring strong guitar work and varied pacing.
What we noticed
- The last three tracks shift to a more introspective mood, with 'Soft Top, Hard Shoulder' closing the album on a contemplative note.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective vibes
- introspective moments for contemplation
- soulful melodies for evening drives
- warmth in gravelly vocal delivery
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Follow-up to a successful album, solidifying Rea's prominence in the music scene.
- Themes
- life's unexpected turns· 90's blues struggles· evocative travel imagery
- Career context
- Released on November 2, 1992, God's Great Banana Skin was Chris Rea's follow-up to the commercially successful album Auberge. At this point in his career, Rea was solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the British blues-rock scene, experimenting with a more eclectic sound that incorporated elements of pop rock.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mark Knopfler· John Hiatt· Joe Cocker
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Nothing to Fear
The narrative shifts from uncertainty to resolution as the protagonist embraces vulnerability amidst life's challenges.
This transition captures a pivotal moment of growth, illustrating how acceptance can lead to strength and resilience.
Tracklist
- 1 Nothing to Fear Start here 9:13
- 2 Miles Is a Cigarette 4:22
- 3 God’s Great Banana Skin 5:20
- 4 90’s Blues 5:06
- 5 Too Much Pride 4:27
- 6 Boom Boom 5:20
- 7 I Ain’t the Fool 4:02
- 8 There She Goes 4:33
- 9 I’m Ready 4:54
- 10 Black Dog 4:10
- 11 Soft Top, Hard Shoulder 4:22
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Bring the Family
John Hiatt
Shares introspective lyrics and a bluesy rock sound with personal narratives of life's complexities.
Joshua Judges Ruth
Lyle Lovett
Merges storytelling with a blend of blues and rock, evoking vivid imagery and emotional depth.
Golden Heart
Mark Knopfler
Features reflective songwriting and a mix of blues-infused melodies, resonating with travel and life's journeys.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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