King of the Beach cover

King of the Beach

Chris Rea · 2000

60 min · 13 tracks · blues

A sun-soaked blend of bluesy rock and soft melodies that evokes a laid-back coastal lifestyle.

Top tracks — play these first

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    King of the Beach Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's carefree spirit, featuring vivid imagery of seaside relaxation paired with Rea's iconic guitar work.
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    All Summer Long — This track stands out for its joyous melody and uplifting lyrics that celebrate nostalgia and the warmth of summer experiences.
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    Sail Away — With its reflective tone and soothing instrumentation, this song highlights Rea's ability to evoke deep emotions through simple yet profound lyrics.
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    Still Beautiful — This poignant ballad showcases Rea’s lyrical depth and emotional range, making it a standout moment on the album.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • sun-soaked afternoon relaxation
  • steady flow with gentle peaks
  • reflective moments by the sea
  • easy-going background for gatherings
  • nostalgic memories of summer

Maybe skip if you

  • need for high-energy tracks
  • prefer quick, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Released during a prolific phase, it showcases Rea's continued evolution and solidifies his status.
Career context
Released in 2000, King of the Beach came during Chris Rea's prolific phase, following his earlier successes in the late '80s and '90s. This album represented a continued evolution of his sound, showcasing his signature blend of blues rock while incorporating elements of pop and soft rock. By this time, Rea had established himself as a consistent figure in the UK music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Mark Knopfler· John Hiatt· Joe Cocker

Tracklist

  • 1 King of the Beach Start here 5:02
  • 2 All Summer Long 5:10
  • 3 Sail Away 4:49
  • 4 Still Beautiful 4:11
  • 5 The Bones of Angels 4:17
  • 6 Guitar Street 4:45
  • 7 Who Do You Love 4:54
  • 8 The Memory of a Good Friend 3:56
  • 9 Sandwriting 5:09
  • 10 Tamatave 5:19
  • 11 God Gave Me an Angel 3:01
  • 12 Waiting for a Blue Sky 5:02
  • 13 Mississippi 4:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata