Nik Kershaw - To Be Frank (12 tracks) +Album Reviews

Nik's stolen the show...he just don't know! It's perfect!

hippiedj | Palm Desert, CA USA | 08/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the sheer joyous fun of "Wounded" to the warm hug of "Show Them What You're Made Of," Nik Kershaw's latest offering To Be Frank is perfect for those seriously looking for true music instead of worrying what will help them be with the "kewl" crowd.I have been a Kershaw fan since 1984 and Nik seems to care about his fans and shows he loves to share his musical talent. This time around he's more acoustic but still with plenty of emotion to back it up. There have been few songs over the years that have deeply affected me like Paula Cole's "I Am So Ordinary" and Tori Amos' "Crucify," and Nik's song "Already" is the latest example of how perfect a song can be lyrically as well as in the melody. Take a listen to this track and you'll find yourself looking up, tilting your head a little to one side, and smiling as you sing along. It's got such a powerful feeling of hope.On To Be Frank, Nik's vocals are right upfront, never upstaging the music and never drowned out by effects. When songs are sad they never are depressing, they are hopeful even when about conflict, and upbeat songs can be sly with a knowing wink and smile. It's a nice touch that many of these tracks overlap each other (which might aggravate those wanting certain tracks for personal mix compilations), it keeps a nice flow and gives the feel of a complete story. Musically, it's amazing how the songs never maintain a sameness -- there are shifts within the songs that never interfere with the rhythm or enjoyment.While an acoustic flavor is present throughout, there are a nice range of sounds going on here. "Wounded" will please those that remember the upbeat fun of "Don Quixote," there's the folk style of "Take Me To The Church," a pinch of funk in the wonderful "All's Fair," the toe-tapping rhythm of "Die Laughing," and the more guitar-driven "Jane Doe" (for those that liked the sound of his previous album 15 Minutes, this track will please). I personally find "Already" to be the most perfect track, it always brightens my day listening to it.It's a shame that the two import tracks "They Say" and "Food For Fantasy" weren't included on this release as I was not able to get my hands on the CD single of "Wounded" and many in the U.S. like myself will be left without! It is rather odd too, that the acoustic version of "Wouldn't It Be Good" was once again put on To Be Frank since it was also included on 15 Minutes. I never tire of any version of that song, but why they keep including that one is a mystery.It's also a mystery that Nik Kershaw hasn't been invited to appear on any of the U.S. late night talk shows to perform yet, or even been pushed by MTV/VH1. There could be a whole new group of fans out there for him if some of these more commercial powers-that-be would give him a chance. After all, they are already offering an overdose of artists who scream at the top of their lungs to squeeze money out of the baggy jeans crowd. Nik offers something different, something fresh. In the meantime, I feel proud to be one of his supporters and will be spreading the word about his great music.In my opinion, as the song "Already" states: "He's already there, he's already made it, he's already stolen the show...he just don't know." I have a feeling though that Nik Kershaw knows how much his music means to his fans, and will continue to share with us for a long time to come."

The Best Album of the Last 10 Years

kcwmsu92 | In The Middle of the Mitten! | 02/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To Be Frank is one of those records that captures your attention from the opening notes and never lets go. The disc is absolute brilliance from beginning to end. The lyrics are like practical advice from someone who's been there - from the hopeful pleadings of "Get Up" to the cautionary tale of "Already", from the don't-let-her-get-away of "All is Fair" to the you're-a-better-person-because-of-it of "Wounded" - each song seems to solve one of the several problems we all have. The album shows us that the best time for optimism is when there's no reason to have any. If you're looking for new chapter of 80's synthpop, then don't buy this CD - the mechanics of "Don Quixote" have given way to a seamless combination of guitars and keyboards, and the vocals have never been better. His music has transitioned much like the lives of his fans since the early 80's - older, wiser, and much more refined."

Excellent album - give it a go, you'll be glad you did

chrisoleary67 | Plymouth, MA United States | 10/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an excellent album full of great tracks by a truly great musician. I got hooked onto Nik's catchy tunes and lyrics with the release of Wouldn't it be Good in 1984 and have always looked forward to his new releases (the ten year hiatus in the 90's was murder). This album (and 15 Minutes [1999]) proves Nik has a lasting and enviable talent.
The single Wounded took minutes to grow on me, as did Get Up and Already, but I think the outstanding track on the album is One Day. One listen and you will be over the moon with its tune, subtle lyric and positive message. As always, Nik has a mastery of chord progressions, tune and lyric as well as overall production values. The songs are never overdone or over orchestrated.
My only complaint is that Nik has once again gone into hiding after sales and promotion hassles in the UK. If only radio and tv powers could get over his 80's success and persona!! God knows Nik has and we are all the better for it. I fear that he will never release another album which will surely be our great loss.
Buy this album, give it a couple of listens and you will be glad you did, because it is one album (and artist) that you will always come back to again and again."

Worth every penny

HG | Austin, TX USA | 08/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

""To Be Frank" is the only import album I ever bought that is worth every bit of the 20-some-odd dollars I paid for it, in fear of its never seeing the light of day in the US. You now (apparently) have the opportunity of picking up this gem at a more reasonable price of under 15 bucks. Buy this album NOW if you like clever pop rock. This record is miles above the competition. I really can't find anything in that genre that I like half as much as this. Nik Kershaw is a true pop genius. If you don't buy it now, it may well disappear, and you will never know what a wondrous thing you've missed."

Very powerful, masterful pop

Michael Paulsen | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA USA | 04/23/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Nik Kershaw has been out of the limelight long enough now that this album should finally gain him some well-earned recognition. Something of a one-hit wonder back in the 80's with "Wouldn't It Be Good" (although he clearly had more hits, like the excellent "I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"), Nik Kershaw has returned to form in recent years with some amazing songwriting. TO BE FRANK is chock full of hitworthy ear candy: "Wounded", "Get Up", "Jane Doe", "Hello World" and my favorites: "Die Laughing" and "How Sad". I would have given this album 5 stars, but it loses a bit of steam towards the end. A semi-obligatory acoustic version of "Wouldn't It Be Good" is included as a bonus track."

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	Nik Kershaw To Be Frank Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock Track Listings (12) - Disc #1 Wounded Get Up Die Laughing Jane Doe - Nik Kershaw, Hawkes, Chesney How Sad Take Me to the Church Hello World Already One Day All Is Fair Show Them What You're Made of Wouldn't It Be Good [Acoustic Version]
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