Nik Kershaw was (still is?) one of my sister's favourite artists and like Howard Jones, he was heard many times through the thin walls that separated our bedrooms. Released way back in 1984, Wouldn't It Be Good was released as the second single from his Human Racing album (the others being I Won't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Dancing Girls, and Human Racing). I was never really that fond of the song when I was younger, but that was probably due to hearing it over, and over again. However, as with many things from my childhood, it has grown on me immensely and I've really come to appreciate and enjoy Nik's work. Perhaps it's the nostalgia that comes with listening to him or the feeling of reliving the 80s again? Either way, it's a really good song. Modern musical artists should take note.
It spent 15 weeks in the charts, peaking at a very impressive number 4. The music video is memorable for featuring Nik Kershaw as an alien wearing an insanely bright (and animated) suit, created using chroma key technology.
Enjoy!
"Wouldn't it be good to be in your shoes
Even if it was just for one day
And wouldn't it be good if we could wish ourselves away
Wouldn't it be good to be on your side
The grass is always greener over there
And wouldn't it be good if we could live without a care"
Also, check out this insanely brilliant version of the song, recorded at the 80s Classical event in Leeds 2019. Nik Kershaw performs Wouldn't It Be Good with the Orchestra of Opera North.
