To be still releasing great pop records 44 years after your debut is a fine achievement and that is exactly what Kim Wilde has done with her new album ‘Closer’.

Interestingly, the songstress herself has stated that ‘Closer’ is a companion record to her 1988 long player ‘Close’ which saw a revival in fortunes thanks to the hits ‘You Came’ and ‘Four Letter Word’. Coupled with a high profile tour opening for Michael Jackson, that occasion followed a few comparatively leaner years after the huge success of her self-titled debut and the sophomore offering ‘Select’.

Although Kim Wilde has never gone away, apart from a hiatus into horticulture which led to an award for best courtyard garden at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2005, while she has always maintained a loyal fanbase and continues to perform shows across the world, there is something in the air surrounding her latest work. Produced and co-written as usual by her brother Ricky Wilde with additional songwriting contributions from his daughter and her niece Scarlett, they stood stage right as part of a tight septet. Alongside was Steve Power with a Korg Kronos and Roland keytar while to the left were other long-standing Wilde-men Paul Cooper (bass), Neil Jones (guitar) and Jonathan Atkinson (drums).

With a funky opener in ‘Hey Mister Heartache’, the initially tentative audience were all on their feet for ‘You Came’, a classic pop tune in anyone’s book. The introductory showcase of the ‘Close’ album also featured ‘Never Trust a Stranger’ but slotting in perfectly were songs from ‘Closer’. The powerful ‘Trail of Destruction’ highlighted environmental and existential concerns while providing reinforcements was the synth rock statement of ‘Midnight Train’. What was particularly impressive was how Kim Wilde’s backing band left no rest for the wicked, energetically seguing straight into the next track without batting an eyelid.

Taking a breather, the audience sat back down for the soulful ballads section that included ‘Love’s a No’ and ‘Four Letter Word’. While the feisty Kim and Scarlett duet ‘Hourglass Human’ didn’t get the crowded immediately back on their feet, the evergreen ‘Cambodia’ did! This was followed a barrage of the early hits ‘Water on Glass’, ‘View From A Bridge’ and ‘Chequered Love’ which gave plenty of opportunities for singalongs and “Molly Ringwald in ‘The Breakfast Club’ style dancing”. Again, the band co-ordination in the segues made sure there was no sleep ‘til Indigo2!

A rocked-up ‘Love Is Love’ added some 21st Century momentum to proceedings and if there’s a song that could win Eurovision again for the UK, it is this one. Meanwhile, ‘You Keep Me Hangin’ On’ brought Motown and plenty of “woah-oh-oh-oh-oahs ” into the room.

For the encore, it was time to party again like it was 1981 and while the new wave power pop of ‘Scorpio’ is from the new album, it could have easily been mistaken to be a lost song from ‘Kim Wilde’. And as the band gathered in front the drum riser preparing to do battle for the final time of the evening and sharing a similar electronic pulse, there was only her fabulous signature tune ‘Kids in America’ left to do!

In fine voice and exuding her charming down-to-earth presence, joyous is the only word that could be used to describe the warm family atmosphere resonant throughout this enjoyable evening. If you’ve never been to Kim Wilde show before, now might be a good time to change that 😉

With thanks to Sacha Taylor-Cox at Hush PR

‘Closer’ is released by Cherry Red Records as a CD, black vinyl LP, limited edition white vinyl LP and download

‘Love Blonde: The Rak Years 1981-1983’ is also available on Cherry Red Records as a 4CD boxed set

Kim Wilde plays Lets Rock Exeter 2025 on Saturday 28th June and Tring Chilfest 2025 on Saturday 5th July

For more information on European tour dates and how to purchase tickets, visit https://www.kimwilde.com/tour-dates

https://www.facebook.com/officialkimwilde

https://www.instagram.com/kimwildeofficial/

Text and Photos by Chi Ming Lai
23rd March 2025