Top tracks — play these first
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The Beat Goes On Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Long Is the Time, Hard Is the Road — This track encapsulates the album's theme of perseverance through personal struggles with its poignant storytelling and emotional delivery.
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Somebody Say Amen — Featuring a soulful chorus, this song highlights Rea's mastery of blending gospel influences with blues, creating an uplifting anthem.
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What Kind of Love Is This — The reflective nature of this ballad combines intricate guitar work with heartfelt vocals, showcasing Rea's lyrical prowess and emotional depth.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- soulful reflections on everyday life
- early morning coffee soundtrack
- dynamic journey through emotions
- cathartic release of tension
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer straightforward, single tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid catalog entry showcasing Rea's blues influences, but not widely recognized as a standout.
- Themes
- everyday struggles· gospel-infused hope· nostalgic storytelling
- Career context
- Released in 2004, The Blue Jukebox finds Chris Rea navigating a prolific phase in his career following several successful albums, including the acclaimed Road to Hell. This album came after a period marked by health challenges, leading him to explore themes of resilience and reflection.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mark Knopfler· John Hiatt· Joe Cocker
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Let It Roll
The narrative shifts from personal introspection to a universal call for acceptance and joy amidst life's uncertainties.
This transition broadens the song's appeal, inviting listeners to relate their own experiences while reinforcing a sense of communal resilience.
Tracklist
- 1 The Beat Goes On Start here 4:30
- 2 Long Is the Time, Hard Is the Road 5:15
- 3 Let’s Do It 5:00
- 4 Let It Roll 4:57
- 5 Steel River Blues 4:32
- 6 Somebody Say Amen 6:09
- 7 Blue Street 4:46
- 8 Monday Morning 4:03
- 9 Restless Soul 5:49
- 10 What Kind of Love Is This 6:35
- 11 Paint My Jukebox Blue 3:59
- 12 Baby Don’t Cry 5:21
- 13 Speed 5:05
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Bring the Family
John Hiatt
Shares a soulful blend of blues and rock, with introspective storytelling about life's struggles.
With a Little Help from My Friends
Joe Cocker
Features gospel-infused hope and emotional depth, reflecting on personal challenges with a bluesy approach.
Trouble
Ray LaMontagne
Combines blues and folk influences with heartfelt narratives about everyday life and its complexities.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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