That's What They Always Say Explained

That's What They Always Say
Cover:	Chris Rea That's What They Always Say 1989 single cover.jpg
Type:	single
Artist:	Chris Rea
Album:	The Road to Hell
B-Side:	1975
Released:	December 1989^[1]
Length:	4:03
Label:	WEA
Producer:	Chris Rea, Jon Kelly
Prev Title:	The Road to Hell
Prev Year:	1989
Next Title:	Tell Me There's a Heaven
Next Year:	1990

"That's What They Always Say" is a song by British singer-songwriter Chris Rea, released in 1989 as the second single from his tenth studio album The Road to Hell. 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

1. "That's What They Always Say" (Remix) – 4:03
2. "1975" – 4:30

12" single

1. "That's What They Always Say" (Rainbow Mix) – 6:40
2. "That's What They Always Say" (Remix) – 4:08
3. "1975" – 4:33

CD single (German release)

1. "That's What They Always Say" (Remix) – 4:12
2. "That's What They Always Say" (Extended Remix) – 5:45
3. "1975" – 4:39
4. "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	83

Notes and References

1. Book: Chart Watch UK - Hits of 1989 - James Masterton - Google Books . 9780463138571 . 2020-05-06. Masterton . James .
2. Web site: John Floyd . Road to Hell - Chris Rea | Songs, Reviews, Credits . AllMusic . 2020-05-06.
3. Web site: CHRIS REA | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company . Officialcharts.com . 2020-05-06.
4. 9 December 1989. Previews: Singles. Music & Media.
5. News: Law. David. 9 February 1990. LP/vinyl. The Charlatan.
6. Web site: ARIA Singles Chart w/c 5-2-1990. Imgur.com. 2020-05-06.
7. Web site: Steffen Hung . Chris Rea - That's What They Always Say . lescharts.com . 2020-05-06.