Real as I Wanna Be
Cliff Richard · 1998
57 min · 13 tracks · pop music
A heartfelt blend of pop and rock, infused with reflective lyrics and rich melodies that showcase emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Real as I Wanna Be Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of authenticity and self-acceptance, featuring an uplifting chorus that resonates with listeners seeking reassurance.
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Even If It Breaks My Heart — This ballad combines emotional vulnerability with sweeping melodies, highlighting Richard's vocal prowess and ability to convey deep feelings through music.
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Butterfly Kisses — A tender tribute to fatherhood, this song stands out for its poignant lyrics and soothing arrangement, resonating with anyone who cherishes familial bonds.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends contemporary pop with classic elements, showcasing solid craftsmanship but lacking standout depth.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half shifts to slower ballads.
- Several tracks incorporate rich vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- The arrangement often includes strings and soft percussion, creating a lush backdrop for the melodies.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective journey
- uplifting anthems for personal reflection
- heartfelt ballads for emotional resonance
- consistent flow for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks over cohesion
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Debuted at number one in the UK, showcasing Richard's enduring popularity.
- Themes
- father-daughter bonds· personal reflection
- Career context
- Released in 1998, Real as I Wanna Be was Cliff Richard's 38th studio album, arriving after a prolific career spanning over four decades. At this point, he was transitioning into a more contemporary sound while maintaining his roots in pop rock, following the success of his previous album, The Album.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Elvis Presley· The Shadows· Buddy Holly
Tracklist
- 1 Real as I Wanna Be Start here 4:31
- 2 Even If It Breaks My Heart 3:44
- 3 Can’t Keep This Feeling In 3:49
- 4 Climbing Up Mount Everest 3:01
- 5 United for Evermore 4:20
- 6 She Makes Me Feel Like a Man 5:37
- 7 Butterfly Kisses 5:13
- 8 Snowfall on the Sahara 4:25
- 9 Woman and a Man 4:47
- 10 Till I’m Home Again 5:14
- 11 Come Back to Me 4:46
- 12 The Miracle 3:27
- 13 Vita Mia 4:17
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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