Far Beyond These Castle Walls [IMPORT]

Chris De Burgh

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 3, 1990)
• Original Release Date: 1975
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Universal UK
• ASIN: B000006Y1O
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #173,866 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The debut, with all that implies, January 16, 2004

By	CGC (Marina del Rey, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Early Chris de Burgh is very different than his late 1980s and 1990s albums, where he has generally espoused a heavily produced and synthesized adult-contemporary sound. His songwriting has remained strong and his voice beguiling, but the arrangements have often lacked originality.

In the 1970s, however, de Burgh presented himself as a true bard and balladeer. He was a storyteller, and his songs acoustic and/or orchestral, with the occasional rock number thrown in. The strongest of his first five albums are the second (Spanish Train and Other Stories) and the fourth (Crusader), but the others are by no means throwaways.

"Far Beyond These Castle Walls," unavailable as a U.S. release, is Chris de Burgh's debut, with all that implies. He is still very much finding his voice, with his stories and love songs presented in a variety of styles. (Even country/western!) None of the songs are absolutely essential or unforgettable (the one that comes closest, "Satin Green Shutters," is also available on the compilation "Best Moves"), but, with his timeless archetypes and lovely atmospherics, de Burgh is a master of evoking moods. The album is consistently enjoyable despite its unevenness.

If you are unfamiliar with de Burgh, the best comparison for this album is to the quieter tracks on Elton John's first few records, particularly the self-titled one. It's no accident, in fact--the producer/engineer of "Far Beyond These Castle Walls," Robin Geoffrey Cable, was also the engineer on those Elton John records.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic, July 11, 2000

By	Arlington J. Trombley Jr. "arttrombley" (Malone, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you just need to unwind and listen to music that will make you feel good. All of DeBurgh's albums are worth it. This one works especially well because of his great voice and story telling songs. The only thing better than DeBurgh albums are DeBurgh concerts and when he sings songs from this album the crowd goes nuts. Can't miss here.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent - thought I'd never hear this again!, November 2, 1998

By A Customer

Was given a copy of this on tape some 10 years ago only to have it stolen from my car shortly after. The music has always stayed in my head but I've never been able to track down the recordings until now! What a great treat to hear these songs again and now on CD. Nice to know that I haven't forgotten any of the music. I think Chris De Burgh is a great artist. I look forward to ordering more of his music.