Considering Chris Rea bought his first guitar in 1971 and by 1979 had "Fool If You Think It's Over" from his debut album Whatever Happened to Benny Satini, make it to the top ten for five weeks, along with a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist that he shared with Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello, the only possible direction was up. But whether from bad luck or management, his career bottomed out where he remained until 1983 when he hit Europe's top 20 with I Can Hear Your Heartbeat. Although he continued to produce albums that were hitting gold and quadruple platinum in Europe and Australia, he never regained his U.S. toe hold.

Espresso Logic, Rea's 13th and newest album showcases his unique talent for mixing hot with sweet, fire with ice and his highly tuned ability to arrange and orchestrate. The surprises abound. From his commanding 600 grit voice, thundering use of bass drum intros and finales, to his ability to start a love song slow and easy while invisibly unleashing its fury, to his simple rhythms that are expounded upon without becoming cluttered with fret frit.

Espresso Logic runs the full course. From its interesting and weird opener with uillean pipes carrying the rhythm, "Julia" an exceptional catchy rock tune, "If You Were Me," a commercial pop duet with Elton John, to the plain weird, slow and bluesy "Mies Is a Cigarette," the album's only consistency that further showcase ReaÕs diverse talents for mixing and matching.

Strange at times, with many breaks in continuity, it works well.

Reviewer:  Tom Elliott, courtesy of Flash Magazine.