Working on It

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Working on It" by Chris Rea from his 1988 compilation album New Light Through Old Windows, firing up the Zoo Freaks in the audience. This track, a high-energy rock anthem, stands out as the only new song on an album mostly featuring re-recordings of earlier hits. It climbed to No. 73 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and hit No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, showcasing Rea’s knack for blending gritty vocals with driving guitar riffs. In a Songfacts interview, Rea hinted at the song’s spontaneous creation, describing it as a raw, straight-ahead rock tune that captured his frustration with the music industry’s pressures. Songfacts notes its inclusion in the soundtracks for the 1994 film Camp Nowhere and the TV movie Beyond the Law, cementing its cultural footprint.

Another tidbit about "Working on It" comes from its production, helmed by Rea and Jon Kelly. Discogs reviews praise the song’s crisp production, with fans noting its clean, sharp sound on vinyl releases, though some felt the upper mids could feel congested. The song’s release as a single in 1989 was a strategic move, marking Rea’s shift to a new label, which Billboard called a “smart career move” for its pop-radio potential. Rea himself has been cryptic about the song’s deeper meaning, but in interviews, he’s alluded to it reflecting his relentless work ethic and defiance against creative constraints, a theme that resonates with his career-long push for artistic control.

Chris Rea’s journey began in Middlesbrough, England, where he was born on March 4, 1951. Growing up in a working-class family, he didn’t pick up a guitar until his late teens, inspired by blues legends like Muddy Waters and slide guitarists. His gravelly voice and distinctive slide guitar style developed from his love for blues, though he initially leaned toward journalism, dreaming of writing about car racing. After stints with local bands like Magdalene (briefly alongside future Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale) and Beautiful Losers, Rea landed a solo deal with Magnet Records. His 1978 debut, Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?, produced by Elton John’s producer Gus Dudgeon, yielded the US hit “Fool (If You Think It’s Over),” which topped the Adult Contemporary chart and earned him a Grammy nod for Best New Artist.

Rea’s early career wasn’t all smooth sailing. His label pushed for a pop-friendly image, even suggesting the stage name Benny Santini, which Rea resisted. He struggled to break through in the UK until 1985’s Shamrock Diaries, with songs like “Stainsby Girls” and “Josephine,” caught on. His 1989 album The Road to Hell became his first UK chart-topper, solidifying his European stardom. Health challenges, including a 1994 pancreatic cancer diagnosis, shaped his later work, leading him to found his own label, Jazzee Blue, to focus on blues roots. Despite setbacks, Rea’s introspective songwriting and love for motoring imagery—tied to his passion for racing Ferraris—kept his music grounded and authentic.

Fans can connect with Chris Rea through his official website and social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X. The official Facebook page, run by his team, has over 289,000 likes and shares updates on his music and tours. While no official Instagram posts appear recent, the account remains active for fan engagement. On X, Rea’s team posts sporadically about releases and fan interactions. For deeper fan connections, check out the fan-made Chris Rea Fan YouTube channel, though it’s not official. The Chris Rea Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant group where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share memories, vinyl finds, and love for his bluesy rock legacy.