Shamrock Diaries  by Chris Rea

Shamrock Diaries is the seventh studio work of Chris Rea and is considered the album that marked his commercial rise, leading him to the top of the European scene. It was released on May 17, 1985, by Magnet Records. The album is intensely personal and dedicated to his family. Josephine was written for his daughter and Stainsby Girls for his wife, Joan. The title and theme of the album reflect his ties with Ireland, as Rea wrote the material during an extended stay in Dublin. In the original vinyl edition, the cover was embossed with a pattern reminiscent of grass, while a shamrock appeared in the lower right corner.

Shamrock Diaries combines soft rock, pop rock, and blues elements. Its style is more mature and commercial compared to his previous works, ranging from "atmospheric" ballads to rhythmic tracks featuring saxophone use and Rea's characteristic "husky" voice.

The record was highly successful in Europe. In the United Kingdom, it reached No. 15 and went silver, while in Germany, it went gold with over 250,000 sales. In the Netherlands, it achieved its best performance, reaching No. 3.