Working on It explained

Working on It
Cover:	Chris Rea Working on It 1989 Single Cover.jpg
Type:	single
Artist:	Chris Rea
Album:	New Light Through Old Windows
Released:	January 1989 (UK)^[1] March 1989 (US)^[2]
Length:	3:47 (US edit) 4:24
Label:	WEA Geffen (US)
Producer:	Chris Rea, Jon Kelly
Prev Title:	Driving Home for Christmas
Prev Year:	1988
Next Title:	The Road to Hell
Next Year:	1989

"Working on It" is a song by British singer-songwriter Chris Rea, released in 1989 as the fifth and final single from his compilation album New Light Through Old Windows (1988).^[3] It was written by Rea, and produced by Rea and Jon Kelly.^[1] "Working on It" reached No. 53 in the UK and No. 73 on the US Billboard Hot 100.^{[4] [5]} It also topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.^[6]

The song has appeared on the soundtracks of the American adventure comedy film Camp Nowhere and the TV film Beyond the Law.^{[7] [8]}

Critical reception

Upon release, Billboard listed the song as a recommended pop single and commented: "Top-five hit at album rock shows Rea's new label affiliation to be a smart career move. Straight-ahead, four-on-the-floor power rock could find a home at pop outlets as well."^[9] The Philadelphia Inquirer commented that the song "deserve[s] hit status".^[10]

Track listing

7" single (US release)

1. "Working on It" – 3:47
2. "Loving You Again" (Live Version) – 5:20

7" single (UK/European release)

1. "Working on It" – 4:24
2. "One Golden Rule" – 4:29

7" single (Australian release)

1. "Working on It" – 4:24
2. "Driving Home for Christmas" – 3:58

7" single (US promo)

1. "Working on It" – 3:47
2. "Working on It" – 3:47

12" single (UK/European release)

1. "Working on It" (Extended Mix) – 5:55
2. "One Golden Rule" – 4:29

Cassette single

1. "Working on It" (Edit) – 3:47
2. "Loving You Again" (Live Version) – 5:20

CD single (German release)

1. "Working on It" – 4:25
2. "Working on It" (Extended Mix) – 5:55
3. "One Golden Rule" – 4:30
4. "Stainsby Girls" – 4:07

CD single (US release)

1. "Working on It" (LP Version) - 4:24

Chart performance

Chart (1989)	Peak position
UK Singles Chart	53
US Billboard Hot 100	73
US Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs	1

Personnel

• Chris Rea - vocals, instruments, producer
• Jon Kelly - producer
• Justin Shirley-Smith - engineer
• Paul Lilly, Danny Hyde - mixing on "Loving You Again (Live Version)"
• Chris Rea, David Richards - producers of "One Golden Rule"

Other

• Kav Deluxe - design (US sleeve)
• Elizabeth Brady - illustration (US sleeve)
• Greg Jakobek - illustration (UK/European sleeve)

Notes and References

1. Web site: Chris Rea - Working On It / One Golden Rule - WEA - UK - YZ 350 . 45cat . 2018-04-10.
2. Web site: Chris Rea - Working On It / Loving You Again - Geffen - USA - 7-27535 . 45cat . 2018-04-10.
3. Web site: Mike DeGagne . New Light Through Old Windows: The Best Of Chris Rea - Chris Rea | Songs, Reviews, Credits . AllMusic . 1988-10-17 . 2018-04-10.
4. Web site: CHRIS REA | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company . Officialcharts.com . 2018-04-10.
5. Web site: Billboard . Chris Rea Working On It Chart History . Billboard . 2018-04-10.
6. Web site: Billboard . Chris Rea Working On It Chart History . Billboard . 2018-04-10.
7. Web site: Camp Nowhere (1994) - IMDb. www.imdb.com.
8. Web site: Beyond the Law (1993) - IMDb. www.imdb.com.
9. Billboard magazine - Single reviews - March 11, 1989 - page 89
10. The Philadelphia Inquirer - February 16, 1989 - page 84