Another Step
Another Step is the fifth studio album by English pop singer Kim Wilde, released on 3 November 1986 by MCA Records.[1] The album marks a significant comeback for Wilde, featuring her cover of the Supremes' 1966 hit "You Keep Me Hangin' On", which became her first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1987.[2] It also includes the duet "Another Step (Closer to You)" with Junior, which peaked at number six on the UK Singles Chart.[3] Primarily produced by Wilde's brother Ricki Wilde, the record blends synth-pop and dance elements across 12 tracks (13 on CD and cassette editions), including originals like "Hit Him" and "The Thrill of It".[4] Another Step achieved moderate commercial success, reaching number 40 on the US Billboard 200[5] and number 73 on the UK Albums Chart, with five weeks in the latter.[6] In Canada, it peaked at number 11.[7] Critically, the album received mixed to positive reviews for its energetic production and Wilde's vocal performance, though some noted its reliance on covers and formulaic songwriting.[8] It has sold over 100,000 copies in select markets, contributing to Wilde's 1980s legacy.[9]Background and development
Overview
Another Step is the fifth studio album by English singer Kim Wilde, released on 3 November 1986 by MCA Records. The original LP and cassette editions featured 12 tracks, while the CD version added one bonus track for a total of 13.[10][11] The album signified Wilde's growing involvement in songwriting, as she co-wrote more than half of the tracks, and marked a partial evolution from her signature synth-pop style toward greater use of guitars and rock influences.[11][12] Positioned as a comeback following a career slowdown, Another Step achieved prominence via the international hit cover of "You Keep Me Hangin' On", which topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.[2] The album itself reached number 40 on the Billboard 200 in the United States but fared better in Europe, peaking at number 2 in Norway.[5][13] A remastered edition with bonus tracks, such as B-sides and remixes, was issued in 2010 by Cherry Pop Records.[14]Conception
The conception of Another Step saw Kim Wilde take a more prominent role in the creative process, co-writing or writing over half of the album's tracks in collaboration with her brother Ricky Wilde and father Marty Wilde. This heightened involvement allowed Wilde to infuse the project with personal perspectives, marking a departure from her earlier albums where family members had dominated the songwriting. For instance, tracks like "Schoolgirl" were co-written by Kim, Ricky, and Marty Wilde, highlighting the familial synergy that shaped the album's core material.[15][11] Wilde aimed for a conceptual shift toward a more mature sound, blending uptempo pop with ballads to transcend the synth-dominated style of her initial hits like "Kids in America." This direction reflected her artistic growth and desire to incorporate deeper emotional layers, balancing energetic tracks with introspective ones to create a dynamic listening experience. The structure emphasized contrast, with faster-paced songs on one side and slower, reflective ballads on the other, prioritizing thematic variety over uniform production.[8] The album's ideas emerged in 1985, during a period of career uncertainty following the modest commercial reception of Wilde's prior releases, including Catch as Catch Can (1983) and the 1984 compilation The Very Best of Kim Wilde. Motivated by the need for a comeback, Wilde and her collaborators selected the cover of "You Keep Me Hangin' On" to capitalize on its timeless appeal and draw in a wider audience.[11][16] A distinctive creative decision was the inclusion of a duet with British R&B artist Junior Giscombe on the title track "Another Step (Closer to You)," intentionally introducing R&B influences to diversify the album's palette and add soulful depth to its pop framework. This collaboration was envisioned early in development to bridge genres and enhance the record's emotional range.[11][17]Production
Recording process
The recording of Another Step took place over a period spanning 1985 and 1986, primarily in studios across the United Kingdom and the United States, reflecting the involvement of international contributors. Key locations included Select Sound Studios in Knebworth, with additional sessions at Westlake Audio and Larrabee Sound in Los Angeles.[18][7] Production was handled by a team led by Ricky Wilde, who oversaw the majority of tracks in collaborative family-oriented sessions that emphasized organic, hands-on recording. Other producers included Richard James Burgess (tracks 6 and 12), Reinhold Heil, Rod Temperton, Dick Rudolph, Bruce Swedien, and Kim Wilde herself, requiring careful balancing of diverse styles—such as Temperton's funk-infused approach on tracks like "Say You Really Want Me," which incorporated layered rhythms and dynamic bass lines. These variations posed challenges in maintaining sonic cohesion, compounded by interruptions from promotions for singles like "You Keep Me Hangin' On," released in September 1986.[18][7] Technical choices prioritized a fuller, more organic sound through live instrumentation, including guitars by Steve Byrd and keyboards by Guy Fletcher, which drove the album's rock-leaning edge over heavy synthesizer reliance. Drum programming was contributed by Richard James Burgess, Kim Wilde, and Pete Schwier, while the Fairlight III sampler was used for select synth parts, programmed by Reinhold Heil and Ricky Wilde to add textural depth without dominating the mix. Final mixing was completed in the summer of 1986 at the Los Angeles studios, ensuring a polished, radio-ready finish.[18]Personnel
The album Another Step features Kim Wilde on lead vocals across all tracks, with additional contributions on synthesizers and drum programming for select songs such as "Missing".[18] Ricky Wilde served as the primary producer for most tracks (1–5, 7, 9–11, 13), while also performing on keyboards and synthesizers for those same tracks, providing backing vocals on track 1.[18] Guest artists include Junior Giscombe, who provided duet vocals on "Another Step (Closer to You)" (track 3).[18] Rod Temperton co-produced "Say You Really Want Me" (track 8) alongside Bruce Swedien and Dick Rudolph.[18] Instrumentation was handled by a core group of session musicians. Gary Twigg played bass on tracks 3–5, 9–11, and 13.[18] Drums were performed by Matthew Letley on tracks 3–5, 9, 11, and 13, with Richard James Burgess on drums and percussion for tracks 6 and 12.[18] Steve Byrd contributed guitar to tracks 1–7, 9, 11–13, along with backing vocals on track 1.[18] Additional keyboard and synthesizer work included Guy Fletcher on track 10, Danny Sembello on track 8, and Paul Fox on tracks 6 and 12.[18] Brass elements on track 2 were arranged by The Kick Horns, featuring Simon Clarke on alto and baritone saxophone, Tim Sanders on tenor saxophone, and Roddy Lorimer on trumpet.[18] The production team included engineers and mixers with track-specific roles. Peter Schwier engineered and programmed drums for several tracks, including 1–5, 7, 9–13.[19] Bruce Swedien handled recording and mixing exclusively for track 8.[18] Reinhold Heil produced and programmed the Fairlight III for track 7 ("Schoolgirl"), while Richard James Burgess and Paul Fox provided drum and synthesizer programming for tracks 6 and 12.[18] Kim Wilde also co-produced track 11 ("Missing").[18] Design and photography were credited to Simon Marsh.[18]| Role | Personnel | Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Vocals | Kim Wilde | All |
| Backing Vocals | Ricky Wilde, Steve Byrd (track 1), Don Haywoode & Emma H. (track 7) | Varies |
| Bass | Gary Twigg | 3–5, 9–11, 13 |
| Drums/Percussion | Matthew Letley; Richard James Burgess | 3–5, 9, 11, 13; 6, 12 |
| Guitar | Steve Byrd; Ricky Wilde | 1–7, 9, 11–13; 10 |
| Keyboards/Synthesizers | Ricky Wilde; Guy Fletcher; Danny Sembello; Paul Fox | 1–5, 7, 9–11, 13; 10; 8; 6, 12 |
| Producer | Ricky Wilde; Richard James Burgess; Reinhold Heil; Kim Wilde; Bruce Swedien, Dick Rudolph, Rod Temperton | 1–5, 7, 9–11, 13; 6, 12; 7; 11; 8 |
| Engineer/Mixer | Peter Schwier; Bruce Swedien | 1–5, 7, 9–13; 8 |
Content
Musical style
Another Step represents a stylistic evolution for Kim Wilde, blending pop with rock elements while incorporating dance and soul influences. Classified primarily as dance-pop and pop rock, the album departs from the synth-pop dominance of her earlier work, introducing a harder rock sound characterized by prominent guitar riffs and reduced synthesizer usage.[8][20] This shift is evident in tracks that mix uptempo dance rhythms with rock edges, alongside ballads and funk-infused covers, creating a diverse sonic palette.[21] Key influences include 1980s new wave aesthetics alongside soul and funk elements, with tracks like "Say You Really Want Me" infusing the album with R&B grooves.[18] Wilde's vocals prioritize emotional delivery and range, conveying vulnerability and strength across the material rather than virtuosic displays. Thematically, the lyrics delve into love, personal independence, and emotional maturity, with songs like "Say You Really Want Me" highlighting empowerment and desire, while singles adopt a campy, playful tone that contrasts with the deeper introspection of ballads such as "Missing." This album marks an innovation in Wilde's discography through its deliberate pivot toward live instrumentation, especially guitars, over electronic beats, fostering a more organic and guitar-driven production that underscores her maturation as an artist.[22]Original vinyl edition
The original LP release of Another Step consists of 12 tracks, divided across two sides, as follows:| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side A | |||
| 1. | "You Keep Me Hangin' On" | Holland–Dozier–Holland | 4:15 [23] |
| 2. | "Hit Him" | O.S. Blandamer | 3:36 [11] |
| 3. | "Another Step (Closer to You)" (featuring Junior Giscombe) | Kim Wilde, Steve Byrd | 3:37 [24] |
| 4. | "The Thrill of It" | Kim Wilde, Steve Byrd | 3:57 [23] |
| 5. | "I've Got So Much Love" | Kim Wilde, Marty Wilde, Ricky Wilde | 3:59 [23] |
| 6. | "Schoolgirl" | Kim Wilde, Marty Wilde, Ricky Wilde | 3:45 [23] |
| Side B | |||
| 7. | "Say You Really Want Me" | Danny Sembello, Donnell Spencer, Richard Rudolph | 4:13 [23] |
| 8. | "She Hasn't Got Time for You" | Kim Wilde, Marty Wilde, Ricky Wilde | 4:16 [23] |
| 9. | "Brothers" | Marty Wilde, Ricky Wilde | 4:48 [23] |
| 10. | "Missing" | Kim Wilde, Steve Byrd | 4:28 [23] |
| 11. | "How Do You Want My Love" | Kim Wilde, Ricky Wilde | 3:57 [23] |
| 12. | "Don't Say Nothing's Changed" | Kim Wilde | 3:55 [23] |
Cassette and CD editions
The cassette and compact disc editions include an additional track, "Victim" (written by Mark Spiro; 4:06), inserted as track 6, shifting the subsequent tracks accordingly, for a total of 13 tracks. "Don't Say Nothing's Changed" appears as track 13 on these formats. [4]2010 remastered edition
The 2010 remastered CD edition, released by Cherry Red Records, appends four bonus tracks to the original 13-track sequence:- "Songs About Love" (written by Kim Wilde; 4:55) – B-side to "Schoolgirl" [25]
- "Loving You" (written by Kim Wilde, Ricky Wilde; 4:56) – B-side to "You Keep Me Hangin' On" [25]
- "Hold Back" (written by Ricky Wilde; 3:58) – B-side to "Another Step (Closer to You)" [25]
- "Another Step (Closer to You)" (7" version; written by Kim Wilde, Steve Byrd; 3:34) [25]