Date: 20 October 1988
Originally published in: Boston Globe (USA)
Written by: David Emerson
“Close” is Kim Wilde’s strongest album to date. She has matured as both singer and songwriter; she helped write nine of the album’s ten tracks, along with brother Ricki and father Marty. While the subject matter still centers mainly on love won and lost, the music here is full of new surprises. “Hey Mister Heartache”, a sleek, pulsating dance number, starts the album off in a gangbuster fashion. “You Came’ follows, and is pure radio candy-frothy, but fun. “Never Trust A Stranger” starts Side 2 off on a highly charged note. “European Soul” pulls a twist that works: a Spanish tinged piano instead of the usual guitar. “Stone” is the one stab at political statement, urging people to challenge the “dangerous fools” who make the rules we live by. “Close” does have its lapses, but it is a strong step in the right direction for the spirited Wilde.
