That's What They Always Say
| "That's What They Always Say" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Chris Rea | ||||
| from the album The Road to Hell | ||||
| B-side | "1975" | |||
| Released | 27 November 1989 | |||
| Length | 4:03 | |||
| Label | WEA | |||
| Songwriter | Chris Rea | |||
| Producers |
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| Chris Rea singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "That's What They Always Say (2019 Remaster)" on YouTube | ||||
"That's What They Always Say" is a song by British singer-songwriter Chris Rea, released on 27 November 1989[1] as the second single from his tenth studio album, The Road to Hell (1989). It was written by Rea and produced by Rea and Jon Kelly.[2] As the follow-up to "The Road to Hell", "That's What They Always Say" reached No. 83 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the Top 100 for four weeks.[3]
Critical reception
Upon its release, Music & Media wrote: "A strong follow-up to "The Road to Hell". A rockier number with a good dance pulse."[4] In a review of The Road to Hell, David Law of The Charlatan commented: "The angry but soulful "That's What They Always Say" intensifies the [album's theme of] despair, personalizing the plight of a gullible dreamer who believed the promises of politicians."[5]
Track listing
7" single
- "That's What They Always Say" (Remix) – 4:03
- "1975" – 4:30
12" single
- "That's What They Always Say" (Rainbow Mix) – 6:40
- "That's What They Always Say" (Remix) – 4:08
- "1975" – 4:33
CD single (German release)
- "That's What They Always Say" (Remix) – 4:12
- "That's What They Always Say" (Extended Remix) – 5:45
- "1975" – 4:39
- "Driving Home for Christmas" – 3:59
Personnel
- Chris Rea - vocals, guitars, keyboards
- Robert Ahwai - bass
- Martin Ditcham - drums, percussion
- Linda Taylor, Karen Boddington, Carol Kenyon - backing vocals
Production
- Chris Rea, Jon Kelly - producers
- Neil Amor - engineer
- Diane BJ Koné - assistant engineer
- Bill Frutz, Jack Frutz - remixers on "Rainbox Mix"
Other
- The Leisure Process - sleeve design
Charts
| Chart (1989–90) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Singles Chart[6] | 123 |
| French Singles Chart[7] | 35 |
| UK Singles Chart[3] | 83 |
References
- ^ Cole, Paul (27 November 1989). "Viva: Squashing the Squeeze star's 'quit' rumours". Birmingham Evening Mail. p. 20. Retrieved 23 December 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ John Floyd. "Road to Hell - Chris Rea | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2020-05-06.
- ^ a b "CHRIS REA | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 2020-05-06.
- ^ "Previews: Singles". Music & Media. 9 December 1989.
- ^ Law, David (9 February 1990). "LP/vinyl". The Charlatan.
- ^ "ARIA Singles Chart w/c 5-2-1990". Imgur.com. Retrieved 2020-05-06.
- ^ Steffen Hung. "Chris Rea - That's What They Always Say". lescharts.com. Retrieved 2020-05-06.
