Why Me?

The Zoo Crew is spinning the cosmic vibes of Why Me? by Planet P Project, from the 1983 album Planet P, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This sweeping, energetic track about outer space and isolation was a standout hit, reaching #64 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #4 on the Top Rock Tracks chart. According to Tony Carey, the mastermind behind Planet P Project, the song’s video made a “slight impact on early MTV,” though music writer Tom Demalon noted its heavy rotation helped it cross over to pop charts. Cincinnati’s WEBN-FM program director Denton Marr described it in Billboard as “unusual, eclectic, and very entertaining,” a perfect fit for the song’s sci-fi flair. The music video, directed by Storm Thorgerson, features a spacesuited figure floating skyward and a mysterious woman with a 1960s-inspired look, sparking fan debates on blogs like Eighties Rare Videos about her retro aesthetic.

Another tidbit comes from the song’s production: Carey recorded Why Me? under the Planet P Project pseudonym to distinguish its sci-fi themes from his solo work. The track was part of the debut album produced by Peter Hauke, blending AOR, pop-rock, and synth-pop with futuristic sound effects. Fans on ProgArchives praise its catchy hooks and Carey’s expressive vocals, with one reviewer calling it a “guilty pleasure” for 80s prog collections. The song’s lyrics, like “Sitting up here watching all the lights blink down below,” capture a haunting sense of cosmic loneliness, resonating with Rush and Dune fans, as noted on If My Records Could Talk. On Reddit’s r/80smusic, user Helmett-13 shared seeing the video before hearing it on radio, highlighting its early MTV impact.

Tony Carey, the creative force behind Planet P Project, began his musical journey in California, born on October 16, 1953, in Watsonville. His big break came in the mid-1970s when he joined Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, playing keyboards on the iconic 1976 album Rising and On Stage. After leaving Rainbow, Carey moved to Germany in 1978, where he pursued solo work and production. His time with Rainbow gave him a foundation in rock, but his love for storytelling and sci-fi led to the creation of Planet P Project in 1983. Carey signed with Geffen Records, releasing the debut Planet P album, originally titled Planet P Project, with Why Me? as its lead single. He sang lead vocals and played most instruments, with session musicians filling in, crafting a sound that ProgArchives describes as a mix of progressive influences and pop-rock.

Carey’s official website, truebeliever.de, is the go-to source for Planet P Project news and music. You can also follow him on Facebook for updates on his solo and Planet P work. While Carey doesn’t maintain active Instagram or X accounts under Planet P Project, fans keep the spirit alive on platforms like ProgArchives and Discogs, where collectors share vinyl and CD details. The Tony Carey Fans Facebook group is a vibrant spot for Zoo Freaks to connect, swap stories, and celebrate tracks like Why Me?. For more fan-driven content, check out Rate Your Music, where enthusiasts rate and review Carey’s discography.