On the Beach (Chris Rea song)


"On the Beach" is a song by British singer-songwriter Chris Rea that was released in 1986 as the second single from his eighth studio album On the Beach. It was written by Rea and produced by Rea and David Richards. "On the Beach" reached No. 57 in the UK.
Later in 1988, Rea re-recorded "On the Beach" for his album New Light Through Old Windows, released it as a single. Produced by Rea and Jon Kelly, it reached No. 12 in the UK and No. 18 in Ireland. In 1989, it reached No. 9 on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
"On the Beach" was inspired by the Spanish island Formentera off the coast of Ibiza. Speaking to Songfacts, Rea said, "That's where me and my wife became me and my wife. That's what it's about. Yeah, I was 'between the eyes of love.' It's a lovely island if ever you're in Europe."

Critical reception

In a retrospective review of the On the Beach album, Rob Caldwell of AllMusic described the song as the "standout track", adding that the original version was "the most evocative, a little slower and more meditative than others." He recommended the song further by selecting it as an AMG Pick Track. Mike DeGagne, in an AllMusic review of New Light Through Old Windows commented that the song, along with "Let's Dance", "represent a lean toward a more commercial sound".

Use in other media

In June 2000, the German dance music team York sampled the guitar riff for their track O.T.B . It went on to peak at #4 in the UK singles chart, and sold over 200,000 copies. Rea himself played guitar with them for their performance of the track on Top of the Pops. Rea also stated on British Radio that he had intended to go to Ibiza with York for live promotions, but was unable due to a recent heart attack.

Track listing

Original release

;7" single
  1. "On the Beach " – 4:20
  2. "If Anybody Asks You" – 5:00
;7" single
  1. "On the Beach" – 5:03
  2. "On the Beach " – 4:20
;2x 7" single
  1. "On the Beach " – 4:20
  2. "If Anybody Asks You" – 5:00
  3. "Chris Rea Live" – 3:37 Live at the Hammersmith Odeon - London 2 May 1986
  4. "Chris Rea Live" – 4:31 Live at the Hammersmith Odeon - London 2 May 1986
;7" single
  1. "On the Beach " – 3:47
  2. "Se Sequi" – 5:03
;7" single
  1. "On the Beach " – 3:47
  2. "On the Beach " – 3:47
;12" single
  1. "On the Beach " – 6:02
  2. "If Anybody Asks You" – 5:00
  3. "On the Beach " – 4:20
;12" single
  1. "On the Beach " – 4:20
  2. "If Anybody Asks You" – 5:00
  3. "One Golden Rule" – 4:45
  4. "Midnight Blue" – 6:28

    1988 release

;7" single
  1. "On the Beach Summer '88" – 3:45
  2. "I'm Taking the Day Out" – 3:25
;12" single
  1. "On the Beach Summer '88" – 6:50
  2. "I'm Taking the Day Out" – 3:25
  3. "It's All Gone " – 8:10
;CD single
  1. "On the Beach Summer '88" – 3:44
  2. "I'm Taking the Day Out" – 3:23
  3. "It's All Gone " – 8:11
  4. "September Blue" – 3:06
;CD single
  1. "On the Beach " – 3:47
  2. "On the Beach " – 6:50

    Chart performance

;1986 release
Chart Peak
position
Dutch Singles Chart34
French Singles Chart48
UK Singles Chart57

;1988 release
Chart Peak
position
Irish Singles Chart18
UK Singles Chart12
US Billboard Adult Contemporary9

Personnel

;1986 version
;1988 version