Quiet Revolution cover

Quiet Revolution

Chris de Burgh · 1999

66 min · 16 tracks · rock music

A melodic blend of rock and soft pop, infused with reflective lyrics and a lush instrumental backdrop.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    When I Think of You Start here — This track serves as the album's vibrant opener, encapsulating de Burgh's signature romantic style with upbeat melodies and engaging lyrics about longing and affection.
  • →
    The Same Sun — With its poignant lyrics reflecting on unity and shared experiences, this song stands out as a thematic centerpiece that resonates with listeners on a personal level.
  • →
    Love of the Heart Divine — This track exemplifies de Burgh's knack for blending emotional depth with lyrical sophistication, making it a memorable highlight that showcases his artistry.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks standout tracks that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks feature prominent string arrangements that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
  • The album includes both English and French lyrics, with 'Quand je pense à toi' serving as a closing track that contrasts with the preceding songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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 pacing for reflective moments
  • heartfelt storytelling throughout listening
  • consistent flow for relaxation
  • melodic tunes for evening unwind
  • rich instrumentation for detail exploration

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
  • seek standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows a strong return to form with widespread airplay, revitalizing de Burgh's sound.
Themes
shared human experience· romantic longing· personal reflection
Moods
Chill· Romantic
Career context
By 1999, Chris de Burgh was already an established artist, known for his romantic ballads and storytelling style. 'Quiet Revolution' followed his commercial peak in the late '80s and early '90s, during a period where he sought to re-establish his artistic identity amidst changing musical landscapes. This album showcases his continued evolution as a songwriter while maintaining the heartfelt delivery fans expected.
Stylistic neighbors
Phil Collins· James Blunt· Elton John
New to Chris de Burgh? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 When I Think of You Start here 3:25
  • 2 Love of the Heart Divine 4:56
  • 3 Living in the World 4:46
  • 4 The Same Sun 5:02
  • 5 Nothing Ever Happens Round Here 3:37
  • 6 A Woman's Heart 4:52
  • 7 The Last Moments of the Dawn 3:20
  • 8 I See You Everywhere 4:02
  • 9 Saint Peter's Gate 5:05
  • 10 You Look Beautiful 3:41
  • 11 I Want It, (And I Want It Now!) 4:17
  • 12 Natasha Dance 3:54
  • 13 The Rivers of Abraham 4:05
  • 14 My Lover Is 3:22
  • 15 Quiet Revolution 4:25
  • 16 Quand je pense à toi 3:32

What to play next

Timing Is Everything
Listen next

Timing Is Everything

2002

Continues the melodic rock style with reflective themes and rich instrumentation.
This Way Up
Go back to

This Way Up

1994

Sets the stage with a similar blend of soft pop and rock elements.
Full Chris de Burgh discography Where to start with Chris de Burgh Artists like Chris de Burgh
rock music

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Pilgrim

Pilgrim

Eric Clapton

Both feature reflective lyrics and a rich, melodic soundscape with a focus on personal journeys.

Hourglass

Hourglass

James Taylor

Shares themes of introspection and romantic longing, with a soft rock sound and lush arrangements.

First

First

David Gates

Offers heartfelt storytelling and a similar blend of soft rock melodies and emotional depth.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata