The Storyman Review

Songs

Concerts

Press

The Storyman
Chris de Burgh
2006
Ferryman Productions

I am finding it difficult to review the new album without sounding at least a little bit sycophantic as I truly believe this is one of the best albums CdeB has produced since 'Flying Colours'.

As a personal review of ‘the Storyman’ album, the first thing I’d like to comment on is the packaging: this reminds me of some of the great vinyl albums that came out in the 1970’s - you couldn’t wait to get them home as the album covers were just as exciting to explore as the record itself. The packaging of this album is indeed a huge credit to Ferryman Productions; it is pure class!

In my opinion the opening instrumental, ‘The Storyman Theme’ deserves to be the soundtrack to a big Hollywood blockbuster. The orchestral production is stunning and you get the impression that no costs were cut in any way for the making this record.

One World is certainly very topical currently and I can understand why it was the single chosen to promote the album. IMHO I don’t think it is 'the' strongest record on the album, but it’s a very good and well-written song - it certainly has a very catchy chorus and I can't wait to hear it live.

Leningrad: I love the use of the London Russian Choir in this song and the way it builds from a simple piano into a full orchestra and choir - getting more dynamic as the tale enfolds; again very cinematic in its construction.

My Fathers Eyes is another well-written song with a chorus that is very difficult not to sing along with. Even though its got great production and uses lots of authentic instruments, I can also imagine that this would sound good also done solo with just guitar.

The Grace Of A Dancer: If it is possible to read the booklet (story) first before becoming familiar with this song, then the full effect of the cinema-album concept is fully apparent with this track. I find it impossible not to see the images in my mind while listening to this one.

Spirit: One of my favourites on the whole album. I love this track. There are certain CdeB songs that never fail to raise the hair on the back of your neck – this is certainly one of those songs. I love the tribal rhythm as well as the wonderful concept of a dying man saying ‘ do not weep’ to his relatives “ I have seen the sunrise in a thousand ways”.

The Shadow of the Mountain: What I have always admired the most about CdeB is the fact that he is brave enough to write about subject matter most other songwriters wouldn’t touch. This is an amazing song!

Raging Storm: This is the song I benefited most from having the booklet explanation. At first listen I thought it a simple love song, but after reading the accompanying story the different and complex layers made me listen in a totally new light. Kristyna Miles has a really beautiful voice and is a perfect choice to sing the part of the young lady cared for from the rubble of the bomb-torn village in Eastern Europe.

The Mirror Of The Soul: Eight minutes and three parts of pure song-writing genius! This song hurts my head as the images come flooding in and I think its one of the strongest songs on ‘The Storyman’. I could listen to this track over and over again without ever getting fed up – a real Chris de Burgh classic (IMHO).

The Sweetest Kiss Of All: This multi –layered song is well written and fits into the album concept perfectly.

The Storyman: In my opinion, the catchiest song on the whole album. Even after the first listen it is difficult not to sing the chorus – a quality found in a lot of hit singles. I appreciate that a non-CdeB fan would struggle to get the concept of the lyrics, however the song is so strong it is reminiscent of ‘American Pie’ where the lyrics not making sense doesn’t matter one bit. I love this song big time!

My top three songs on the album are ‘The Storyman’, ‘Mirror Of The Soul’ and ‘Spirit’. Well done CdeB on this work of art; where do you find such classics year after year? Roll on ‘The Storyman’ 2 and 3 !!!