The Riddle
Nik Kershaw · 1984
42 min · 10 tracks · new wave
A vibrant blend of synth-pop and new wave, layered with catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics that resonate across generations.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Riddle — This title track encapsulates Kershaw's knack for storytelling through music, blending whimsical imagery with deeper philosophical questions about life.
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Wide Boy — With its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics, this track critiques the superficiality of fame and fortune while showcasing Kershaw's signature melodic hooks.
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Don Quixote Start here — This song stands out for its rich narrative quality and metaphorical exploration of idealism versus reality, reflecting Kershaw's songwriting prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong melodies and thoughtful lyrics but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of synthesizers layered with melodic hooks, particularly evident in tracks like 'Know How' and 'The Riddle'.
- Several tracks employ a call-and-response vocal technique, creating an engaging dynamic between Kershaw's lead vocals and background harmonies.
- The tempo varies across the album, with tracks like 'Wild Horses' providing a slower pace that contrasts with the more upbeat songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- catchy hooks for easy listening
- short, engaging track durations
- upbeat melodies for light moods
- conversational themes and storytelling
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Kershaw's reputation with hit singles and critical acclaim.
- Themes
- philosophical riddles· superficial fame critique· idealism versus reality
- Career context
- Released in late 1984, The Riddle marked Nik Kershaw's third studio album, following the success of his previous work, Human Racing. At this point in his career, Kershaw had already established himself as a prominent figure in the UK pop scene, but this album aimed to consolidate his artistic identity and commercial appeal.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Howard Jones· a-ha· Duran Duran
Tracklist
- 1 Don Quixote Start here 4:54
- 2 Know How 4:52
- 3 You Might 3:16
- 4 Wild Horses 3:58
- 5 Easy 4:14
- 6 The Riddle 3:51
- 7 City Of Angels 3:56
- 8 Roses 3:57
- 9 Wide Boy 3:26
- 10 Save The Whale 5:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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