Far Beyond These Castle Walls is the first album by Chris de Burgh, released by A&M Records in 1974. The title refers to Bargy Castle, which is shown on the back of the album cover.
Reception
Billboard in its review of 29 March 1975 considered the album's "sophisticated lyrics and production are good for college market" and expressed a hope that A&M Records will found "another deserving artist" in face of Chris De Burgh. Mike DeGagne of AllMusic retrospectively praised the album, saying: "His gentle, beguiling vocal style is introduced, which instantly trademarks him as a genuine master of the soft ballad... What is most important about this album is the manner in which it reveals de Burgh as one of the finest mood-invoking artists ever."
Track listing All compositions by Chris de Burgh.
"Hold On" – 4:03 "The Key" – 4:08 "Windy Night" – 4:53 "Sin City" – 4:35 "New Moon" – 4:59 "Watching the World" – 3:32 "Lonesome Cowboy" – 4:23 "Satin Green Shutters" – 5:02 "Turning Round", released outside the UK and Ireland as "Flying" – 6:24 "Goodnight" – 2:07
Musicians Chris de Burgh – vocals, acoustic guitars, additional synthesizers Ronnie Leahy – keyboards Ken Freeman – string synthesizer Phillip Goodhand-Tait – harmonium Ray Glynn – electric guitars B.J. Cole – pedal steel guitar Ray Jackson – harmonica, mandolin Brian Odgers – bass guitar Chris Laurence – double bass Barry De Souza – drums Lennox Laington – percussion Del Newman – arrangements (1, 8) Richard Hewson – arrangements (2, 9) Chris Hughes – brass arrangements Madeleine Bell – backing vocals Liza Strike – backing vocals Joy Yates – backing vocals
Production Produced and Engineered by Robin Geoffrey Cable Assistant Engineers – Mark Dodson and Mike Stavrou Recorded at Ramport Studios and AIR Studios (London, UK). Mixed at AIR Studios and Trident Studios (London, UK). Art Direction – Fabio Nicoli Design – Nick Marshall Photography – Dave Morse
Notes