Johnny Nash’s beloved classic “I Can See Clearly Now” has officially been certified Platinum in the United Kingdom, recognizing over 400,000 units sold, according to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
The milestone comes today April 11, 2025, more than 50 years after the song’s original release in 1972.
Written and produced by Nash, “I Can See Clearly Now” was released as the lead single from his twelfth studio album of the same name. It quickly became a global hit, climbing to No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, where it held the top spot for four consecutive weeks beginning November 4, 1972. It also reached No. 1 in Canada and South Africa, while peaking at No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart, and charting in the top ten in countries including Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand.
The song’s reggae-soul fusion, inspired by Nash’s work with Bob Marley and members of the Fabulous Five Inc., gave it a distinctive sound that set it apart in the early ’70s. Its hopeful lyrics and catchy melody struck a chord with listeners worldwide, earning it critical acclaim and strong commercial performance.
“I Can See Clearly Now” has continued to find new audiences through the decades. It was famously covered by Jimmy Cliff for the 1993 film Cool Runnings, whose version reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other notable covers include a Dutch Top 40 hit by Lee Towers in 1982.
