Wanted

by

Cliff Richard

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"Wanted" is one of those CD's you want to like a lot, but there is just enough irritating debris scattered throughout that it keeps it from being a really great CD. Cliff's desire to re-record some of these classic songs is admirable, and it really works on "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World." Somehow the "pop" approach adds to the ethereal essence of both of these classics. "All Shooks Up's" inclusion of Cliff's "Devil Woman" is also catchy and a nice change of pace from the frantic delivery usually given to this song. Sometimes the arrangements don't work well at all, particularly on "You've Got a Friend" and "Moon River." I agree with another reviewer who felt the synthetic orchestration is not as effective as an orchestral or "real" instrumental background. I Don't think "Right Here Waiting" is one of the songs that should be on this CD either. While Richard Marx is a talented singer/writer, this song is not one of his best, even though it was a huge hit. Cliff doesn't really do much with it. The only new song that is memorable is "Do You Wonder". So, why did I give it four stars? Amazingly, it's because in spite of these flaws, Cliff's voice (at the incredible age of 61) is still rich, evocative, and commanding. He sings better now than he ever has, and that's something to be said for this unsinkable icon. Cliff Richard fans should like this for that reason alone. If you're not familiar with Cliff, go back to his earlier albums, such as "I'm Nearly Famous" for hearing him at his vintage best!