Sir Cliff Richard Gives Bible Psalm a Reggae Makeover

Sir Cliff Richard is exploring a new musical style by recording a reggae version of a biblical psalm for a future Christmas release.

The 86-year-old singer has revealed he is "learning reggae" for a musical interpretation of The Lord Is My Shepherd, written by songwriter Chris Eaton. Eaton previously penned Sir Cliff's 1990 festive hit Saviour's Day, which reached number one on the UK singles chart.

During a question-and-answer session at the Rose Theatre in Kingston, London, as reported by The Sun, the singer explained: "I’ve never sung reggae before, but Chris is really good at it. He’s phrased it like that, so I’m learning reggae.

"He’s written me Number Ones at Christmas, and his new song is based on one of the psalms. I can’t sing it yet as I’ve not learnt it. But it goes: 'The Lord Is My Shepherd' ... and it’s reggae."

The Telegraph reports that the song will appear on a Christmas album planned for release next year.

Sir Cliff's next project is his Only Number Ones album, which is set to arrive next month.

The singer has recorded his own versions of some of his favourite chart-topping songs from across eight decades, including Spirit In the Sky, Oh Pretty Woman, Return To Sender, a fresh take on White Christmas and a cover of Harry Styles' track Sign of the Times.

Sir Cliff said: "I suggested to Warner Music that I record an album of songs that made it to No.1. Thank heavens they agreed!!

"I listened to dozens of songs and chose 12 of my favourites. This record is my tribute to fabulous artists who had recorded wonderful tracks that achieved the number one position."

Only Number Ones was produced by Sam Hollander and Josh Edmondson and recorded in February this year. The album will also be available as a deluxe edition.

It will include all 14 of Cliff's original number one hits, from Living Doll and Bachelor Boy to The Young Ones, Summer Holiday, Congratulations and We Don’t Talk Anymore, alongside his three Christmas number ones, Mistletoe and Wine, Saviours Day and The Millennium Prayer.

Only Number Ones, the music legend's 48th studio album, is due for release on November 27.