Shamrock Diaries  by Chris Rea

Shamrock Diaries is the seventh studio album by British artist Chris Rea, which was released in May 1985 and is considered the point of his commercial rise in Europe. Chris Rea recorded the album in December 1984. The production is co-signed by Chris Rea along with David Richards.

The musical style of Shamrock Diaries combines soft rock with pop rock and blues elements. The lyrics are intensely personal and experiential, drawing inspiration from his hometown, Middlesbrough, the industrial atmosphere, and his family life. Chris Rea found success with the album's first single, Stainsby Girls, which was Rea's first major success since 1978, reaching No. 26 in the United Kingdom. It was followed by the single Josephine, which was written for his daughter and became a huge success, reaching No. 7 in France and remains one of Chris Rea's most known and beloved songs. 

The album achieved significant success in Europe. It reached No. 15 in the United Kingdom and remained on the charts for 14 weeks. Germany also embraced the album, as did the Netherlands, where it reached No. 3.