1990 Cliff Richard: Saviour's Day

I'm not sure at what point the 'Cliff Richard Christmas Single' became something to watch out for every December, but I know that in some quarters of the nineties it was regarded as a tradition up there with holly and trees. After the po-faced, arms length jollity of 'Mistletoe And Wine', 'Savour's Day' at least has some fire in its belly and a purpose in its step as Cliff gives thanks to another year done. Though the word 'Christmas' is noticeably absent, there's no doubt what the message is here ("Life can be yours if you'll only stay. He is calling you, calling you"), but what could so easily have been heavy handed sermonising (yet again, Cliff's face on the cover doesn't look like he's in the mood to get the party started) is wrapped up in a good value hook that the song can never wait to return to and a "Raise your glasses drink to the King" refrain that would have eased the guilt of those loading up the boot with slabs of lager no end. Look, there's even some cod new age pipes to get the Pagans involved. It's hardly the first pop Christmas song I look forward to hearing, but at least it doesn't have me itching to ram my fingers in my ears the way his previous one always does. It doesn't cancel it out, but seeing as it's Christmas we'll call it a draw. For now anyway.