The Riddle (album)


The Riddle is the second studio album by the English singer-songwriter Nik Kershaw. It was originally released in November 1984, on the label MCA.
On release, the album was received favourably by the majority of music critics. It went on to peak at #8 on the UK Albums Chart and reached #39 on the Australian ARIA Charts. The album launched three charting singles in the UK. "The Riddle" peaked at #3 on the UK Singles Chart; "Wide Boy" at #9; "Don Quixote" at #10. The album was certified platinum by the BPI.
The album was re-released on 9 August 2013 on Universal's new Re-presents imprint featuring rare bonus content. The reissue is a 2-CD set with the original album digitally remastered from the original 1/2" mix tapes; the bonus content consists of associated B-sides, 12" mixes, and live versions of the songs featured on the album.

Cover artwork

The album's cover photograph was shot on Chesil Beach in Dorset. On the back sleeve of the album, the Isle of Portland is seen in the background. Additionally, the single release of the title song "The Riddle" used the same image of Kershaw on the beach, whilst the back sleeve featured a photograph of Kershaw reading a map, standing at Portland Bill. The Trinity House Obelisk is highlighted in the photograph.

Critical reception

Smash Hits gave the album a mostly positive review calling it "a commendable offering from the thinking man's Limahl". Reviewing retrospectively for AllMusic, critic Scott Bultman wrote of the album "Kershaw's second album finally garnered some deserved attention. The rest is his unique style of well-crafted synth-pop."

Track listing

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.
;Production team
;Live personnel