God's Great Banana Skin Chris Rea
Chris Rea is a British singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and dynamic guitar playing. He has released numerous hit albums over the years, but none quite as iconic as 'God's Great Banana Skin', released in 1992. The album features 10 tracks, each one showcasing Rea's incredible skill as a musician and lyricist. In this article, we'll take a journey through the album, exploring its themes, lyrics, and musical style.
The Album's Title - God's Great Banana Skin
The album's title - 'God's Great Banana Skin' - is a reference to the phrase "Well, that's the banana skin thrown in the works", which Rea heard during a business meeting. The phrase stuck with him, and he began to see it as a metaphor for the unpredictable nature of life. Rea took this idea and used it as the overarching theme of the album - that life is unpredictable and full of unexpected twists and turns.
Track-by-Track Analysis
1. Nothing to Fear
The album's opening track, 'Nothing to Fear', sets the tone for the entire album. The song is about facing your fears and overcoming the obstacles that life throws your way. Rea's soulful voice and guitar playing are on full display here, and the song features a catchy chorus that will stay with you long after the song is over.
2. Miles Is a Cigarette
'Miles Is a Cigarette' is a melancholic ballad about the passing of time and the loss of loved ones. The song is named after the legendary jazz trumpeter, Miles Davis, and Rea uses Davis' music as a metaphor for the memories we hold onto after someone has passed away.
3. God's Great Banana Skin
The title track of the album, 'God's Great Banana Skin', is a bluesy rocker that explores the unpredictability of life. Rea's guitar playing is particularly impressive here, and the song features a catchy chorus that will have you singing along in no time.
4. 90's Blues
'90's Blues' is a slow-burning blues number that showcases Rea's ability to tell a story through his lyrics. The song is about a man who has lost everything in his life but still holds onto his love of the blues. Rea's guitar playing is particularly impressive here, and the song features a beautiful solo that will give you goosebumps.
5. I Don't Know What It Is But I Love It
'I Don't Know What It Is But I Love It' is a funky little number that showcases Rea's ability to have fun with his music. The song is about a man who is in love with a woman but doesn't quite know why. The song features a catchy chorus and a groovy bass line that will have you nodding your head along in no time.
6. Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?
'Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?' is a soulful ballad about a man who has lost his way in life. The song is named after Rea's 1978 album, 'Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?', and Rea uses the character of Benny Santini as a metaphor for the struggles we all face in life.
7. Curse of the Traveller
'Curse of the Traveller' is a driving rock song that explores the theme of wanderlust. The song features a catchy chorus and a powerful guitar riff that will get your blood pumping. The song is one of the album's highlights and is a fan favorite to this day.
8. Johnny Needs a Fast Car
'Johnny Needs a Fast Car' is a bluesy rocker about a man who is determined to leave his small town and make something of himself. The song features a driving beat and a catchy chorus that will have you singing along in no time.
9. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
'Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea' is a haunting ballad about the struggles we all face in life. The song features a beautiful guitar melody and some of Rea's most heartfelt lyrics. The song is a true showcase of Rea's incredible talent as a songwriter.
10. Ain't Going Down This Way
The album's closing track, 'Ain't Going Down This Way', is a bluesy number that showcases Rea's incredible guitar playing. The song features a catchy chorus and some of Rea's most impressive solos on the album. The song is a perfect ending to a fantastic album.
Conclusion
'God's Great Banana Skin' is a truly iconic album that showcases Chris Rea's incredible talent as a musician and songwriter. The album's themes of unpredictability and the twists and turns of life are woven throughout each and every song, making for a cohesive and powerful listening experience. From the driving rock of 'Curse of the Traveller' to the haunting beauty of 'Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea', this album has something for everyone. If you haven't listened to 'God's Great Banana Skin' yet, do yourself a favor and give it a spin - you won't be disappointed.