The Essential
Nik Kershaw · 2000
74 min · 18 tracks · new wave · pop rock · R&B
A nostalgic blend of synth-pop and new wave, highlighting emotional depth and catchy melodies.
The Essential is an album by Nik Kershaw, released in 2000. A nostalgic blend of synth-pop and new wave, highlighting emotional depth and catchy melodies. 'The Essential' is significant for encapsulating Kershaw's contributions to the new wave genre and pop music during its peak. The compilation includes multiple Top 40 hits that solidified his reputation in the UK, particularly the enduring popularity of tracks like 'I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me,' which resonated with audiences and received critical acclaim over time. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Essential sound like?
A nostalgic blend of synth-pop and new wave, highlighting emotional depth and catchy melodies. Rooted in new wave and pop rock.
What makes The Essential by Nik Kershaw notable?
'The Essential' is significant for encapsulating Kershaw's contributions to the new wave genre and pop music during its peak. The compilation includes multiple Top 40 hits that solidified his reputation in the UK, particularly the enduring popularity of tracks like 'I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me,' which resonated with audiences and received critical acclaim over time. Released in 2000, 'The Essential' serves as a retrospective compilation of Nik Kershaw's influential work from the 1980s and 1990s. At this point in his career, Kershaw was transitioning away from the mainstream spotlight after his initial success with hits like 'Wouldn't It Be Good.' This album showcases both his chart-topping singles and deeper cuts, providing a comprehensive overview of his artistic evolution.
How many songs are on The Essential?
The Essential has 18 tracks, running approximately 74 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Wouldn't It Be Good Standout 4:32
- 2 I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me Standout 3:22
- 3 Dancing Girls 3:37
- 4 The Riddle Standout 3:54
- 5 Wide Boy 3:19
- 6 Nobody Knows 4:07
- 7 One Step Ahead 3:48
- 8 Human Racing 4:18
- 9 Don Quixote 4:09
- 10 Drum Talk 3:04
- 11 Shame on You 3:32
- 12 Bogart 4:41
- 13 When a Heart Beats 4:15
- 14 Wild Horses 4:00
- 15 Gone to Pieces 3:09
- 16 Radio Musicola 5:38
- 17 Cloak and Dagger 4:50
- 18 Save the Whale 5:49
Learn More
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.
