CHRIS de Burgh will release his 26th studio album, A Better World, on September 23, well in advance of his 2017 tour that will bring the veteran British-Irish songwriter to York Barbican on April 21.
Responding to global and political issues, de Burgh provides food for thought in the lyrical content of his new record, whose title alone sets the tone and intent for songs that may not exclusively be concerned with key issues of the day but hold up a mirror to many of them.
Musically, A Better World is a familiar de Burgh melting pot of diverse styles, tempos and instrumentation. Ballads sit alongside anthems, solo performances with band or orchestral ensemble pieces. Straight-ahead rock and pop songs are infused with regional flavour, from Caribbean to Celtic. Guitar, bass, drums and keyboards are augmented by pipes, strings and brass.
Chris de Burgh: "There is always hope in the human heart for better days ahead"
Optimism and positivity are primary motivations and focal points for de Burgh whatever his subject matter; whether justice, equality, religion, progress, relationships, romance or world peace. These words from the track Homeland sum it up: “There is always hope in the human heart for better days ahead," he says, in the lead-up to his 68th birthday on October 15.
A Better World is preceded by the single Bethlehem, a dynamic rock song reminiscent of de Burgh's signature song Don’t Pay The Ferryman. Tickets for April 21 are on sale at £50.40 and £61.60 on 0844 854 2757, at yorkbarbican.co.uk or in person from the Barbican box office.
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