Chris Rea has one of the most distinctive voices in rock music, and since the release of "Driving Home For Christmas" in 1988, it has become as synonymous with Christmas as holly, mistletoe and turkey! "The Christmas Album" is Rea's first album for the festive season. This eight track compilation album is available on CD and vinyl and contains tracks from his entire catalog that take up the Christmas theme. "Driving Home For Christmas" of course opens "The Christmas Album", but also closes it with the original version that many may not know! The original 1986 version was the B-side of "Hello Friend", but Rea decided to re-record the song and release it in 1988 along with some of his other early songs for his album "New Light Through Old Windows". Originally the song had only moderate success, but over time it became a staple on Christmas radio, compilation albums, movies and the playlists that dominate December, and has been in the UK Top 40 charts every year since 2007!