Chris Rea – “Let’s Dance”
A feel-good detour from the blues
Released in May 1987 as the lead single from Dancing with Strangers, “Let’s Dance” was a bit of a curveball for Chris Rea. Known for his gravelly ballads and laid-back blues rock, Rea took a surprising turn with this upbeat, groove-filled track — and it paid off. Bright, catchy, and totally feel-good, it became one of his biggest international hits and showed he could do more than just moody storytelling.
A B-side That Got a Second Shot
Interestingly, “Let’s Dance” didn’t start off as a headline act. The earliest version was tucked away as a B-side to “It’s All Gone” in 1986 — a little rougher around the edges, but the bones were there. A year later, Rea polished it up and gave it the spotlight it deserved on Dancing with Strangers. Then in 1988, he recorded a third version for New Light Through Old Windows — and that’s the one most people know today.
Chris Rea, But Make It Fun
Until this point, Rea had built his name on smooth, introspective tracks like “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” and “Josephine.” But “Let’s Dance” flips the script — it’s carefree, groovy, and actually feels like Rea’s having fun. The track kicks off with a bold guitar riff and cruises along with a tight rhythm that’s hard not to move to.
Lyrically, it’s all about shaking off the gloom: “So while there’s a chance and you’re near / Let’s dance.” No sadness, no complexity — just a gentle nudge to enjoy the moment.
Chart Moves and Global Grooves
The track made a solid splash worldwide. In the UK, it climbed to No. 12 on the Singles Chart, while in New Zealand it soared to No. 2, becoming one of Rea’s biggest hits there. It also landed in the Top 10 in both Ireland and Australia, reached No. 19 in Germany, and made a modest appearance at No. 81 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Not bad for a song that started life as a B-side.
Dancing Through the Decades
Even though it was a departure from his usual sound, “Let’s Dance” still feels very Chris Rea — clean guitars, tight groove, and that signature voice. It’s upbeat without being over-produced, catchy without chasing trends. And it’s held up surprisingly well, never falling into that over-synthesized ’80s trap. Just a solid tune that still gets people moving.