Rocktrospectiva: The Succesful "Auberge" Turns 35

 

Released on 25 February 1991 "Auberge" a French word for "inn" was the 11th., studio album by British singer-songwriter Chris Rea. The album, as well as the title song, is notable for its association with the Caterham Super Seven that Rea owned, which he called the "Blue Seven". The car appears on the album cover, illustrated in oil by motoring artist Alan Fearnley. The album spawned four singles "Auberge", "Heaven", "Looking For The Summer" & "Winter Song". The album made several references to the car over several tracks, as well on the video of the title song, and its cover illustration was used for its adverts. In 2005, Rea sold the car in an auction. 

 

Auberge was the follow-up to Road to Hell, an ambitious, dark-toned album that found European and critical success. Perhaps "Auberge" was not as dark as its predecessor, but Rea seemingly can't sing a word without sharpening its flinty edges, making it a bit threatening. The album reflected the thoughts and feelings of a man on a meandering road trip, thinking over the things he's said and done. "Heaven" seemed to recall a time when the afterlife was in reach, but it could just as easily be the song of someone who's finally found his way. The reggae-tinged "Every Second Counts" found Rea adjusting his phrasing perfectly to the song's mellow upbeat, while the rousing title track and its accompanying set piece "Set Me Free" moved from searching, tentative guitar noodlings into full-blown epics, sketching the album's story line with bluesy bottom end, blustering horns, backup singers, and Rea's own grainy vocal rumble. "Auberge" was ambitious, and its rangy songwriting gone to take a few odd turns on its way to the scenic overlook where everything became clear and then the twisting guitar and swelling strings of "Gone Fishing." 

 

Auberge reached the No. 1 in the UK and Germany despite critices described the record as more of the same stuff with subtle differences to keep both doubters and aficionados guessing.

 

Auberge Track List: 

 

1. Auberge

2. Gone Fishing

3. You're Not A Number

4. Heaven

5. Set Me Free

6. Winter Song

7. Red Shoes

8. Sing A Song Of Love To Me

9. Every Second Counts

10. Looking For The Summer

11. And You My Love

12. The Mention Of Your Name