Rocktrospectiva: The Complete And Well-Crafted "The Riddle" Turns 40

 

Released on 19 November 1984 "The Riddle" was the second studio album by English singer-songwriter Nik Kershaw, considered his best album. It was recorded pretty quickly to cash in on the unexpected success of his debut Human Racing, though featured a fair amount of post-production courtesy of the excellent Peter Collins. The album spawned three singles "The Riddle", "Wide Boy" & "Don Quixote".

The album features a very solid but expressive rhythm section courtesy by Elton John sticksman Charlie Morgan and ex-Secret Affair bassist Dennis Smith plus a great guest appearance from Level 42’s Mark King on the track "Easy". Kershaw's use of synths was kind of revolutionary, with intriguing sequencer patterns and subtle, almost subliminal pads.

Definetely the album, screams the mid-1980s, but every song on it is memorable and has a very distinct flavour. On a songwriting level, Kershaw always knows how to keep things interesting for the listener. "Know How" is a coming across somewhere between Level 42 and Talking Heads, it veers into prog territory with its superb pair of instrumental breakdowns. The cover of the very pretty "Wild Horses" is another highlight, the tracks "City Of Angels" and eco-themed "Roses" have more than a hint of Steely Dan. "Wide Boy" and "Don Quixote" have lots of interesting melodic modulations under their pop sheen. Now "Easy" is a brilliant band performance and crafty composition with a nutty middle eight, while the closing ballad "Save The Whale" is also musically rich.

The album peaked at No.8 in the UK, and the lead single "The Riddle" was No. 3,  "Wide Boy" peaked at No. 9, & "Don Quixote" at No. 10. It all set the scene for a big follow-up, and The Riddle didn’t disappoin, the album was received favourably by the majority of music critics, especially focus on the attention well-deserved the artist finally gained on this unique style of well-crafted synth-pop.

The Riddle Track List:

 

1.  Don Quixote

2. Know How

3. You Might

4. Wild Horses

5. Easy

6. The Riddle

7. City Of Angels

8. Roses

9. Wide Boy

10. Save The Whale