Rocktrospectiva: The Rare Truly Essential "Into The Light" Turns 40

Released on 27 May 1986 "Into The Light" was the 8th., studio album by the British-Irish singer Chris de Burgh. The album is notable for featuring de Burgh's biggest hit, "The Lady in Red." The album spawned other three singles "Fatal Hesitation", "Say Goodbye To It All" & "Fire On The Water." The album peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart, becoming de Burgh's first studio album to enter the top ten.

 

Chris De Burgh's career was a bit like a long Shakespearean monologue, a grand, lyrical flight imbued with romantic poetry who uses his words to channel his testosterone-fueled passion, and this album had a lot of this. "Into the Light" contained Chris de Burgh's highest-charting single with the ballroom elegance of "Lady in Red,"  the song had a sweeping romantic tempo and classy feel. Besides the hit single, much of the album remained lush and mellow in the style of de Burgh's usual ballads and although the music on the album was slow paced, this doesn't take away from de Burgh's appealing blend of dignified lyrics and late-night sound.

 

Another highlight on the album was the energetic "Say Goodbye To It All," one of the best tracks on this album, as much as he's a hopeless romantic, good old Chris doesn't use his feelings as an excuse for silly, saccharine melodies. Instead, he crafts a rich musical repertoire, teeming with diverse moods and instruments, all blending into a benevolent harmony that, precisely, evokes that overwhelming feeling of love. It's a complex undertaking. His charisma and warm, powerful voice work wonders on the haunting "Fire On The Water," with its compelling chorus. Resolutely calm, both rhythmically and in its soaring vocals, this album transported the listener to delicate atmospheres that were sure to resonate.  

 

"For Rosanna," a piano/vocal ballad dedicated to the singer's daughter was enough to realize the sincerity that carries Chris, who is completely immersed in his message. If you're not hard-hearted, you can't help but be won over by this little gem with its understated lullaby feel. The same was for "What About Me," the closing ballad (a genre in which the singer excels), which the electric guitar interludes transform into a breathtakingly beautiful epic. Love gives you wings. 

 

The album found Chris De Burgh to transcend himself, a man who, before becoming a crooner for retirement homes, was one of the most fervent advocates of this intoxicating feeling. The vocals were impeccable, offering a wealth of noteworthy tracks, the singer delivered with Into The Light one of his most remarkable works, and one of his rare truly essential albums.

 

Into The Light Track List:  

 

1. Last Night

2. Fire On The Water

3. The Ballroom Of Romance

4. The Lady In Red

5- Say Goodbye To It All

6. The Spirit Of Man

7. Fatal Hesitation

8. One WOrd (Straight To The Heart)

9. For Rosanna

10. The Leader

11. The Vision

12. What About Me?