Artist page · 06/07/2026

Chris Rea

MiddlesbroughBorn in 1951Ambiance9 vinyl albums
Chris Rea, born in 1951 in Middlesbrough, UK, is known for his blend of soft rock and blues rock with a career spanning from the late 1970s until 2025.
Explore the discography The 3 must-haves
9Albums on Vinyles.com
2551Discogs releases
1.3MLast.fm listeners

About

Nine vinyl albums on Vinyles.com, including original 'The Road To Hell' LP from 1989 at varied prices and rare reissues.

Chris Rea launched his solo career in 1976 after early beginnings in the band Magdalene, signed to Magnet Records. Throughout the 1980s, he released a steady stream of albums firmly rooted in rock and blues with soft and pop elements, culminating in the major success of 1989's 'The Road To Hell'.

After overcoming serious health challenges in the early 2000s, Rea returned to his blues roots, producing albums such as 'Stony Road' and later founding his own label to pursue creative freedom. His vinyl offerings span various styles including ambiance, country, prog rock, and classical influences, with several reissues and special editions available on LP.

Discography

Chris Rea discography

Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.

One Fine DayMagnet · 2019
2019
One Fine Day
Vinyl, LP, Album, Numbered, CD, All Media, Limited Edition
Studio
Road Songs For LoversBMG · 2017
2017
Road Songs For Lovers
CD, Album
Studio
Santo Spirito BluesRhino Records · 2011
2011
Santo Spirito Blues
CD, Album, Stereo, DVD, DVD-Video, NTSC, Box Set
Studio
The Return Of The Fabulous Hofner BluenotesEarBooks · 2008
2008
The Return Of The Fabulous Hofner Bluenotes
Vinyl, LP, 10", Stereo, CD, Album, Box Set, Deluxe Edition
Studio
The Road To Hell & BackPolydor · 2006
2006
The Road To Hell & Back
CD, Album, Special Edition
Studio
(Blue Guitars)EarBooks · 2005
2005
(Blue Guitars)
CD, Album, DVD, DVD-Video
Studio
The Blue JukeboxJazzee Blue · 2004
2004
The Blue Jukebox
CD, Album
Studio
Blue Street (Five Guitars)Jazzee Blue · 2003
2003
Blue Street (Five Guitars)
CD, Album
Studio
Hofner Blue NotesJazzee Blue · 2003
2003
Hofner Blue Notes
CD, Album
Studio
Stony RoadEdel Records · 2002
2002
Stony Road
CD, Album
Studio
Dancing Down The Stony RoadJazzee Blue · 2002
2002
Dancing Down The Stony Road
CD, Album, Enhanced
Studio
King Of The BeachEastWest · 2000
2000
King Of The Beach
CD, Album, Stereo
Studio
The Road To Hell Part 2EastWest · 1999
1999
The Road To Hell Part 2
CD, Album, Stereo
Studio
The Blue CafeEastWest · 1998
1998
The Blue Cafe
CD, Album, Stereo
Studio
La PassioneEastWest · 1996
1996
La Passione
CD, Album, Stereo
Studio
Espresso LogicEastWest · 1993
1993
Espresso Logic
CD, Album
Studio
God's Great Banana SkinEastWest · 1992
1992
God's Great Banana Skin
CD, Album
Studio
AubergeEastWest · 1991
1991
Auberge
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
The Road To HellMagnet · 1989
1989
The Road To Hell
CD, Album
Studio
Dancing With StrangersMagnet · 1987
1987
Dancing With Strangers
CD, Album
Studio
On The BeachMagnet · 1986
1986
On The Beach
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
It's All Gone (Mini Album - Volume III)Magnet · 1986
1986
It's All Gone (Mini Album - Volume III)
Vinyl, LP, 45 RPM, Mini-Album
Studio
Stainsby Girls (Special Mini Album - Volume II)Magnet · 1985
1985
Stainsby Girls (Special Mini Album - Volume II)
Vinyl, LP, 45 RPM, Mini-Album, Stereo
Studio
Shamrock DiariesMagnet · 1985
1985
Shamrock Diaries
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Ace Of Hearts (Special Collector's Mini Album)Magnet · 1984
1984
Ace Of Hearts (Special Collector's Mini Album)
Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM, Mini-Album
Studio
Wired To The MoonMagnet · 1984
1984
Wired To The Moon
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Water SignMagnet · 1983
1983
Water Sign
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Chris ReaMagnet · 1981
1981
Chris Rea
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
TennisMagnet · 1980
1980
Tennis
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
DelticsMagnet · 1979
1979
Deltics
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Whatever Happened To Benny Santini?Magnet · 1978
1978
Whatever Happened To Benny Santini?
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up Chris Rea's career.

01
Driving Home for Christmas
·
02
Driving Home for Christmas - 2019 Remaster
·
03
Josephine
Josephine
Shamrock Diaries · 1985
04
On the Beach
On the Beach
On The Beach · 1986
05
Looking for the Summer
·
06
Fool (If You Think It's Over)
·
07
Auberge
·
08
I Can Hear Your Heartbeat
·

The essentials

The 3 Chris Rea albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 1989
LP, Album
The Road To Hell

Chris Rea's breakthrough album with 10 tracks blending blues rock and pop rock, featuring the title track split into two parts.

10 tracksOriginal 1989 Geffen LPCatalog: GHS 24276Blues Rock, Soft Rock
Discover the album
#2 · 1985
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Shamrock Diaries (ED LIM)

An album that helped cement Rea's European success with 10 tracks mixing rock and pop soft influences.

10 tracksStereoCatalog: 206.984Soft Rock, Pop Rock
Discover the album
#3 · 2024
LP, 45 RPM, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered
Stony Road

A later blues rock record, reissued on vinyl with 13 tracks, notable for its deep blues and country rock elements post health recovery.

13 tracksLimited EditionRemasteredCountry Rock, Blues Rock
Discover the album

Go further

Artists similar to Chris Rea

Artists who share part of Chris Rea's musical DNA.

Mark Knopfler
Mark Knopfler
Joe Cocker
Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Snowy White
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton
Chris de Burgh
Tony Joe White
Tony Joe White
Mike & The Mechanics

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of Chris Rea

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

Chris Rea's career blends blues, soft rock, and pop with roots in Middlesbrough and a passion for creative control after 2003.
— Artist overview
01Album

The Road To Hell original US LP pressing

Released in 1989 in the US by Geffen Records, the LP catalog number GHS 24276 is sought after with a market price around €39 for original copies.

1989United States
02Studio

Recording of 'Stony Road' in Europe

The album ’Stony Road’, released in 2002 and reissued in 2024 on a limited edition vinyl, features 13 tracks blending blues and country rock recorded after Rea's health recovery.

2002Europe
03Pressing

'The Blue Jukebox' German reissue

The 2026 German pressing of ’The Blue Jukebox’ by Edel Records on LP format is listed at €33.99 with 20 copies available, reflecting ongoing interest in Rea’s blues rock period.

2026Germany
04Pressing

'Shamrock Diaries' European original vinyl

The 1985 European vinyl LP with catalog number 206.984 is available with prices from €1.75 to €6 reflecting its popularity and collector interest.

1985Europe

Records by Chris Rea

See all
ON THE BEACH (40TH ANNIVERSARY) - Front Cover

ON THE BEACH (40TH ANNIVERSARY)

Chris Rea
Liturgy Classical Music
EAST WEST UK
From $37.91 2 offers
THE BLUE JUKEBOX - Front Cover

THE BLUE JUKEBOX

Chris Rea
Prog Rock Rock
VERYCORDS
View details
DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS - Front Cover

DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Chris Rea
Christmas Music Mood
WARNER MUSIC UK
View details
THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM - Front Cover THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM - Back Cover

THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM

Chris Rea
Christmas Music Mood
WARNER MUSIC UK
View details
NEW LIGHT THROUGH OLD WINDOWS (2025 REMASTER - 2LP) - Front Cover NEW LIGHT THROUGH OLD WINDOWS (2025 REMASTER - 2LP) - Front Cover

NEW LIGHT THROUGH OLD WINDOWS (2025 REMASTER - 2LP)

Chris Rea
International Pop Pop
WARNER MUSIC UK
View details
SHAMROCK DIARIES (ED LIM) - Front Cover SHAMROCK DIARIES (ED LIM) - Back Cover

SHAMROCK DIARIES (ED LIM)

Chris Rea
International Pop Pop
WARNER MUSIC UK
View details
STONY ROAD - Front Cover STONY ROAD - Back Cover

STONY ROAD

Chris Rea
International Pop Pop
VERYCORDS
View details
THE VERY BEST OF CHRIS REA - Front Cover

THE VERY BEST OF CHRIS REA

Chris Rea
International Retro Pop Pop
WEA
From $34.99 2 offers
THE ROAD TO HELL

THE ROAD TO HELL

Chris Rea
International Variety Variety
WEA
From $30.86 2 offers

CDs by Chris Rea

Search all Chris Rea CDs
The Blue Jukebox - Front Cover

The Blue Jukebox

Chris Rea
International Rock Rock
CD VERYCORDS
From $15.71 1 offer
New Light Through Old Windows (2025 Remaster) - Front Cover New Light Through Old Windows (2025 Remaster) - Front Cover

New Light Through Old Windows (2025 Remaster)

Chris Rea
International Pop Pop
CD WARNER MUSIC UK
View details

Recommended accessories

To protect, store and clean your records.

All accessories

FAQ

FAQ

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

Who is Chris Rea and what genres does he cover?

Chris Rea is a British singer-songwriter known for blues rock, soft rock, and pop with a career starting in the mid-1970s and lasting until 2025.

Which Chris Rea albums should I look for on vinyl?

Key vinyl albums include 'The Road To Hell' (1989 original LP), 'Shamrock Diaries' (1985 stereo LP), and the limited edition reissue of 'Stony Road' (2024).

What is special about the 1989 'The Road To Hell' LP pressing?

The 1989 US pressing on Geffen Records with catalog number GHS 24276 is an original pressing sought after by collectors with prices reaching around €39.

Are there any limited edition vinyl releases by Chris Rea?

Yes, for example, the ’Stony Road’ 2024 reissue is a limited edition 45 RPM LP often sought by blues and vinyl enthusiasts.

Did Chris Rea continue recording after the 1980s?

Yes, he continued releasing albums yearly after 1991, shifting back to blues roots with albums like ’Dancing Down The Stony Road’ and ’Blue Jukebox’.

Where can I find Chris Rea vinyls in France?

French collectors will find several of Chris Rea's albums available on Vinyles.com with various reissues and editions available across Europe.

What are some notable tracks to listen to on vinyl?

Notable tracks include 'Driving Home For Christmas', 'Josephine', 'On the Beach', and 'The Road To Hell'.

Does Chris Rea have rare or original pressings?

Original pressings like the US 'The Road To Hell' LP from 1989 and European vinyls from the 1980s are among the more collectible pieces.

Transparency

Sources & method

This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

  • WP
    Wikipedia
    Encyclopaedic data and biography
    ↗
  • MB
    MusicBrainz
    Artist metadata, dates, type
    ↗
  • DG
    Discogs
    Discography, pressings and market prices
    ↗
  • LF
    Last.fm
    Listeners, plays, similar artists
    ↗
  • VC
    Vinyles.com
    In-house catalog, prices and availability
    ↗

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 06/07/2026