Sir Cliff Richard is set to release his 48th studio album, featuring a collection of covers paying homage to UK number one hits by artists including The Beatles, Elvis Presley and Harry Styles. Titled Only Number Ones, the 12-track record sees the 85-year-old musician reimagine classic and contemporary chart-topping singles spanning the past eight decades. His renditions include Norman Greenbaum’s 1969 hit “Spirit In The Sky”, alongside “I’m A Believer” by The Monkees and Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas”.
Sir Cliff said: "I suggested to Warner Music that I record an album of songs that made it to number one. Thank heavens they agreed! I listened to dozens of songs and chose 12 of my favourites.
"This record is my tribute to fabulous artists who had recorded wonderful tracks that achieved the number one position." The tracklist incorporates a cover of former One Direction singer Styles’ debut solo number one, “Sign Of The Times”, as well as “From Me To You” by The Beatles. Sir Cliff has also recorded interpretations of “All I Have To Do Is Dream” by The Everly Brothers and “My Sweet Lord” by former Beatles member George Harrison. Further tracks comprise “Rock Around The Clock” by Bill Haley And His Comets, David Soul’s “Don’t Give Up On Us”, and Roy Orbison’s hit “Oh, Pretty Woman”.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. A rendition of “Return To Sender” by Elvis Presley is also featured on the collection, which is scheduled for release on November 27.
The deluxe edition will also incorporate 14 of Sir Cliff’s own UK number one singles, including “We Don’t Talk Anymore”, “The Young Ones”, “Bachelor Boy”, “Summer Holiday” and “Congratulations”. Having been recorded in February, its 2026 release coincides with the 67th anniversary of his first number one single, “Living Doll”. Recorded by Sir Cliff and The Drifters in 1959, the track became the UK’s bestselling single that year according to the Official Charts Company and also won an Ivor Novello Award.
Ahead of the release of his upcoming record, Sir Cliff is holding a special afternoon tea in London one day after his 86th birthday, with fans who pre-order Only Number Ones offered the chance to take part. Sir Cliff remains the third best-selling artist in UK singles chart history, having achieved 14 chart-topping tracks, seven number one albums and three Brit Awards during his decades-long career. A former actor, he is also famed for appearing in popular films including Wonderful To Be Young, Wonderful Life and Summer Holiday.
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