MIAMI, FL. (Decca Records) - Sir
Cliff Richard has released over 200 albums in a glittering career which has spanned five decades. Following an exciting new deal with Decca Records, he will be releasing his first studio album in three years, on the label this autumn.
The album 'Something's Going On' is an exciting collection of original songs ranging from upbeat pop numbers to soulful ballads - with a hint of country thrown in for good measure. It was recorded in Nashville with a selection of new and established writers, and Cliff also collaborated with Barry Gibb on two tracks, which were recorded in Miami.
Cliff has already performed many of the new album tracks to sell-out crowds on his recent 'Summer Nights' UK tour of stately homes. A live DVD of the Leeds Castle concert is due for release internationally this autumn.
Decca Records had the opportunity to sign Cliff in 1958 but the label, which later famously passed on the Beatles, also passed on Cliff.
Costa Pilavachi, President of Decca Records, says: "We may not have signed him back in 1958, but it's never too late to correct a mistake - and we're very excited to welcome Sir Cliff Richard to the Decca family in 2004, Decca's 75th year, with his exciting new album of great songs."
The deal is a joint venture with Universal Classics & Jazz UK and MD, Bill Holland says: "Sir Cliff Richard is a legend. He's the most enduring British pop singer of all time. We are thrilled to be working with him".
Cliff is delighted to join his new record company family and says: "The enthusiasm and confidence which everyone feels about my new album has given me a new lease of life!".
Cliff recorded 'Something's Goin' On' in Nashville because he felt like a change and wanted to get out of the UK, his usual recording ground. He also opted for an unusual and unique writing process, which involved his writers being handed envelopes at breakfast which put them in unfamiliar writing teams. They would then go off and see what happened - Cliff went back and forth to Nashville to check the progress, and found there was definitely something good going on, and the result was over 30 great songs, of which 13 were chosen for 'Something's Goin' On'.
His collaboration with Barry Gibb came about because they had each respected the other's music for a long time. When Barry suggested sending in some songs for consideration, Cliff was over the moon and even more so when he agreed to produce and sing backing vocals on the tracks 'I Cannot Give You My Love' and 'How Many Sleeps' (which is a bonus track on the first single).
Sir Cliff's brief to the writers was to write him some No 1's and expectation is high for yet another assault on record charts around the world. Cliff has had No 1 hits in five decades in the UK charts. He now competes for his first in the 21st century. Watch this space!
