Sir Cliff Richard stands as a titan in the UK music scene, a name synonymous with enduring pop hits and a career spanning over seven decades. Often mentioned alongside legends like The Beatles and Elvis Presley, he holds the distinguished title of the third best-selling artist in UK history, boasting over 21 million singles sold. His remarkable longevity is highlighted by the unparalleled achievement of having at least one Top 40 single in each of the first six decades of the official charts. With such an extensive and illustrious career, selecting just 15 of his greatest songs is no small feat, but we’ve undertaken the challenge.
From his rock ‘n’ roll beginnings in the 1950s to his chart-topping successes in the ’60s and beyond, we present our definitive ranking of Cliff Richard’s 15 greatest songs, celebrating the very best of his musical legacy.
1. Congratulations
Cliff Richard performing Congratulations at Eurovision Song Contest in 1968
‘Congratulations’ often gets unfairly labeled as cheesy, and while it’s undeniably feel-good and celebratory, that’s precisely its charm. This classic track, penned by Bill Martin and Phil Coulter, was initially titled ‘I Think I Love You’ by Martin, but Coulter’s lyrical tweak elevated it to Eurovision fame.
Despite widespread rumors of political interference favoring the Spanish entry, ‘Congratulations’ narrowly missed winning the 1968 Eurovision Song Contest. Regardless, the song soared to number one in both the UK and Spain, becoming a lasting anthem of celebration and one of Cliff Richard’s signature tunes. Its infectious melody and positive message continue to resonate, making it a beloved classic at weddings and celebratory events.
2. Mistletoe and Wine
Cliff Richard in the official music video for Mistletoe and Wine
Cliff Richard has become an inseparable part of Christmas in the UK, consistently delivering festive chart-toppers across decades. From the reverent ‘Saviour’s Day’ to the uniquely charming ‘Millennium Prayer,’ his Christmas discography is rich and varied. However, ‘Mistletoe and Wine’ arguably stands as his quintessential Christmas song.
Released in 1988, ‘Mistletoe and Wine’ not only topped the UK charts but also became the biggest-selling single of the year, cementing its place in Christmas music history. Interestingly, the song originated in the 1976 stage musical Scraps, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s poignant tale, The Little Match Girl. Cliff Richard’s rendition transformed it into a festive staple, played annually during the holiday season.
3. Carrie
Cliff Richard performing Carrie in a live concert
As the musical landscape of the UK evolved through rock ‘n’ roll, Beatlemania, psychedelia, disco, prog rock, and punk, Cliff Richard remained a constant presence. ‘Carrie’, a more somber and enigmatic track from his 1979 album Rock ‘n’ Roll Juvenile, demonstrated his adaptability and continued relevance.
This song showcased a different side of Cliff, venturing into a slightly darker, more introspective territory. ‘Carrie’ proved to be another hit from the album, reaching number four in the UK charts and proving his ability to evolve with the times while maintaining his chart-topping appeal. It remains a favorite among fans who appreciate his versatility.
4. Bachelor Boy
Cliff Richard and The Shadows performing Bachelor Boy together in 1984
‘Bachelor Boy’, co-written by Cliff Richard and his Shadows bandmate Bruce Welch, became more than just a song; it was a cultural statement, fueled by Sir Cliff’s well-known and often-discussed bachelor status. The song resonated with societal conversations about marriage and relationships in the early 1960s.
Originally released as the B-side to ‘The Next Time’ in 1962, ‘Bachelor Boy’ quickly overshadowed its A-side counterpart in popularity. Its gentle melody and lyrical themes of independence and carefree living struck a chord, becoming one of Cliff’s most enduring and beloved songs, and a frequent feature in his live performances.
5. Don’t Talk to Him
Cliff Richard performing Don't Talk To Him on TV show in 1974
‘Don’t Talk to Him’ is a testament to Cliff Richard’s early songwriting talent and his collaborative partnership with The Shadows. The music was composed by Shadows guitarist Bruce Welch, while the lyrics were an early foray into songwriting for Cliff himself, who initially felt apprehensive about the task.
Despite his initial nervousness, Cliff’s lyrical contribution, combined with Welch’s music, proved to be a winning formula. ‘Don’t Talk to Him’ climbed to number two in the charts, further solidifying Cliff Richard and The Shadows’ impressive run of hits throughout the 1960s. This song exemplifies their classic sound and enduring appeal during that era.
6. Miss You Nights
Cliff Richard in the official music video for Miss You Nights
‘Miss You Nights’ marked a significant comeback for Cliff Richard in the mid-1970s, showcasing his ability to adapt and remain relevant in a changing music industry. The song was initially written and recorded by Dave Townsend, but his version remained unreleased.
Through Bruce Welch, the song found its way to Cliff, who recognized its potential. ‘Miss You Nights’ became a hit, reaching number 15 in the UK charts in 1976 and revitalizing his career. A 1994 re-release as a double-A-side with ‘All I Have To Do Is Dream’ performed even better, reaching number 14, proving the song’s lasting appeal across generations.
7. Please Don’t Tease
Cliff Richard and The Shadows performing Please Don't Tease on The Cliff Richard Show in 1960
‘Please Don’t Tease’ marked another milestone in Cliff Richard and The Shadows’ early career, becoming their third number-one single. Co-written by Bruce Welch and his former bandmate Pete Chester, the song captured the youthful energy of the early 1960s pop scene.
Upon its release in 1960, ‘Please Don’t Tease’ quickly resonated with audiences, propelling it to the top of the charts and selling over 1.5 million copies worldwide. This song is a prime example of the catchy, upbeat sound that defined Cliff and The Shadows’ early hits and solidified their status as major pop stars.
8. Travellin’ Light
Cliff Richard and The Shadows performing Travellin' Light on TV show Cliff! in 1961
‘Travellin’ Light’ holds a notable place in Cliff Richard and The Shadows’ history as the first release after their name change from The Drifters to The Shadows. This change was necessary to avoid confusion with the successful American vocal group, The Drifters.
Despite the name change, ‘Travellin’ Light’ maintained the winning formula that had brought them success. It became Sir Cliff’s second number-one single, ending the 1950s decade on a high note and setting the stage for their continued chart dominance in the 1960s. The song is remembered for its breezy, optimistic feel.
9. Summer Holiday
Cliff Richard and The Shadows performing Summer Holiday together in 1984
‘Summer Holiday’ is inextricably linked to the iconic 1963 film of the same name, starring Cliff Richard. The song, taken from the film and album, became one of Cliff’s numerous number-one singles of the 1960s, epitomizing the carefree spirit of summer and youthful adventure.
The film Summer Holiday, directed by Peter Yates, featured Cliff Richard alongside a cast of notable British actors and The Shadows. The song itself is an upbeat, feel-good anthem that perfectly captured the optimistic mood of the era and remains a popular summer classic to this day.
10. Living Doll
Cliff Richard and The Shadows performing Living Doll at The Royal Variety Performance in 1960
‘Living Doll’ holds the distinction of being the first number-one single for Cliff Richard and The Shadows, back when they were still known as Cliff Richard and the Drifters. The song has an intriguing backstory connected to the musical Oliver! creator, Lionel Bart.
Originally written by Bart for the film Serious Charge as a rock ‘n’ roll number, Cliff initially performed it in that style in the movie. However, he felt it sounded inauthentic compared to American rock ‘n’ roll and insisted on recording it as a slower, more country-influenced song for its single release. This stylistic shift proved successful, giving them their first chart-topper. ‘Living Doll’ reached number one again in 1986 when re-recorded with Hank Marvin and the cast of the comedy series The Young Ones.
11. Wired for Sound
Cliff Richard in the music video for Wired For Sound
Cliff Richard entered the 1980s with the album I’m No Hero, but it was his 1981 album Wired for Sound that truly defined his sound for the decade. The title track and lead single, ‘Wired for Sound’, became a massive hit, reaching number four and selling over a quarter of a million copies.
The music video for ‘Wired for Sound’ is distinctly 80s, featuring Cliff roller-skating while listening to a Walkman in Milton Keynes Shopping Centre. This song and its video perfectly encapsulate the synth-pop influenced sound and emerging technology of the early 80s, marking Cliff’s successful adaptation to a new musical era.
12. The Young Ones
Cliff Richard performing The Young Ones at his 75th Birthday Concert in 2015
Speaking of The Young Ones, the song ‘The Young Ones’ originated as the title track from the 1961 film of the same name, starring Cliff Richard. In the film, Cliff plays Nicky, an aspiring singer determined to save his local youth club from being demolished by a property developer.
The single was an instant success, debuting at number one with over half a million pre-orders and eventually selling over 2.5 million copies globally. While it is famously known as the theme song for the 1980s sitcom The Young Ones, the sitcom’s rendition adopted a very different, more comedic style, highlighting the song’s versatility and enduring appeal.
13. Devil Woman
Cliff Richard in the official music video for Devil Woman
‘Devil Woman’, written by Terry Britten and Christine Authors, marked a significant milestone in Cliff Richard’s career by giving him his first US Top 20 hit. In the UK, the song reached number nine in 1976, but its American success was even more impressive.
‘Devil Woman’ climbed to number 6 on the US charts and achieved Gold certification, breaking Cliff Richard into the American market in a major way. This song showcased a more dramatic and theatrical style, different from his earlier pop hits, and broadened his international appeal.
14. Move It
Cliff Richard and The Shadows performing Move It on The Cliff Richard Show in 1960
‘Move It’ is where it all began for Cliff Richard and The Drifters, marking the start of a legendary career. Written by the band’s guitarist Ian Samwell, it was initially intended as the B-side to ‘Schoolboy Crush’, but its raw energy was undeniable.
‘Move It’ was rightfully promoted to the A-side of Cliff’s debut single and propelled him to overnight stardom, reaching number 2 in the UK charts. More than just a hit song, ‘Move It’ is considered a pivotal track in British music history, often credited as the first genuine British rock ‘n’ roll song, predating theMerseybeat sound and initiating the British rock revolution. The original recording famously features Cliff singing the same verse twice due to Samwell not having completed the second verse in time. This was later rectified in a 1995 re-recording for the album Hank Plays Cliff.
15. We Don’t Talk Anymore
Cliff Richard in the official music video for We Don't Talk Anymore
‘We Don’t Talk Anymore’ became another chart-topping success for Cliff Richard, spending four weeks at number one in 1979. This hit solidified his status as an artist who could transcend generations and musical eras.
‘We Don’t Talk Anymore’ was his tenth number-one single in the UK, marking a significant return to the top spot since ‘Congratulations’ in 1968. Its success in the US also made history, making Cliff Richard the first artist to reach the Hot 100’s top 40 in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, a testament to his unparalleled staying power and consistent appeal across decades.
Cliff Richard’s contribution to music is undeniable. These 15 songs are just a glimpse into his vast and impressive catalog. His ability to evolve, adapt, and consistently deliver hits across different eras has cemented his place as a true icon in music history. From rock ‘n’ roll beginnings to pop anthems and festive classics, Cliff Richard’s songs continue to be enjoyed by generations of fans worldwide.
