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CdeB Mailing List Review
Copyright (c) 1996, Tim Gibbons
All rights reserved
At The End Of A Perfect Day
Chris de Burgh
1977
A&M Records
Quietly tucked between Spanish Train And Other Stories and Crusader, lies an album ready
to be awakened by an unsuspecting listener. Well wake up! It's time to arise and shine to Chris de Burgh's third album, At The End Of A Perfect Day.
When listening to this album one captures a feeling of closeness to the music of Chris
de Burgh. Years before MTV Unplugged would become a part of our vocabulary, comes an album
that produces luscious harmonies and an earthy quality reminiscent of a "coffee
house" or "pub" like atmosphere. If ever there was a "sleeper" in
the Chris de Burgh collection, At The End Of A Perfect Day fits "perfectly" in
this category.
"Welcome, let me show you to your table. May I pour you a "Boddingtons"
before we begin?" "Ladies an gentlemen...Chris de Burgh!"
[1] BROKEN WINGS: The first song on the album is a song in the purist tradition of a
Chris de Burgh ballad. Chris's voice flows effortlessly over the lyrics to the
accompaniment of an acoustic guitar. This is a beautiful song of one who asks for
forgiveness for promises broken and shattered dreams.
[2] ROUND AND AROUND: A whistle and a wink best describes this happy-go-lucky song. No
frills, just pleasant harmonies and a chorus that you will find yourself humming even when you don't want to.
[3] I WILL: "Ah Ah...I will", and so Chris sings with conviction and
determination. A song of one wanting to leave the burdens of life behind and to go
"where the sun will always shine, where the moon is always riding on the sea". A perfect balance of gentleness and power through the music and lyrics of Chris de Burgh.
[4] SUMMER RAIN: Once again we are brought back musically to the "roaring
twenties" (Patricia The Stripper) with Chris beginning the song in the Ruddy Vallee signature style as in This Song For You both from Spanish Train And Other Stories.. A
Jangle piano, brass and a great bass line and oh yes, Chris singing "Ah la la
la"...all contribute to this upbeat number.
[5] DISCOVERY: Close your eyes and listen and you too will be taken on a journey of
"Discovery". From beginning to end the song builds as we follow in the footsteps
of Columbus, Magellan and Gallieo. A beautiful song sung beautifully.
[6] BRAZIL: Here we are introduced for the first time to the South American side of
Chris de Burgh. The song is out of character for the Chris de Burgh we are accustomed to but "Brazil" does produce the flavor and style of a Conga- line dance song.
[7] IN A COUNTRY CHURCHYARD (Let Your Love Shine On): Peter, Paul & Mary sang a song
called The Wedding Song that became a standard for most weddings in the '70's. How and why
In A Country Churchyard was neglected remains a mystery. This song lights the flame of
love and passion that will last forever. The chorus alone will take your breath away.
[8] A RAINY NIGHT IN PARIS: Chris de Burgh, a piano and a story and you have the perfect
mixture for this Chris de Burgh song.
[9] IF YOU REALLY LOVE HER LET HER GO: Chris sings in a pleading manor asking the
parents of a women he loves to "let her go" and be with him. The string
arrangement by Del Newman adds a pleasing taste to another Chris de Burgh ballad.
[10] PERFECT DAY: What do Chris de Burgh, The Beatles and a Christmas song all have in
common? They all are part of the song Perfect Day. Chris has found a way to take the best
of both worlds musically and with his lyrics enabled him to write this song about two
people who shared what they called "a perfect day". At The End Of A Perfect Day is an album that emphasizes the quieter and softer side of
Chris de Burgh. Those who love ballads will love this album. Others who prefer songs such
as Don't Pay The Ferryman, High On Emotion or Carry On won't find that style of song here.
Still, At The End Of A Perfect Day can and does stand by itself as a beautifully crafted
album that every Chris de Burgh admirer should have in their collection.
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