Kim Wilde: ‘I was frustrated and very unhappy’ - Kim Wilde Reacts Over The Failure Of Her Third Album

Kim Wilde: ‘I was frustrated and very unhappy’ - Kim Wilde Reacts Over The Failure Of Her Third Album Success

Kim Wilde, a British pop singer who rose to fame in the early 1980s, experienced significant disappointment when her third studio album, *Catch as Catch Can* (1983), failed to achieve the success of her previous records. After her first two albums, *Kim Wilde* (1981) and *Select* (1982), brought her widespread recognition and hit singles like "Kids in America" and "Cambodia," she had high expectations for her third release. However, the album's commercial performance did not meet those expectations, leading to personal and professional frustration.

One of the main reasons for Kim Wilde’s unhappiness was the pressure to maintain her chart success. She had been positioned as one of the leading female pop stars of the early 1980s, and after achieving multiple hit singles, there was an assumption that she would continue her upward trajectory. *Catch as Catch Can*, however, struggled to produce major hits. While the singles "Love Blonde" and "Dancing in the Dark" gained some attention, they did not reach the heights of her earlier hits. The album's overall sales were disappointing, particularly in the UK, where it failed to break into the Top 40.

Another factor that contributed to her dissatisfaction was the growing pressure from the music industry. Wilde was part of a family-run operation, with her father, Marty Wilde, a former rock and roll star, and her brother, Ricky Wilde, heavily involved in her music production. While this gave her a strong support system, it also created high expectations to consistently deliver hit records. The failure of *Catch as Catch Can* may have felt like a personal setback not just for her but for her entire family.

Additionally, musical trends were shifting, and Wilde’s synth-heavy, new wave sound was beginning to face competition from other emerging styles. The early 1980s saw the rise of more diverse pop influences, including dance-oriented music and a stronger focus on visual appeal, particularly with the increasing influence of MTV. Although Wilde had the looks and talent to remain relevant, her third album failed to connect with audiences in the same way as her previous work.

Despite this disappointment, Wilde persevered. She switched record labels and reinvented her sound, ultimately achieving a major comeback with *Teases & Dares* (1984) and *Another Step* (1986), the latter featuring her biggest US hit, "You Keep Me Hangin’ On." While *Catch as Catch Can* marked a low point, it was a stepping stone in her career that helped her evolve as an artist.