This is the first album that Chris releases under his own label, the Feryman Productions, but it is not the first album that shines brightly in the music world from this genius singer-writer. For those who love his music and lyrics this would be a normal introduction, but those who don't know him well yet of don'y even like him this is exageration. In my opinion, Chris De Burgh is a sincere artist who respects his fans all over the world and his efforts should be acknowledged. The Album begins with the first instrumental "When Winter Comes" that Chris ever has done through the years, it is an easy going piece, though not a great musical composition but it feels good and culminates in the final seconds by a backing vocals from Chris and a Chorus that recites unknown lyrics ending with the title of the piece and forms an introduction to the powerful second song "The Road to Freedom" the Album title. This song is one of the greatest that Chris ever wrote, and it forms a higher level of the artist's maturity thru the years. That after revolutionary songs that sometimes glorified the war for a cause, here comes this great song about the values of life, it shouts out loud that war will never plant the earth or water the plants, it will never free anyone but rather creates a new slavery. I felt that Chris was thinking as a father when he wrote it, since as much as he sees the miseries of war it was now at this age when he looks in his choildren's eyes that he feels this deep fear of losing them for a cause that eventually will prove that it did not beget peace but a new enmity and the loss of beloved ones. The third song "Snow Is Falling" seems a continuation of the first two, in mood and sounds, it's sung in th evoice of the fallen soldiers who were forgotten and covered by snow. It is a sad song, but this normal since it tells a very sad theme. These first 3 songs constitute a trio that should be listend to together to create the full image that Chris aims at creating in our minds. The fourth song "The Words I Love You" is a lively one and uplifting, it has the positive energy that combines lyrics and music to tell us that during the normal course of our daily routines we forget to express our true emotions to the ones we love. "Songbird" tells about the singer Eva Cassidy, whom I never heard of before this song, after which I did listen to some songs by her, I was deeply impressed how Chris could convey the feeling to me about her. This is a truly sincere song that proves again the high artistic level he has. "Five Past Dreams" being the sixth song in this Album but the second to the most famous (though not necessarily the best) "Lady in Red". It is an easy going romantic song that does not add any new to his profile but may give joy to those who greatly appreciate the "Lady In Red" and it would be a nice slow song for the dance floor. The Seventh song "Here For You" is a parent's favourite, telling about how parents view the evolovement of their kids to free spirited mature persons and they leave the family home, either for good or temporarily, it reminded me of the old song "If You Really Love Her, Let Her Go" from the Album At The End Of A Perfect Day (1977) and he wrote it with his beatiful daughter Rosanna in his mind, who also contributed nicely with her voice at the end of the song. The eightt song "What You Mean TO Me" begins with few lines in Spanish and it is very smooth and fun love song that could be also interpreted to friendship as well. The nineth "Rose Of England" is the known story of the Queen Elizabeth and it recalls to mind the story telling power that Chris has always proved. It is a long song that creates a lot of pleasure for the listener whether he knows the story behind the song, or not. In it he shows that even at his age he is still a master in his profession with a powerful voice that's capable to perform really GOOD songs with passion and devotion. The tenth "The Journey" is another beautifully written song about the all-time most dreaded subject: death. It reminded me of "Carry Me, Like A Fire In Your Heart" although more loaded with positivity. I prefered "The Journey" ot the latter since it sparked out with hope and peaceful feeling of acceptance, away from lamenting. The eleventh and last song "Read My Name" is a favorate, a great song, lyrics and music as well. It is uplifting, highly positive and has a charm that will haunt you for a long time after you hear it several times. It has high beat and tone, where Chris tells the world that we should be worthy of being, to achieve something, anything that may give an addition to the human hstory. Being a good parent is one thing as well, in my opinion. I heard a virsion of this song performed by the fans without music and it struck me fantastically. I think someday will come and this song will have its true effect and value, highly acknowledged. All in all, this album is a great one in the creative process for Chris De Burgh and I consider it to be "The Jewel Of The Crown" in a profession that witnessed great achievments till now, that, until the next CDEB Album is released!
