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Nik Kershaw. "Wouldn't It Be Good." I'm sorry, Nik, but that is how I know you.
If you don't know, "Wouldn't It Be Good" is a spectacular single from the 80's. So spectacular that I still have my cherished 12" vinyl version tucked away in the closet. In 2002, with the U.S. release of To Be Frank, I have become educated to the world of Nik Kershaw, and the unfortunate fact that he has reluctantly decided to exit his chosen career, largely due to disappointment at his lack of success. I should point out that "lack of success" is a wildly relative distinction....in addition to his own hits, Nik has written chart-toppers for Cliff Richard, Elton John, Boyzone and Chesney Hawkes.
To Be Frank is a pop-infused album with straight-ahead rockers, sweet ballads, catchy hooks and great lyrics. It begins with "Wounded," an ode to human resilience, which features lines like "Forrest Gump at Heaven's door, just looking for a clue" and "I don't think we've made it, don't care if we ever do." Set against a raucous Cuban-esque band it's one of those songs that makes you worry less about your troubles. "Jane Doe" is another radio-ready track with a driving chorus that sinks its hooks deep on first listen.
"Take Me To The Church" is a love song that has an almost imperceptible pause at the end of each verse that seems to say, "hold on - this is gonna be great," and then exhales into an exhilarating, simple and rewarding chorus.
Another favorite, and again an undeniable radio-hit, is "Hello World," a song about the lengths to which celebrities go to paint the public's perception of them. It closes with "the clothes I wear are shiny new, they match the three piece and the children too." I can't help but think of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, and the many other stars we, the public, adore and believe in ;-).
And happily, if not ironically, the disc closes with a new acoustic version of "Wouldn't It Be Good."
With some luck and the planets lining up just right, we'll see another hit from Nik Kershaw with To Be Frank, and have his next album to look forward to.
review by Bruce Hartley
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Figgle 2001-2007