Fool if you think it's over - Elkie Brooks

A mere three years after Chris Rea recorded his unforgettable hit 'Fool (if you think it's over)' in 1978, Elkie Brooks decided to record a cover version for her album Pearls, which included eight new recordings plus four of her previous hit singles. Elkie said: 'Most of [Pearl's new] material had been chosen by [A&M exec] Derek Green or Gus Dudgeon. I had insisted that we did 'Fool'. Chris Rea has always been one of my favourite musicians and writers and I thought the song was pure class.' 

Her version reached number 17 in the UK singles chart. It was the first track played on Radio Caroline when the station resumed broadcasting at 10 a.m. on 20 August 1983, after a down period of 41 months. 

My collection: 7" single no. 8428
Found: De Waterput, Bergen op Zoom, 17 September 2026
Tracks: 'Fool if you think it's over' / 'Givin' it up for your love'

 

Sunshine after the rain - Elkie Brooks

Elkie Brooks' breakthrough second album, released in 1977, propelled her into solo stardom in the UK and Europe. Featuring the top ten hits 'Pearl's a singer' and 'Sunshine after the rain', it had a distinct American sound largely due to the work of legendary writers and producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

'Sunshine after the rain' was released as the third single from the album and reached number 10 in the UK singles chart in August 1977.

My collection: 7" single no. 5293
Found: Fun Records, Berlin, received February 1, 2012
Cost: 2,7 euro
Tracks: 'Sunshine after the rain' / 'You did something for me'