Cliff Richard announces first Christmas album in 19 years

Cliff Richard has announced his first Christmas album in almost 20 years.

Christmas with Cliff is scheduled to be released on 25 November and will be 13 tracks long and consist of classic hits and new festive songs.

The 81-year-old said of the new album: “I have always loved being in recording studios ever since Studio 2, Abbey Road, in 1958.

"I recorded this album in Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida – 4,427 miles away from Abbey Road – and once again I felt that I was in a world of my own!"

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Richard added: “This album is not just mine, it belongs to all of us involved in creating it, and I hope that we add a little something special to your Christmas season.”

Among the classic Christmas hits to appear on Christmas with Cliff are 'It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year', 'Sleigh Ride', 'Joy To The World', 'When A Child Is Born' and 'Jingle Bell Rock'.

Richard has had three Christmas number ones, two as a solo artist and another with his backing band The Shadows.

'Mistletoe and Wine' reached number one in 1988 with 'Saviour's Day' also reaching the top spot two years later.

In 1960, with backing band The Shadows, the song 'I Love You' was the Christmas number one.

Despite having not released a Christmas album since 2003, Richard has continued to work prolifically. His last album was released in 2020 and entitled Music... The Air That I Breathe.

When the album reached number three on the UK albums chart, Richard became the first ever artist to have a top five album across eight consecutive decades.

Richard's first album was released in 1959 and was a huge success, reaching number four and staying in the top 10 for 31 weeks.

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