Beyond The Riddle

What happens when the spotlight shifts? Following the extraordinary success of Human Racing and The Riddle, Nik Kershaw continued to craft the same intelligent, accessible pop music that had made him a household name. Yet somehow, the record-buying public had begun to look elsewhere.

This unofficial and unauthorised study celebrates Kershaw's post-breakthrough albums - Radio Musicola and The Works - examining how a proven artist navigated the treacherous territory between creative evolution and commercial expectation.

The book culminates in a detailed musical analysis of every track from both albums. Music scholar Laura Shenton MA LLCM DipRSL reveals the theory behind these overlooked gems - the essential ingredients that prove Kershaw's artistry was still operating at its peak.

Beyond The Riddle celebrates music that transcends commercial metrics. It's about discovering hidden treasures in plain sight, the joy of songs that reveal new layers with each listen, and why true quality endures long after chart positions are forgotten. Essential reading for fans who always knew there was something special in Radio Musicola and The Works, and illuminating for anyone who appreciates the art of great pop songwriting.