"The Only Way Out" by Cliff Richard

Song#:  1208
Date:  10/09/1982
Debut:  74
Peak:  64
Weeks:  7
Genre:  Pop, Contemporary Christian



Pop Bits:  As Richard's peak period in the US began to ebb, he suddenly made a left turn and veered into Christian rock territory. While not overtly religious, several of the songs that made up his album "Now You See Me...Now You Don't," had Christian overtones within the lyrics including this first single. Unfortunately, it's low peak signaled that Richard's US downslide was still in progress.

ReduxReview:  This song is not too far away from the pop he had been releasing in the years prior. However, it's just not quite as strong as songs like "Dreamin'," so the result is the lower peak. It's not an outstanding song, but I find it another enjoyable tune from this period in his career.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  Richard has said in an interview that he didn't inform anyone about this being a gospel album. He simply turned it in to his label and they didn't bat an eye. The album was set for release and marketed just like any other of Richard's releases. No marketing to the Christian/gospel market was done. The album did well in the UK reaching #4 and going gold thanks to this single hitting #10 and the #11 peak of the Christmas-timed release of "Little Town," an updated version of the carol "O, Little Town of Bethlehem."

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