The Getaway
Chris de Burgh · 1982
44 min · 12 tracks · rock music
A blend of evocative storytelling and melodic rock, underscored by Chris de Burgh's rich vocals and lush arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Don’t Pay the Ferryman Start here — This track stands out for its compelling narrative about caution and fate, combining suspenseful lyrics with an infectious melody that resonated widely.
-
→
Living on the Island — Characterized by upbeat rhythms and a carefree vibe, this song reflects themes of escape and contentment, showcasing de Burgh's skill at creating engaging pop anthems.
-
→
Crying and Laughing — This poignant track explores the duality of emotions through its introspective lyrics and melodic shifts, highlighting de Burgh's depth as a songwriter.
-
→
Where Peaceful Waters Flow — With its serene imagery and emotional depth, this ballad encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of tranquility versus turmoil, revealing de Burgh's lyrical finesse.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong melodies and arrangements but lacks standout depth or innovation.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a prominent piano melody that sets a reflective tone, which is maintained through lush arrangements in subsequent songs.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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 pacing for reflective moments
- narrative flow with romantic themes
- evocative storytelling for introspective listening
- captivating melodies for quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced excitement
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Chris de Burgh's presence with the hit 'Don't Pay the Ferryman'.
- Themes
- suspenseful cautionary tale· island escape· tranquil waters imagery
- Moods
- Romantic· Introspective
- Career context
- Released in 1982, The Getaway was Chris de Burgh's fifth studio album, following the commercial success of his previous record, Eastern Wind. At this point in his career, he was establishing himself as a prominent figure in soft rock, building on the momentum from hits like 'Lady in Red'. The album further showcased his ability to weave narrative-driven lyrics into accessible melodies.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Phil Collins· James Blunt· Elton John
Tracklist
- 1 Don’t Pay the Ferryman Start here 3:49
- 2 Living on the Island 3:31
- 3 Crying and Laughing 4:34
- 4 I'm Counting on You 4:27
- 5 The Getaway 3:58
- 6 Ship to Shore 3:49
- 7 All the Love I Have Inside 3:18
- 8 Borderline 4:38
- 9 Where Peaceful Waters Flow 3:55
- 10 The Revolution 3:54
- 11 Light a Fire 4:30
- 12 Liberty 0:32
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.