Originally written by Michaela Annot · 7 June 2004
Charlotte Hatherley
Kim Wilde
Label: Double Dragon Release Date: 07/06/2004
After three albums of kicking it with the boys, the second-fittest one in Ash finally gets around to carrying on with her pre-'Nu Clear Sounds' work.
Taken from her 'Grey Will Fade' solo album, which is expected to drop at the tail-end of the summer, 'Kim Wilde' is as catchy as the subject title's signature hit. Squeals of keyboards duel with chugging guitars to vye with doo-wop harmonies and seemingly three different choruses. Lessons have been taken from Mr Wheeler regarding things like amazing middle-eights and killer backing vocals. Why's it called 'Kim Wilde'? Well, note cheeky reference to feeling like a "Kid in America" plus the fact that she's nicked the whole song's structure...
However, we'll simply say that Charlotte's debut single is an absolute storming summer pop juggernaut and is well worth your attention. Because it is and it is.
• 8 Michaela Annot's Score