Released 6 years ago this October
Oxymoron
Nik Kershaw · 2020
67 min · 16 tracks · new wave
A vibrant blend of synth-pop and reflective lyrics that captures the essence of contemporary life with a nostalgic twist.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Chosen Ones Start here — This opening track features an infectious melody paired with thoughtful lyrics that set the tone for the entire album's exploration of hope and resilience.
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Can’t Go On — With its poignant reflection on struggle and perseverance, this track showcases Kershaw's lyrical depth and emotional resonance, making it a centerpiece of the album.
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She Gets Me — This song stands out for its intimate storytelling and catchy chorus, highlighting Kershaw's signature ability to blend personal experiences with accessible pop sensibilities.
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Let's Get Lost — With its upbeat energy and escapist themes, this track exemplifies Kershaw's knack for crafting songs that encourage listeners to embrace life's adventures.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends catchy melodies with reflective lyrics, showing Kershaw's growth while maintaining a familiar sound.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat synth-driven tracks, while the second half shifts to more introspective ballads.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- reflective journey through nostalgia
- steady flow with gradual development
- for evening relaxation
- thoughtful melodies for introspection
- captures a sense of longing
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Significant return after a decade, showcasing continued creativity and relevance.
- Themes
- nostalgic synth-pop· intimate storytelling· contemporary resilience
- Career context
- Oxymoron is Nik Kershaw's first album in over a decade, following his 2006 release, You've Got to Laugh. This album marks a significant return to form for the artist, who rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like 'Wouldn't It Be Good'. Kershaw's evolution as a songwriter is evident, showcasing maturation in themes and sound after years away from the studio.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Howard Jones· a-ha· Duran Duran
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Can't Go On
The narrative shifts from despair to determination through vivid imagery of overcoming obstacles.
This shift in perspective transforms the emotional landscape of the song, illustrating a journey from darkness into light.
Tracklist
- 1 The Chosen Ones Start here 4:00
- 2 From Cloudy Bay to Malibu 4:28
- 3 Can’t Go On 3:48
- 4 The Wind Will Blow 3:35
- 5 I Do Believe 4:18
- 6 The Best I Can 4:31
- 7 Roundabouts and Swings 3:56
- 8 She Gets Me 4:20
- 9 Babylon Brothers 4:43
- 10 Little Star 3:33
- 11 Let’s Get Lost 4:46
- 12 Come Back Tomorrow 3:39
- 13 These Little Things 5:09
- 14 Long Live the King 3:20
- 15 The Smallest Soul 4:25
- 16 They Were There 4:37
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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