Eastern Wind

by

Chris de Burgh

Edit

Early Chris de Burgh is very different than his late 1980s and 1990s albums, where he has generally espoused more of a heavily produced adult-contemporary sound (e.g., "The Lady in Red"). In the 1970s, however, de Burgh presented himself as a sort of modern-day bard, telling stories in the forms of songs with acoustic and orchestral arrangments. In the early 1980s, he dabbled in a rock, earning his first U.S. success (e.g., "Don't Pay the Ferryman").

1980's "Eastern Wind" is very much a transitional work, bridging his 1970s balladeering and his early 1980s rock and rolling. He is still telling stories, but the orchestral instruments are gone. This is the only early album that he recorded with his touring band instead of session men, and the stripped-down sound reflects that. The album is also much darker than much of his previous material, including attacks on the music business ("The Record Company Bash") and the despoilations caused by tourism ("Tourist Attraction").

It is perhaps because this album is a transitional one that the material is so weak, particularly compared to its immediate predecessor ("Crusader") and successor ("The Getaway"). But, a handful of the songs work, two in particular: "Sailor" and "The Traveller." Incorporating one of De Burgh's favorite motifs (sailing), the former is a wistful love song with a gorgeous chorus, and the latter is one of De Burgh's most essential early songs, a storytelling ballad with a fast rock tempo than nevertheless evokes a period mood. "The Traveller" does appear on some Chris de Burgh compilations, but "Sailor" can only be found on this album. A couple of other songs, such as "Tonight" and title track, are passable, but not worth owning unless you're collecting all things De Burgh.