"Auberge" is a song by British singer-songwriter Chris Rea, released on 4 February 1991 by East West Records as the lead single from his eleventh studio album, Auberge (1991). It was written by Rea and produced by Jon Kelly. "Auberge" reached 16 in the United Kingdom and remained on the UK Singles Chart for six weeks. A music video was filmed to promote the single. It was directed by Nigel Dick and shot at Bray Studios, Berkshire.
Critical reception Upon release, Music & Media wrote, "Rea at his best: the perfect combination of Dire Straits-framed vocals and Ry Cooder-styled slide guitar. The type of song to play loud during driving. Traffic will be much nicer the next weeks." Andy Stout of Sounds described the song as "good, honest rock à la Bob 'Excitement' Harris".
In the US, Billboard magazine described the song as a "dreamy blues-induced rocker", with "dark, Morrison-esque vocal delivery, "rockabilly guitar backdrop", "psychedelic organ vibes" and "lighthearted horn riffs". In a review of the album of the same name, Johnny Loftus of AllMusic wrote, "The rousing title track and its accompanying set piece "Set Me Free" move from searching, tentative guitar noodlings into full-blown epics, with bluesy bottom end, blustering horns, backup singers, and Rea's own grainy vocal rumble."
Track listings 7-inch and cassette single A. "Auberge" B. "Hudson's Dream"
12-inch single A1. "Auberge (In Its Entirety)" B1. "Hudson's Dream" B2. "Every Second Counts"
CD single "Auberge" "Let's Dance" (7-inch version) "On the Beach" (7-inch version) "The Road to Hell (Part II)"
Personnel Chris Rea – guitar, slide guitar, Hammond organ Max Middleton – piano Robert Ahwai – bass Martin Ditcham – drums, percussion Carol Kenyon – backing vocals Linda Taylor – backing vocals
Production Jon Kelly – producer Justin Shirley-Smith – engineer Russell Shaw – assistant engineer
Other Alan Fearnley – illustration
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1991)PeakpositionAustralia (ARIA) 101Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) 37Europe (European Hit Radio) 1UK Airplay (Music Week) 4
Year-end charts Chart (1991)PositionEurope (European Hit Radio) 26Germany (Media Control) 65
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United Kingdom4 February 1991EastWestAustralia4 March 1991Japan25 July 1991CD
References