If music had a secret conservative whisperer, it would probably be Chris Rea. Picture this: it's 1986, a time when simplicity battled with the chaos of change, and out comes 'On the Beach', a little slice of tranquility amidst the storm. Chris Rea, the British rock and blues singer-songwriter, crafted this album to captivate souls, just as a strong leader grabs attention in a fickle crowd. Its creation in the sunny coastal towns of southern France tells you why it's all about serenity and contemplation, themes the world could use more of, even now.
Starting off with the titular track, 'On the Beach', visions of idyllic seashores and cloudless skies might come to mind. It's not exactly a cry for global turmoil or social change, but sometimes a sigh of relief is all you need. This track became a hit, charting at number 57 in the UK Singles Chart. What’s conservative about celebratory beach tunes, you ask? It’s the underappreciated art of appreciating what you have, of keeping calm in the clamor.
'Reef', 'Little Blonde Plaits', or 'Giverny' might not be protest anthems, but rather paeans to personal dreams and nostalgic reflections. Like any sound political argument, they're grounded in the realities of life, not the utopian whims some insist on chasing. The simplicity of these songs echoes the core conservative belief in family and personal responsibility.
When it comes to themes of love, Chris Rea gets it right with 'Little Blonde Plaits' and 'Deep Water'. They are not about broken dreams or cheap romance but about meaningful relationships and longing. Sounds like a much-needed remedy for a world gone astray, where people chase after fleeting fantasies and ephemeral whims. The heart can yearn, but let's channel that yearning into something productive, something real.
'On the Beach' presents broader themes through tracks like 'Hello Friend', exploring companionship and the timeless connections we form. It's a song about enduring friendships, not just fair-weather mates who vanish when things go south. As conservatives, we know the value of loyalty and strong bonds – attributes that are under siege in today's individualistic society.
One cannot overlook the craftsmanship in the production of this album. Peter Collins's production gives weight to each note, each pause, somewhat akin to understanding the value of a well-balanced budget. Sound engineering can be as important as the ability to craft reasonable policies, demonstrating yet another way Chris Rea subtly champions conservative principles.
There's another layer of meaning packed into 'On the Beach' that many might overlook. The album’s predominantly smoother, laid-back tunes contrast sharply with the louder, more aggressively political music of the time. Chris Rea's approach is a quiet assertion of traditional values and simple pleasures over the chaos and cacophony often encouraged elsewhere. His music is a reminder of the value of peace and quiet, a precious commodity undervalued in our often loud and chaotic world.
No discussion about 'On the Beach' would be complete without mentioning how it topped Album Charts in the UK back in 1986. Yes, pure musical talent and a bit of universal sentimentality worked wonders. And while some might dismiss it as mere escapism, there's something deeply edifying in artists who understand the sanctity of simplicity and the power of nostalgia.
The album stands as a time capsule, distancing itself from the superficial turbulence of its era. It underscores the merits of stability and continuity, pushing back against the metaphorical waves of change for the sake of change. Isn't that the essence of conservative thought? That sometimes it's perfectly fine to lay back on the beach and enjoy the sound of waves? In a world where endless outrage seems to dominate, perhaps more artists should 'go to the beach' and focus on what really matters.
Chris Rea’s 'On the Beach' is not just an album. It's a peaceful escape, a moment of reflection, and ultimately, a subtle lesson in the value of not only enjoying but preserving the tranquility in our lives. In a sense, it mirrors the conservative belief in cherishing traditions and standing firm against the turbulent tides of change.