Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Released in 2001 after EMI had unwisely released their superstar from contract, the short-lived Papillon Records took up the chance to demonstrate that the veteran still had plenty of fuel in his tank. Unfortunately, this album shows the singer, if not running on fumes, being a little lackadaisical about song selection. By some way the best tracks on 'Wanted' are the original songs - Chris Eaton's "Let Me Be The One" and Alan Tarney's "This Love You Will Never Forget" - but there are far too many covers/revivals here where one is forced to acknowledge that the first renditions of the songs by others are definitely better than Cliff's efforts. Producer Alan Tarney has worked hard to update oldies like Carol King's "You've Got A Friend", Lennon and McCartney's "And I Love Her" and Jackie de Shannon's "When You Walk In The Room" but too often the synth washes and electronic rhythms add nothing to the material. The one surprising success is Elvis' "All Shook Up" which has been transformed into a piece of danceable pop funk. The biggest disappointment is Sir Cliff's run through of "What's Love Got To Do With It" which leaves one pondering how Christendom's favourite has been willing to sing such a dubious lyric. All in all, an album only for hardcore Cliff collectors.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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