With a masterful blend of rock and blues that captures the bleakness and anxiety of modern life in the late 80s, Chris Rea’s tenth studio album, The Road To Hell, is a monumental release that is not only Rea’s greatest record but is amongst the very best music to come out of 1989.

As Subjective Sounds’ motive is exploring the history of recorded music; one album at a time, part of the appeal of The Road To Hell is its cohesion as an album experience for each song blends seamlessly and complements the one that came before it in a concept album-like approach. Yes, there are hits to be heard, but if you have the time I implore you to give the album a listen for it’s a masterpiece that goes well beyond the singles; the most well-known being The Road To Hell (Parts 1 & 2). With a mix of blues and pop rock elements, The Road To Hell will appeal to a broad audience, but it’s the production and mix that are exceptional as the layers of music paint a sonic picture that will stay with you well after the album has finished.

As it pertains to the mastering of the album, the lossless Apple Music stream is exquisite. Every element within the recording is given space to breathe and floats in the air as the music emanates from your speakers. While it may only be delivered as a CD counterpart, a non-Apple Digital Master, when mastering, and the entire recording, is this good, there’s little reason to look further afield for a better edition for nothing is missing and the soundstage will envelop you and not let go until the very last note has played. If only all albums could be recorded, mixed, and mastered this well.

Additionally, there is a Deluxe Edition that was remastered in 2019 but it pales in comparison to the sonic wonder of the original mastering that I’ll share below. Of course, you may prefer the remaster, but I feel that it does nothing to enhance the recording and if anything, dulls the dynamics of the original release making it sound a little lifeless.

The Road To Hell, Pt. 1 opens the album with an atmospheric, almost eerie soundscape, that sets the tone for the music that’s to follow. The overly long introduction is both ambitious and unnecessary, yet as soon as Rea’s vocal enters the mix, you’ll find yourself captivated. That said, Pt.2 is the stronger part of The Road To Hell, and the most well-known.

The Road To Hell, Pt. 2 seamlessly transitions from Pt.1 and is more rhythmic and rock-oriented. It features one of Rea's most memorable guitar riffs, a riff that is only rivalled by maestros such as Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) and Eric Clapton. Despite the correlation, there’s little wonder as to why The Road to Hell, Pt. 2 is one of Rea’s greatest recordings, for it’s nothing short of a masterpiece.

You Must Be Evil continues the rich blues-based arrangement that supports Rea’s gravelly vocal perfectly. While backing vocals are not as prominent in modern music as they once were, the backing vocal element on You Must Be Evil takes the song to another level entirely, resulting in a tune that will hook you from the very first note. It’s another masterpiece in what can only be described as a perfect album. If you haven’t heard this incredible song before, consider it a hidden gem, it really is that good.

Texas, not to be confused with the same named song from Rea’s 1983 album, Water Sign, are entirely different tunes. This song restrains the tempo slightly, when compared to the previous songs, but its laid-back approach allows Rea’s storytelling to shine through better than ever before. That said, as someone who appreciates the human vocal, more often than not, as an instrumental element, Rea’s vocal prowess will captivate you, just as the guitar solo does mid-song. If nothing else, it’s a quintessential album-only tune that contributes to making the album experience so profound.

Looking For A Rainbow opens with a delicate composition, similar to that of The Road to Hell, Pt. 1 as there are correlations to be heard. Yet, as with the opening tune, once the upbeat tempo and lively instrumentation enter the mix, to complement Rea’s vocal delivery, the songs come alive with some gorgeous guitar licks that will have guitar purists in seventh heaven for album-only tunes aren’t always this impressive.

Your Warm And Tender Love is a simply magnificent ballad-styled tune that showcases just how exceptional Rea’s vocal control is for his lyrical delivery is so clear that you’ll swear he’s in the room with you. It really is quite profound.

Daytona, with its driving beat and powerful guitar solos, makes it one of the more dynamic and energetic tracks on the album. Rea’s vocal presentation is spectacular and, again, the backing vocals are notable for building on the song’s composition.

That's What They Always Say is one of the catchiest vocal-driven songs in the history of recorded music, yet it failed to set the charts on fire when released as the second single from the album. Rea's vocal delivery is underscored by a blues-rock arrangement that reinforces the song's message of disillusionment and scepticism. However, the only disillusionment I feel is how this sensational song failed to go directly to the top of the charts.

I Just Wanna Be With You has an upbeat and catchy rhythm that forms an infectious melody that will see you toe-tapping and head-bopping along. It’s most certainly an album-only tune that doesn’t stand out from the album, but that’s a good thing as it’s the more humble songs that often make the album experience so fulfilling.

Tell Me There's A Heaven is one of the most beautiful songs you’re ever likely to hear. Rea's soulful vocals are backed by a lush arrangement that creates a powerful and moving end to the album. The song's contemplative nature leaves a lasting impression, one that will see you coming back for more as The Road To Hell can seldom be listened to only once.

The Road To Hell is a compelling and thought-provoking record that showcases Chris Rea's ability to blend rock and blues with insightful social commentary. Each track contributes to the album's cohesive narrative, making it a standout in Rea's career and the blend of haunting introspections, biting critiques, and moments of tenderness ensures that The Road To Hell remains a significant and enduring piece of music history that is worthy of being in every music lover’s collection.