Wouldn't It Be Good

The song Wouldn't It Be Good by Nik Kershaw stands out for its blend of melancholy and a touch of anger towards life's hardships. Composed and recorded in 1983, it was released as the second single from his debut album Human Racing on January 20, 1984. What is interesting about this piece is how Kershaw managed to create a distinctive sound through an innovative approach to production. Instead of using a single guitar, he opted for a "guitar orchestra," inspired by Brian May's style in Queen, allowing him to layer multiple melodic lines and harmonies. This process involved recording several takes of each note, resulting in a rich sonic texture that feels almost orchestral.

The song reached number four on the UK Singles Chart and had a notable impact across Europe, in addition to entering the top 10 in Canada and Australia. Despite his first single not achieving the expected success, the impact of Wouldn't It Be Good led to the re-release of his previous single, I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, which also became a great success. The production was handled by Peter Collins, who helped shape the album's characteristic sound. The music video, directed by Storm Thorgerson, features Kershaw as an alien visitor observing humanity, adding an interesting visual layer to the song's narrative, reflecting the desire to escape reality and seek something better.

The use of synthesizers, particularly a PPG Wave 2.2 and a Yamaha DX7, also contributed to the song's unique atmosphere, blending elements of pop rock and new wave. With a runtime of 4:30 in its single version, Wouldn't It Be Good has stood the test of time and has been reinterpreted by various artists, showcasing its relevance and appeal over the years.