Nik Kershaw
15 Minutes

THE REVIEW

Those who have been around for a few decades will surely remember a guy with an enormous signature quiff who was popular around the mid-'80s with two hits like "WOULDN'T IT BE GOOD" and "I WON'T LET SUN GO DOWN."

Both hits were present on the debut album "HUMAN RACING," from which you could already sense that this pocket-sized Englishman had immense talent, enough to distinguish and appreciate him (and in those times, it was a real feat) among the many Duran Duran clones. The genre could only be a danceable techno-pop, but good old Nik managed to "Humanize it" with a successful mix between electronic and traditional instruments, such as a prominently featured funky bass, and above all, thanks to an exquisite melodic search. The result, considering we're talking about easy listening, was objectively very pleasing.

We will see him rise to glory again the following year (1984) with the excellent "Riddle," which confirms he was not a one-hit wonder, a more mature album where the sound gradually loses its previously marked techno-pop imprint, flowing toward a pop "easy-smart-listening" with his unmistakable touch. This was followed by two more albums "Radio Musicala" (1986) and "Works" (1990), equally valid works but completely ignored by the general public. Perhaps a bit frustrated by not receiving the critical (and sales) recognition he deserved, Kershaw withdraws from the public scene but continues to work in the music field, writing (we imagine at a fairly high price) his pieces for other performers. Nine years roll by, and arriving at 1999, our friend decides it's time to "step back onto the field," but without causing any harm... quite the opposite...

The opening track of "15 MINUTES", "SOMEBODY LOVE YOU", sweeps away in one stroke all the electronic scrap of his previous productions to immerse completely in the warmer waters of catchy and quality pop rock. This track is the synthesis of all that will follow in the next 12 tracks. Frequent melodic variations, a captivating chorus, and a brief and intense guitar solo give us a new Nick who decisively changes course and musical genre while maintaining his compositional flair. "15 MINUTES" is an intense album. It may not have actually taken him 9 years to compose, but the result is that we witness a well-considered work (without a doubt...), excellently arranged and produced. Noteworthy is "YOUR BRAVE FACE" perhaps the best track where it's impossible not to mimic the delightful guitar riffs, the exceedingly enjoyable and driving "MADE IN HEAVEN", the eponymous track "15 MINUTES" with a goosebump-inducing chorus. The more subdued and atmospheric "BILLY", "FICTION", "SHINE", and "FIND ME AN ANGEL" where one seems to hear the best of A-HA, or the pressing "STICK AROUND" and "GOD BLESS".

The final gem is the regenerated "WOULDN'T IT BE GOOD", rearranged with the use of just one acoustic guitar. Even on the first listen, it's hard to understand why works like this haven't even graced the airwaves, considering the genre is more than accessible and intended for the masses.

This album reaffirms the pop music dogma. Talent and style do not go hand in hand with success... And our Nik will be more frustrated than before.