Date: 1 March 2024
Published in: Record Collector (UK)
Written by: Terry Staunton
Cherry Pop PPOP4B0X 271 (4CD) – The formative years of the former Kim Smith
Though ostensibly celebrated as one of hit factory RAK’S most dependable singles acts, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Wilde racked up three Top 20 albums in little over two years. Her eponymous calling card established a power pop persona, courtesy of bangers Kids In America and Chequered Love, augmented by synth-driven deeper cuts (‘Falling Out’).
Select attempted a more sophisticated sound on the theatricality of Cambodia and other equally sombre topics, with only the upbeat ‘Can You Come Over?’ echoing the album’s predecessor, while Catch As Catch Can pursued disco grooves and icy ballads with limited success. A fourth disc of extended dance mixes is fun but adds little to her story.
