Classic is the second studio album by British singer Joe McElderry.

[2] After his contract with Syco expired, and winning a second TV show Popstar to Operastar, McElderry confirmed that he would be recording his second studio album, stating, "It's not going to be pop, it's going to be a lot of big, lush ballads.

On 15 August 2011, Shields Gazette praised the album, saying "the balladeer is back and, with every listen, Classic gets better and better!.

"[15] Jamie Tabberer of Gay Times also praised the album, saying "A year on from his massively underrated debut Wide Awake and fresh from Popstar to Operastar victory Joe's poised to release his sophomore effort.

It's an album that does exactly what it says on the tin; a sophisticated, meticulously chosen collection of classic, classy, emotive anthems.

"[16] Heat magazine gave the album 4/5 stars, saying "Joe's debut Wide Awake may have been one of the most underrated pop albums ever, but after his storming victory on PTO, he has turned his talents to singing rousing opera tunes- and crikey, does that boy have a voice."

[17] On 7 September 2011,[18] during an appearance on the Alan Titchmarsh Show which was broadcast the following day, McElderry was presented with his official gold disc by his grandmother, Hilda Joyce.

[26] As stated above, the album received a gold certification from the British Phonographic Industry within ten days after its release.

The threshold for a gold certification from the BPI is 100,000 copies sold by the label to British retailers.

[28] On the Irish Albums Chart, Classic debuted at number 48 after its first week of release.