Cliff Richard was one of my early music heroes. He sang in a beautiful voice and his songs were simple to understand. My father loved his music and to top it all he had an Indian connection - he was born in Lucknow. In fact, I used to feel very good about this particular aspect. It was almost like India (read ‘we’) had a role in making him what he became.

This particular album came to me in the form of a magnetic tape and I took an immediate liking to it. I was a teenager then, full of my ideas of love and some of the songs in this collection validated them while some helped me form newer ideas. These ideas eventually led me to my first serious relationship. But, let’s not digress.

This LP has 20 tracks dating from 1960 (the iconic Fall In Love) to 1980 (the mildly popular A Little in Love). The other gems are Constantly (1964), A Voice In The Wilderness (1960), The Minute You’re Gone (1965), When The Girl In Your Arms (1961) and the super hit, Theme For A Dream (1961). But the best part of the album is the way it begins with its longing piano notes of Miss You Nights. Those notes keep playing in my head every now and then.

The mood of all these songs, put women on the higher and more powerful platform. In fact, most work of art in the direction of love does that, it gives a higher ground to what you seek, and in return makes you a humble seeker. I guess that’s what love is or should be.

Today, Cliff Richard resides at my home in the form of a couple of LPs and sometimes he comes out and sings to me through my turntable. He sings in a beautiful voice and the songs are simple and melodious. He has played a big role in my love for singing and western music He will always be one of my early music heroes.

And why am I reviewing this particular album called, ‘Love Songs’? Take a guess.

Year: 1981

Genre: Pop / Soft Rock

Label: EMI

Producer: Various

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Meraj Hasan

Meraj Hasan is a Mumbai based communication professional (and an amateur poet/musician) with a passion for listening to music the vinyl way. His 25 year old Technics turntable along with a humble collection of LPs across genres like Classic rock, Classical, Blues and Jazz (amongst others) are his prized possessions.

He can be reached at +91 9833410791 or email: meraj.hasan@gmail.com .