"Wired for Sound" by Cliff Richard

Song#:  0774
Date:  10/10/1981
Debut:  83
Peak:  71
Weeks:  4
Genre:  Pop



Pop Bits:  Since his first chart entry in 1959, Richard could barely dent the US pop chart even though he was a huge star in the UK. He finally broke through with 1976's "Devil Woman" (#6) and several more hits followed including two other Top 10's. But his streak began to wind down when this title-track single to his next LP came out. Again, the song was another hit for him in the UK reaching #4, but in the US it could only muster a month on the chart. Richard will still grab one more Top 40 entry, but this basically brought an end to his success in the US.

ReduxReview:  This song is a bit unusual. It kind of has an early new wave-ish Billy Joel sound to it. I like the tune, but I'm not sure it is the best single. Richards's voice is a little strange here. It seems a little thin as compared to his other hits. It takes a few listens to really latch onto the song, but it's a nice add to his catalog.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  The "Wired for Sound" LP would be Richard's fourth and last regular studio album to reach the US chart. His best showing was 1976's "I'm Nearly Famous," which only reached #76. By comparison, it would become his thirteenth UK Top 10 studio album and not even close to being his last. Out of his 42 UK studio albums, 39 of those would reach the chart. This includes 27 Top 10's with the most current one coming in 2013. You can easily boost that number by adding in all his live albums, compilations, and soundtracks that have reached the chart and Top 10 as well.

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