Kim Wilde – Select

Kim Wilde – Select

Released in May 1982 on RAK Records, Select is the second studio album from British pop singer Kim Wilde and a confident step forward from her successful 1981 debut. Embracing the increasingly electronic sound of the early eighties, the album combines punchy synth-pop, new wave, melodic pop-rock and atmospheric electronic arrangements to create one of the distinctive releases of the era.

Produced by Kim's younger brother Ricky Wilde, with songs co-written by Ricky and their father Marty Wilde, Select captures the creative partnership that helped establish Kim as one of Britain's leading pop artists of the early 1980s. While retaining the infectious melodies and direct pop sensibility of her debut, the album explores a darker, more sophisticated sound, with prominent synthesizers, driving rhythms, dramatic arrangements and Kim's unmistakable vocal delivery.

The album opens with 'Ego', an energetic slice of early-eighties synth-pop, before moving through the infectious electronic pulse of 'Words Fell Down' and the futuristic pop-rock of 'Action City'. One of its standout moments is 'View From A Bridge', a dramatic, driving single that became another major international hit for Wilde, reaching the UK Top 20 and further cementing her growing popularity across Europe and beyond.

Elsewhere, 'Just A Feeling' brings a more melodic and atmospheric dimension, while 'Chaos At The Airport' and 'Take Me Tonight' demonstrate the album's adventurous use of electronic textures and new wave production. 'Can You Come Over' adds another strong pop moment, before the closing sequence arrives at 'Cambodia – Reprise', revisiting the atmospheric musical world of 'Cambodia', the haunting 1981 single that marked an important turning point in Kim Wilde's musical direction.

With its combination of memorable songwriting, crisp electronic production and unmistakable early-eighties character, Select is an essential album for fans of classic synth-pop, British new wave and the golden age of electronic pop. A particularly enjoyable release for anyone exploring Kim Wilde's early catalogue, as well as collectors of original-era eighties pop and new wave records.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Ego

2. Words Fell Down

3. Action City

4. View From A Bridge

5. Just A Feeling

Side B

1. Chaos At The Airport

2. Take Me Tonight

3. Can You Come Over

4. Wendy Sadd

5. Cambodia - Reprise