Let’s take a trip back to a truly pivotal moment in British music history – the late 1950s, when rock and roll was just starting to take hold on this side of the Atlantic. And there, right at the forefront, shaking things up with an energy that was quite unlike anything we’d heard before, was Cliff Richard with his backing band, The Shadows, and their groundbreaking track, “Move It”. For those of us who were around at the time, or who have a keen interest in the roots of British rock, this song is nothing short of iconic.
“Move It”, released in 1958, is often cited as Britain’s first authentic rock and roll song. Up until that point, much of the popular music in the UK was either traditional pop or watered-down versions of American rock and roll. But “Move It” had a raw, untamed energy that felt genuinely new and exciting. It wasn’t just mimicking what was coming from across the pond; it had its own distinct, slightly edgier feel that would lay the groundwork for the British rock explosion of the 1960s.
Cliff Richard‘s vocal performance on “Move It” is a revelation. Gone were the crooning tones of the traditional pop singers. Instead, we heard a young man with a raw, almost urgent voice, full of youthful exuberance and a clear passion for this new sound called rock and roll. His delivery was direct and unpolished, perfectly capturing the rebellious spirit of the music. You could feel the energy and excitement in every note he sang. This wasn’t about smooth sophistication; it was about raw feeling and letting loose.
And then, of course, there were The Shadows. While they would later become famous for their incredibly polished and melodic instrumental pieces, their contribution to “Move It” was much more raw and blues-infused. Their guitar work provided a driving, energetic backbone to the song, with a slightly rougher edge than their later, more refined sound. It was a perfect complement to Cliff Richard‘s vocal style, creating a synergy that was truly electrifying. The simplicity of the instrumentation – primarily guitar, bass, and drums – only added to the song’s raw power.
Musically, “Move It” is a relatively straightforward rock and roll number, but its impact was immense. The driving rhythm, the slightly bluesy guitar riffs, and the simple yet effective song structure all contributed to its infectious energy. It was a song that made you want to get up and dance, to tap your feet, to simply move it. It captured the spirit of a generation that was ready for something new, something that felt more authentic and exciting than the music that had come before.
The cultural significance of “Move It” cannot be overstated. It signaled the arrival of a new era in British popular music. It showed that British artists could create rock and roll that was just as vital and exciting as anything coming from America. It paved the way for countless other British rock and roll bands and artists who would follow in Cliff Richard and The Shadows‘ footsteps. In many ways, “Move It” was the spark that ignited the British rock scene.
Looking back at “Move It” today, it still retains that raw energy and excitement that made it so groundbreaking. It’s a reminder of a time when rock and roll was still a relatively new and rebellious force, and it captures that spirit perfectly. Cliff Richard and The Shadows may have gone on to explore different musical avenues, but “Move It” remains a testament to their early, pioneering work and its crucial role in shaping the landscape of British popular music. It’s a track that deserves to be remembered and appreciated for its historical significance and its enduring energy.