"Water on Glass" is the third single by British singer
Kim Wilde
Kim Wilde (born Kim Smith, 18 November 1960) is an English pop singer, DJ and television presenter. She first saw success in 1981 with her debut single "Kids in America", which peaked at No. 2 in the UK. In 1983, she received the Brit Award f ...
from her
self-titled album.
A slightly different version of the song was featured on Wilde's eponymous debut album. It was released in the UK, Ireland and The Netherlands only with the non-album track "Boys" on the B-side.
The song was also the first track by Kim Wilde to appear on a Billboard chart, reaching #53 on the Top 60 Rock Tracks on 15 May 1982.
The song is about
tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no corresponding external sound is present. Nearly everyone experiences a faint "normal tinnitus" in a completely quiet room; but it is of concern only if it is bothersome, interferes with normal hearin ...
, a medical condition that causes ringing in the ears.
Critical reception
"Water on Glass" made a big impression on
David Hepworth
David Hepworth (born 27 July 1950) is a British music journalist, writer and publishing industry analyst who was instrumental in the foundation of a number of popular magazines in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Along with the journalist, editor and b ...
of ''
Smash Hits
''Smash Hits'' was a British music magazine aimed at young adults, originally published by EMAP. It ran from 1978 to 2006, and, after initially appearing monthly, was issued fortnightly during most of that time. The name survived as a brand fo ...
''. He could not determine which single from an album is the best. He wrote: "What's the best track on the album? This one? O.K., whack it out single-shaped.
Ricky's deck is as full of well practised tricks as ever; shimmering synths slip 'n' slide round a knuckle full of beat while Kim's perfectly detached vocal drags the chorus in like a trouper."
Track listing
A. "Water on Glass" – 3:36
B. "Boys" – 3:13
Charts
References
External links
"Water on Glass" lyrics
1981 singles
Kim Wilde songs
Songs written by Marty Wilde
Songs written by Ricky Wilde
1981 songs
RAK Records singles
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