Chris de Burgh - Eastern Wind (1980)

1980's Eastern Wind sports a quicker pace that demonstrates that de Burgh can sing songs outside of ballads. It was this album that helped him gain worldwide recognition, thanks in part to it's huge success in the Scandinavian countries (especially Norway). Although the album does include some slower love songs, the overall appeal of Eastern Wind contains some musical jaunts as opposed to his usual collection of tranquil pieces. The lovely "Sailor" is fine proof that de Burgh can contour his voice at will. "Shadows and Lights" is a pure example of the manner in which de Burgh creates atmosphere by way of aromatic phrasing. The shadowy feel of "The Traveller" is by far the best track on the album, as both his voice and the music combine to create the perfect adventurous tone that rides all the way through the song's entirety. Both "Tonight" and "Some Things Never Change" present de Burgh in his familiar tempered surroundings. Eastern Wind contributes to a minor turning point in de Burgh's career, as his singing and his music begin to exhibit more vigor and dimension.