The song was inspired by Rea's time with his wife on the island of Formentera , near Ibiza. Rea famously described it as the place where "me and my wife became me and my wife". Chart Performance: 1986 Original: Initially reached No. 57 in the UK.

The album marked a shift toward a brighter, more "jazzy" soul sound compared to Rea's later, darker work.

The song's guitar riff was famously sampled by the German dance group York for the 2000 hit "O.T.B. (On the Beach)," which reached No. 4 in the UK. The Album: On the Beach (1986)

"On the Beach" is both a defining 1986 studio album and a hit single by British singer-songwriter . The title track, inspired by the Spanish island of Formentera, became a timeless "Balearic" classic known for its laid-back, optimistic songwriting. Title Track: "On the Beach"