Now and Then
Chris de Burgh · 2008
78 min · 20 tracks · rock music
A reflective collection of soft rock anthems, blending nostalgia with heartfelt storytelling across two decades of Chris de Burgh's career.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Lady in Red — This iconic track remains de Burgh's signature song, celebrated for its romantic narrative and lush instrumentation, making it a centerpiece of his legacy.
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Don’t Pay the Ferryman Start here — With its compelling storytelling about choices and consequences, this track exemplifies de Burgh's knack for narrative songwriting within a catchy melodic framework.
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A Spaceman Came Travelling — This song combines a captivating story with themes of hope and wonder, showcasing de Burgh’s ability to weave complex narratives into accessible pop music.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- reflective moments of romantic nostalgia
- steady pacing for long drives
- sing-along anthems for gatherings
- melodic storytelling with emotional depth
- uplifting themes for positive reflection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
- seek experimental or avant-garde sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A reflective compilation showcasing career highlights and newer tracks, not a primary entry point.
- Themes
- romantic nostalgia· storytelling ballads
- Career context
- Released in 2008, Now and Then serves as a compilation album that encapsulates Chris de Burgh's extensive career, showcasing his most beloved tracks alongside newer material. This release follows his commercial peak in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a period marked by hits like The Lady in Red and charts successes worldwide. By this time, de Burgh had become known for his emotive songwriting and melodic rock sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Phil Collins· James Blunt· Elton John
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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When I Think of You
The lyrics shift from personal reminiscing to a universal longing for connection, creating an intimate atmosphere.
The transition between personal reflection and broader emotional appeal enhances the song’s relatability, inviting listeners to engage with their own memories.
Tracklist
- 1 Don’t Pay the Ferryman Start here 3:25
- 2 Missing You 4:07
- 3 The Lady in Red 4:15
- 4 Live for the Day 3:22
- 5 When I Think of You 3:24
- 6 A Spaceman Came Travelling 5:03
- 7 The Words I Love You 3:26
- 8 Fatal Hesitation 4:15
- 9 Much More Than This 2:56
- 10 One World 3:55
- 11 The Simple Truth (A Child Is Born) 4:26
- 12 Suddenly Love 3:13
- 13 Sailing Away 5:01
- 14 Two Sides to Every Story 3:40
- 15 There’s a New Star Up in Heaven Tonight 2:57
- 16 This Waiting Heart 4:08
- 17 Borderline 4:34
- 18 The Snows of New York 3:03
- 19 Say Goodbye to It All 5:02
- 20 High on Emotion 4:26
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
October Road
James Taylor
Shares reflective storytelling and soft rock melodies with a nostalgic touch.
Time
Rod Stewart
Combines heartfelt balladry and romantic themes, echoing a similar emotional resonance.
The Stranger
Billy Joel
Features narrative-driven songs and melodic richness that align with de Burgh's style.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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