NICK HEYWARD - 1983 - 1986 (2 ALBUMS)

"NORTH OF A MIRACLE"

 

1983

WHEN IT STARTED TO BEGIN - The opening track is an orchestral based, breezy Pop song, similar to Nick's former band Haircut 100 but more accomplished in style.  

BLUE HAT FOR A BLUE DAY - One of my favourite 80s songs not just by Nick.  A minimal, melodious Pop ballad, with a memorable chorus and great lyrics proving Nick was a very underrated songwriter and possibly still is.  Lovely song.

 

 

TWO MAKE IT TRUE - A track with a slight Country twang interspersed with some bright jazzy Pop.  Another great tune.  

ON A SUNDAY - Reminds me a little of The Police and Men At Work with a little of The Cars, almost Reggae Pop Rock.  Sophisticated and classy.

CLUB BOY AT SEA - Lots of different orchestral and effects but this is probably my least favourite on the album, its a slow tempo kind of Pop ballad.  On such a great debut album this is probably my filler.

WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND - A simply brilliant Pop ballad, its lush backing and the atsmospheric chorus make it a gem.  The song for me that proved that Nick could write intelligent and emotive songs.  Brilliant production and one of my alltime favourite 80s songs.

 

 

TAKE THAT SITUATION - This funky, jazzy Pop foot tapper is another gem from the Heyward catalogue.  The pulsating guitars and jazzy almost R n B backing works majestically with the lyrics.

THE KICK OF LOVE - Experimental Jazz Pop, has a little of everything and is more like a band jam.  Interesting if not at first listen, memorable like the other tracks here.

THE DAY IT RAINED FOREVER - An eerie, sombre, melancholic track with a minimal quiet backing allowing Nick to the fore exploring his vocals.  Sounds great in headphones.

ATLANTIC MONDAY - An effervescent Funk Jazz Pop workout to finish a fine debut album in style.  Complete with Gospel backing vocals and various brass solos.  Awesome.

"POSTCARDS FROM HOME"

1986

MOVE IT UP - The second solo album Nick Heyward opens up with the same funky Jazz Blues style of his debut, "North Of A Miracle".  It's an upbeat catchy track that is a great intro to the album.

OVER THE WEEKEND - The first single to be released from the album only reached number 43 in the UK chart.  It is in similar vein to his previous group (Haircut 100) music style.  It is pure stright out Pop with a slight Motown feel.

GOODBYE YESTERDAY - This second single reached the ridiculous number 82 in the UK chart.  One of the most underrated songwriters had such a rough deal in the UK chart.  It's a laid back, almost summery track with some beautiful melodies and an infectious, catchy chorus.

AGAIN IN MY HEART - This isn't one of my favourites and is a slight disappointment, the man who penned "Whistle Down The Wind", this is a slow ballad that really goes nowhere.

WE'VE ALL BEEN KISSED - Nick back to his best on this track, a great New Wave Pop Rock track with an anthemic chorus.  Love this track.

PRAY FOR A MIRACLE - This track reminds me of Men At Work, a brilliantly catchy track that has a top feel good vibe.  Awesome.

NOW YOU'VE GONE - A kind of Soft Rock track akin to Chicago and the like, with some saxophone to give a slight orchestral jazzy backdrop.  Its cool and typical 80s radio friendly Rock.

COME ON BABY RUN - A change in style here, a Reggae/Ska style track with a nod to The Specials and Madness?.  Catchy and a great song.

TEACH TILL YOU REACH - Another light slow ballad with a 60s/70s style Pop with a smple chorus and light, summery melodies in a Beach Boys, Simon and Garfunkel hybrid.

CRY JUST A BIT - The album ends with this track which is a kind of Europop, simplistic and engaging enough to keep you interested.  Not a favourite of mine but the album on a whole is a great sequel album to a big seller, if criminally ignored.