Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

A sweet vintage Christmas card image found online.  (Original source unknown.)

In three months Christopher Anton Rea-professionally known as Chris Rea-will turn 75 years old. The English musician, singer & songwriter was born March 4, 1951 in the UK. He is best known for his lovely eloquent 1978 hit that peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 that September and it hit #1 on the Adult Contemporary Chart the same month. That makes him, by definition, a one hit wonder.

But 43 years later-in January 2021-a holiday song Rea originally released in 1988 peaked at #27 on the Billboard Global 200 chart. Three years later, that same holiday song reached #15 in January 2024 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. While the industry standard for actual hits is any song that reaches the Top 40 on the Hot 100 chart, in my book Rea’s holiday track hitting two different charts twice in a three year period should count as a second hit. However you qualify them in your mind, we have two memorable songs to enjoy by this talented artist.

Chris Rea circa 1988. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Today’s song first appeared on Chris Rea’s 1988 album. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Chris Rea: “Driving Home For Christmas” (1988, written by Chris Rea).

Chris Rea: “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)” (1978, written by Chris Rea).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!