Introduction to the Album
Cliff Richard, often referred to as the “British Elvis,” is a figure whose influence spans decades of music history. In 1982, Richard released his 16th studio album, Silver, which marked a distinctive point in his career. The album, produced by Alan Tarney, found Richard experimenting with more contemporary sounds while still maintaining the melodic charm that had defined his career since the late 1950s. Silver features a mixture of soft rock, pop, and ballads, and its release was a celebratory moment in Cliff Richard’s long-standing success, serving as a testament to his ability to adapt while remaining true to his roots. “What Car,” one of the standout tracks from the album, embodies the themes of yearning and materialism with a reflective, yet light-hearted pop tune that captures both the whimsical and profound aspects of mid-80s pop music.
The Song and Its Themes
“What Car” is a song that sits in the liminal space between pop sophistication and personal reflection. The track lyrically explores a playful yet earnest inquiry into the materialistic desires and the idealistic pursuit of an unattainable image of happiness through possessions—specifically, through the metaphor of a car. The notion of a “dream car” has long been associated with status, wealth, and the pursuit of the ‘perfect’ life, and in the song, Cliff Richard cleverly uses the vehicle as both a symbol of freedom and an object of desire. The narrator, while captivated by the allure of materialism, also seems to wrestle with the emptiness that these possessions cannot fully satisfy. In its essence, “What Car” captures the bittersweet nature of consumerism—where people long for things that promise happiness but often fall short of delivering deeper fulfillment.
The song’s melody is catchy and upbeat, but there’s an underlying melancholy in the way the verses unfold, giving it a sense of vulnerability. This duality in tone—the shiny optimism of the music contrasted with a more introspective lyrical content—adds depth to the song, making it more than just another pop tune.
Instrumentation and Sounds
The instrumental arrangement in “What Car” is a defining feature of the song, blending rich synthesizer layers with crisp, catchy rhythms. Alan Tarney, the producer, was known for his ability to create smooth, radio-friendly pop sounds, and he brings a polished, almost ethereal quality to the track. The song opens with a signature synthesizer riff that is both immediate and inviting, setting the tone for the pop-driven narrative. The synthesizers are complemented by a driving bass line that provides a solid foundation throughout the track. These elements are essential in crafting a sound that is unmistakably ’80s, yet they manage to avoid overwhelming the song’s more introspective themes.
The drum machine is another defining feature of the track. The sharp, snare-heavy beats lend the song a slight mechanical feel, which reflects the subject matter of consumerism and the automation of desire. The use of drum machines was a hallmark of early ’80s pop, and here it reinforces the artificiality of the materialistic world the song critiques.
Richard’s vocal delivery is another key component of the track’s charm. His voice, seasoned with years of experience and emotional depth, effortlessly glides over the track’s soaring melodies, lending a sense of authenticity to the otherwise synthetic soundscape. There is an interesting interplay between the warm, human quality of his voice and the more detached, electronic backdrop, which mirrors the tension between the human desire for connection and the increasingly consumer-driven world.
Analysis of Song Structure and Composition
The song is structured in a traditional verse-chorus-verse format, which is typical of pop songs, but it features several creative twists that keep it engaging. The verses are relatively simple, with a repetitive melody that helps cement the song’s main theme. The chorus, however, is where the song truly shines—catchy, memorable, and uplifting, it provides an emotional release that contrasts with the introspective nature of the verses.
One interesting compositional aspect of “What Car” is the way the instrumental textures evolve throughout the track. While the introduction features a relatively sparse arrangement, the song progressively builds layers of sound, especially in the bridge, where a string section is subtly introduced. This evolution in texture not only makes the song more dynamic but also emphasizes the growth of the narrator’s emotional arc—from the superficial desire in the verses to the emotional complexity of the bridge and final chorus.
The contrast between major and minor keys, particularly in the verses and the bridge, highlights the song’s thematic tension. While the overall feel of the song is light and breezy, the minor chords introduce a touch of wistfulness, suggesting that the pursuit of material wealth is not as fulfilling as one might hope.
Cliff Richard’s Role in the Song
As with much of Cliff Richard’s music, there is a sincerity in his vocal delivery that makes his songs resonate. His ability to evoke genuine emotion, even in a relatively light-hearted pop song, elevates the material. In Silver, Richard’s voice is more controlled and refined, showing the evolution of a singer who has now spent over two decades in the industry. His performance in “What Car” is more nuanced than one might expect from a pop track, balancing the upbeat nature of the music with a more subdued, reflective tone.
The song, despite its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, could be seen as a commentary on the shallowness of the pursuit of wealth and possessions. Richard’s delivery avoids any sense of judgment or moralizing, instead choosing to let the lyrics speak for themselves. His voice almost acts as a neutral observer, offering a bittersweet perspective on the materialistic chase that is prevalent in society.
Similar Songs for Further Exploration
For listeners who enjoy What Car and are looking for songs with similar vibes or thematic elements, several other tracks from Cliff Richard’s catalog and the ’80s pop landscape may provide an interesting listening experience:
- “Carrie” – Cliff Richard
Another track from Silver, “Carrie” is a smooth, reflective ballad that explores the complexities of relationships and emotional vulnerability. It shares the same polished production values as “What Car” and provides a deeper dive into Cliff Richard’s softer, introspective side. - “Private Dancer” – Tina Turner
Released in 1984, this song, like “What Car,” uses metaphor and symbolism to explore the themes of materialism, desire, and personal fulfillment. Both songs feature strong, emotive vocal performances and a reflective tone beneath a polished pop surface. - “Sailing” – Rod Stewart
Another soft rock anthem from the early ’80s, “Sailing” offers a wistful reflection on life’s challenges and the yearning for peace and freedom. Its sweeping orchestration and emotive vocal performance bear a certain similarity to the poignant moments in “What Car.” - “Sweet Love” – Anita Baker
While not pop, this smooth R&B ballad from the mid-’80s shares the introspective lyrical quality that “What Car” taps into. Anita Baker’s soulful vocals and the lush instrumentation make this track a wonderful, reflective complement to Cliff Richard’s song.
Conclusion
Cliff Richard’s “What Car” is a brilliant reflection of 1980s pop music’s playful sophistication, balancing light-hearted musicality with deep introspection. The song critiques materialism and consumerism while wrapping its themes in an infectious melody and contemporary soundscape. It stands out not only for its catchy hooks but for its deeper commentary on the fleeting nature of happiness derived from possessions. Through its production, instrumentation, and Cliff Richard’s vocal performance, “What Car” remains a standout track from Silver, encapsulating both the era’s musical trends and the more timeless reflections on human desires and disillusionment.