"Radio Musicola" is the third studio album by English singer-songwriter Nik Kershaw, released on 20 October 1986 by MCA Records. This album marked Kershaw's first time producing his own work and featured guest backing vocalists like Iva Davies from Icehouse and Stevie Lange. While it received critical acclaim, it peaked at #47 on the UK Albums Chart, indicating a downturn in Kershaw's commercial success. Four singles were released, including "When a Heart Beats," "Nobody Knows," "Radio Musicola," and "James Cagney," but none reached the Top 20. Despite this, "When a Heart Beats" found minor success, although it was not included on the LP version. The album remains Kershaw's last to make the Top 75 and was certified silver by the BPI.
The album reflected Kershaw's frustrations with media integrity, privacy, and the sameness of pop music, themes evident in both the lyrics and cover art. The cover depicted a faux pocket radio, and the LP included 1950s-style spoof advertisements with song titles. "When a Heart Beats" was the lead single, peaking at #27 in the UK and achieving greater success in Ireland at #14. Subsequent singles "Nobody Knows" and "Radio Musicola" peaked at #44 and #43, respectively. Kershaw later acknowledged that the quick succession of albums may have led to diminished public interest, contributing to the album's poor sales.
