The Road To Freedom Review

Songs

Concerts

Press

The Road To Freedom
Chris de Burgh
2004
Ferryman Productions

When I first listened to this latest album of Chris de Burgh, I only had positive thoughts. It is very well put together, some songs merge into each other or form a very nice group by themselves, when one looks at both their topics and instrumental arrangement. The album is a wonderful package of songs, well-wrapped and secured, so no item can be dropped. But once they are unwrapped one by one, they don't lose their place or context and are as beautiful separately as they were together.

At this point I have to insert that the review of the cover is out of my reach, for neither myself nor my guide dog Hapoo are able to comment on this properly. I might find that the paper is of good quality and that it includes many pages, and Hapoo would probably tell me that this food is not to her liking. So we will just leave the cover where it is, untouched in the jewel case.

The single songs, however, are something I take pride in reviewing, hoping the reader will either agree or reconsider listening.

When Winter Comes puts you in the mood for this CD. It is a slow, very nicely built instrumental that leads you into

The Road to Freedom. This song gives a realistic view on the ideal of freedom. What a wonderful and new idea to deal with this ever present topic of freedom. Even the musical arrangement forms a brilliant and dynamic circle.

A Smetana-like introduction in Slavic style welcomes the listener to Snow is Falling, dead bodies that are suffering in the cold of a land where nobody has discovered them yet, longing to go home and "calling to be found". In the strong feeling of sadness and tragedy it could very well be used for a screen play sound track.

The introduction to The Words I Love You sounds just like the previous songs, soft sound, mainly strings and piano. However, the song continues quite upbeat in a rather modern dress and increased speed. Chris de Burgh refers to the strength and importance of love in general, but openly talks about Jesus Christ as a role model, maybe.

Back to quiet tunes it is now, the Songbird comes humming and singing, and what a tender but strong voice can be heard!

Whenever Chris de Burgh decides to design a clock, he should not forget to insert a new time somewhere between midnight and 5:00 am, called Dreams. it is Five Past Dreams that suggests this step, a very light-dressed continuation of the famous "Lady in Red". And indeed, a bit of LIR is smoothly woven in.

On we go with the most personal of them all, Here for you. It pictures a situation every parent has faced or will face at least once. The voice is so emotional, but extremely clear. The extra emotion is added by daughter Rosanna (Miss World 2003) singing with a really beautiful voice.

What You Mean to Me is a very light part of the album, which reminds me of the kind of holiday song that "Brazil" (At The End Of A Perfect Day, 1977) is, but not as crazy, and in this reflecting the time difference between those two.

And then it is back to soft guitar sounds and story telling at its best, as Chris de Burgh sets off to tell about the Rose of England, Queen Elizabeth I of England.

When you long to see a friend who has passed away for just one more time, then you are lucky to be as talented as Chris de Burgh, who simply writes The Journey, to put his feelings into words. However, the song is not as melancholic and quiet as the previous track, but rather outspoken.

We have arrived at top speed of this album, with Read My Name as final track. This is a wonderful boost to one's self-confidence and an urge to live one's life at the maximum, trying to leave a stamp, a footprint behind when it is time to leave the stage. The drums are really great; they give the song the dynamic drive it deserves.

And as it is all over, what remains is the conclusion. The album is like a car - starting slowly but reliably, picking up in speed constantly as the motor gets warmer, and finally smoothly speeding along a picturesque road on a lovely summer night - you would never want this drive to end!