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Human Racing

by Nik Kershaw

Released: February 27, 1984

Pop, new wave, synth-pop, pop rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Human Racing" is the debut studio album by English singer-songwriter Nik Kershaw, released initially in February 1984 on MCA Records. Musically, "Human Racing" features synth-pop and new wave styles, showcasing Kershaw's penchant for catchy melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. Other singles include the title track "Human Racing" and "I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." Before the album's release, Kershaw had been working as a jobbing songwriter and was relatively unknown.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

"Human Racing" effectively launched his career and established…

"Human Racing" effectively launched his career and established him as one of the leading singer-songwriters of the 1980s.

Despite the upbeat synth sounds, Kershaw's lyrics often…

Despite the upbeat synth sounds, Kershaw's lyrics often convey thought-provoking themes and social commentary, which set him apart from many of his contemporaries.

Throughout the album, his unique style and individuality…

Throughout the album, his unique style and individuality are clearly evident, leading him to be recognized as an accomplished and distinctive artist of the decade.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Nik Kershaw - Human Racing

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Then

Reception

The album was a commercial success, peaking in the top 5 on the UK Albums Chart and was certified Platinum in the UK. It also garnered success globally, charting in numerous other countries. The album spawned several hit singles, most notably "Wouldn't It Be Good," which reached no. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and garnered international success.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Human Racing" is the debut studio album by English singer-songwriter Nik Kershaw, released initially in February 1984 on MCA Records. The album was a commercial success, peaking in the top 5 on the UK Albums Chart and was certified Platinum in the UK. It also garnered success globally, charting in numerous other countries.

Musically, "Human Racing" features synth-pop and new wave styles, showcasing Kershaw's penchant for catchy melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. The album spawned several hit singles, most notably "Wouldn't It Be Good," which reached no. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and garnered international success. Other singles include the title track "Human Racing" and "I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me."

Before the album's release, Kershaw had been working as a jobbing songwriter and was relatively unknown. "Human Racing" effectively launched his career and established him as one of the leading singer-songwriters of the 1980s. Despite the upbeat synth sounds, Kershaw's lyrics often convey thought-provoking themes and social commentary, which set him apart from many of his contemporaries. Throughout the album, his unique style and individuality are clearly evident, leading him to be recognized as an accomplished and distinctive artist of the decade.