A doubt has always nagged about the British record-buying public that they took for granted one of the best writers of charming 80s pop, as Nick Heyward’s solo career only momentarily threatened to take him to global stardom.
His second solo album ‘Postcards From Home’, issued in 1986, yielded no hit singles and yet is a pleasant, positive, jovial bit of work. Over The Weekend’s pounding beat and brass-drizzled chorus was the nearest to a chart success, while the whiter soul of Goodbye Yesterday allows a more earnest approach.
Tracks like opener Move It Up are a bit synth-heavy in areas and electronic pop doesn’t suit Heyward, who is at his best when his boyish tones coat an acoustic singalong such as the effervescent We’ve All Been Kissed and the fizzy, semi-tropical Come On Baby Run.
Other efforts are less stellar – Pray For A Miracle is his blandest melody and even a man for whom twee is virtuous can’t justify it in Now You’ve Gone – but it’s a strong album issued in difficult circumstances as Heyward tried to rediscover his place in the pop process.
Matthew Rudd is the host of Forgotten 80s on Absolute 80s.
Classic Pop may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we think you will enjoy.
