Lyrics here :
THE WORKS is Nik Kershaw's fourth solo album. It was released in 1989.
Two singles were taken from this album and featured exclusive tracks as B-sides.
Hereafter, you'll find a list of all songs from the THE WORKS period, including their different known mixes, demos or official live versions.
Note that unofficial bootleg live versions or TV performances won't be mentioned in this list.
(*) More notes : Some songs appear on several collections CDs. Their sound quality may vary from one collection to another.
Some have very poor quality. Some have enhanced remastered versions. Even Bpm speed of a song may change on some collections.
In a 1989 interview (read it HERE), Nik Kershaw gave some details about the recording of his fourth album:
"(...) In April '87 I finished touring, after that I wrote songs for the new album. In august of that year I went to Los Angeles to record the album in 4 months with producer Peter Wolf (known from Wang Chung, Starship and Big Country – ed.). Back home in England I listened to the album and discovered that I hated it. I could never have promoted that album. How could I tell the people: it's a great product, buy it!, if I wouldn't have bought it myself. So I quickly wrote two more songs, among which was "One step ahead", and I did a lot all over again with Julian Mendelsohn in London. Eventually the record was only finished last year in October. But I must say that I'm a whole lot happier about it now (...).
(...) American producers are used to have total control over their production. But I wanted to have a say about my own songs myself. Americans want predictable songs and sounds whereas I chose the opposite. We have been fighting like cats and dogs in that studio, we were constantly clashing. In the end we decided to make a compromise, but with the result that neither of us was happy with the final result. It was all very annoying, but I also learned from it (...)".
Written by Nik Kershaw
Tunecode: 6662703V
ISWC: T-011.362.833-3
ICE work key: 12072296
PRS/MCPS - Work registered: December 18th 2009
Probably written in 1988.
Single (NIK12) release date: January 23rd 1989
Album version (3:52) (= Single version)
Available on the 1989 "The Works" album (vinyl LP, tape, CD and online digital file) and on the 1988 NIK12 and DNIK12 "One Step Ahead" 7" and CD singles.
Note that the 7" single record sleeve and label mention a track length of 3:38, the version on the record is in fact the same version that is on the album.
It is NOT an edit version as one could believe.
Note too that the sleeve of the CD single record mentions that track 1 is the 7" version of the song but gives the correct length of 3:52.
This version is also available on several collections.
bpm speed is slightly different on some collections.
1991 The Collection (Track 9 - 3:52)
1997 Wouldn't It Be Good (Track 3 - 3:50)
1998 Greatest Hits (Track 11 - 3:51)
2000 The Essential (Track 7 - 3:48)
2001 I Won't Let the Sun Go Down On Me (Track 7 - 3:48)
2005 Then & Now (Track 11 - 3:50)
2022 Essential Nik Kershaw (Track 7 - Disc 1 - 3:48)
Even though track 5 of the 2022 online only "Extended Versions" collection is identified as "One Step Ahead (Edited Version)", the recording is in fact the album version.
Also released as track 5 on the B side (first vinyl record) of the 2023 "Collected" vinyl collection.
The track has a shorter fade-out.
A remastered version was also released on February 21st 2025 as track 1 of Disc 4 ("The Works" album) from the MCA YEARS box set.
The soundtrack of the 1989 video clip is the same album version.
It was NOT released on any VHS or DVD.
It can be watched HERE.
Industrial Mix (8:10)
This remix was released on the 1989 NIKT12 "One Step Ahead" 12" single.
It is available as track 9 on disc 3 of the 2022 "Essential Nik Kershaw" CD collection.
Also released as track 26 of the 2022 online only "Extended Versions" collection.
The remastered version was released on February 21st 2025 as track 8 of Disc 7 ("Extended Mixes" CD) from the MCA YEARS box set.
Written by Nik Kershaw
Registered as "Elizabeth's Eyes"
Tunecode: 6662702T
ISWC: T-900.238.829-6
ICE work key: 12072281
PRS/MCPS - Work registered: December 18th 2009
Probably written in 1988.
Single (NIK13) release date: May 1st 1989
Album version (4:38) (= Single version)
Available on the 1989 "The Works" album (vinyl LP, tape, CD and online digital file) and on the 1989 NIK13 "Elisabeth's Eyes" 7" single.
Also available as track 8 on disc 1 of the 2022 "Essential Nik Kershaw" collection and on the 1989 "Elisabeth's Eyes" CD single.
Also released as track 6 on the B side (first vinyl record) of the 2023 "Collected" vinyl collection.
A remastered version was also released on February 21st 2025 as track 1 of Disc 4 ("The Works" album) from the MCA YEARS box set.
The soundtrack of the 1989 video clip was released on three video collection DVDs : 2005 "Classic Nik Kershaw", 2005 "Essentials Videos" and 2005 "Then & Now"
A remastered version of the video clip was released on February 21st 2025 on the unique DVD from the MCA YEARS box set.
Edit version (4:19)
This unique short version is track 12 on the 2005 "Then & Now" CD collection.
Extended Version (6:04)
This remix by Michael H. Brauer was released on the 1989 NIKT13 and DNIK13 "Elisabeth's Eyes" 12" and CD singles.
It is also available as track 10 on disc 3 of the 2022 "Essential Nik Kershaw" collection.
Also released as track 27 of the 2022 online only "Extended Versions" collection.
The remastered version was released on February 21st 2025 as track 9 of Disc 7 ("Extended Mixes" CD) from the MCA YEARS box set.
Club Dub (4:41)
This remix by Michael H. Brauer was released on the NIKT13 "Elisabeth's Eyes" 12" single.
Also released as track 28 of the 2022 online only "Extended Versions" collection.
The remastered version was released on February 21st 2025 as track 8 of Disc 8 ("Remixes" CD) from the MCA YEARS box set.
Written by Nik Kershaw
Tunecode: 6586621K
ISWC: T-011.348.124-5
ICE work key: 11307355
PRS/MCPS - Work registered: August 11th 1989
Probably written around 1986/1987.
Album version (4:00)
Available on the 1989 "The Works" album (vinyl LP, tape, CD and online digital file).
Also available as track 14 on disc 2 of the 2022 "Essential Nik Kershaw" collection.
This track has a shorter fade-out (4:53).
A remastered version was also released on February 21st 2025 as track 3 of Disc 4 ("The Works" album) from the MCA YEARS box set.
Written by Nik Kershaw
Tunecode: 6586619H
ISWC: T-011.348.122-3
ICE work key: 11307343
PRS/MCPS - Work registered: August 11th 1989
Probably written around 1986/1987.
Album version (3:51)
Available on the 1989 "The Works" album (vinyl LP, tape, CD and online digital file).
Also available as track 14 on disc 1 of the 2022 "Essential Nik Kershaw" collection.
A remastered version was also released on February 21st 2025 as track 4 of Disc 4 ("The Works" album) from the MCA YEARS box set.
Written by Nik Kershaw
Tunecode: 002684LN
ISWC: T-011.348.127-8
ICE work key: 268392
PRS/MCPS - Work registered: August 11th 1989
Probably written around 1986/1987.
Album version (3:49)
Available on the 1989 "The Works" album (vinyl LP, tape, CD and online digital file).
Also available as track 6 on disc 2 of the 2022 "Essential Nik Kershaw" collection.
This track has a shorter fade-out (3:46).
A remastered version was also released on February 21st 2025 as track 5 of Disc 4 ("The Works" album) from the MCA YEARS box set.
Live at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire 2012 (4:23)
An official live version of the song, recorded in Shepherd's Bush Empire in London (England) on September 28th 2012, can be found on the 2013 DVD release of the concert.
This song was co-written by Nik Kershaw and Peter F. Wolf.
Tunecode: 6595126R
ISWC: T-900.235.908-2
ICE work key: 11396348
PRS/MCPS - Work registered: January 1st 1987 // August 14th 1989
Registration Number: PA0000426764
Date of publication: March 10th 1989
Probably written around 1986.
Album version (4:38)
Available on the 1989 The Works album (vinyl LP, tape, CD and online digital file).
Also available on CD on the following collections:
1991 The Collection (worldwide releases except Japan) (Track 10 - 4:33 - Slightly shorter fade-out)
1997 Wouldn't It Be Good (Track 12 - 4:35 - Slightly shorter fade-out)
1998 Greatest Hits (Track 12 - 4:34 - Slightly shorter fade-out)
Also released as track 1 on the C side (second vinyl record) of the 2023 "Collected" vinyl collection.
A remastered version was also released on February 21st 2025 as track 6 of Disc 4 ("The Works" album) from the MCA YEARS box set.
Remix version [Mono] (4:07)
A mono version of an exclusive remix of the song is available as track 10 on the Japanese release of the 1991 "The Collection" album.
[Listen to it HERE]
Nik Kershaw stated via his "Drum Talk" Q&A sessions that this remix (re-recorded) version of the song was supposed to become NIK14, that the single that would have been released after "Elisabeth's Eyes".
But that never happened as Nik Kershaw and the MCA records parted company.
However, this remix version of the song was not forgotten.
It was released on the Japan CD of "The Collection" album in November 1991.
In 1991, Nik Kershaw was working with Chesney Hawkes.
One of their collaborations was the release of 1991 "The One And Only" single which became a major hit of 1991.
The remix version of "One World" was also recorded by Chesney Hawkes who released it as B-side of his third single in September 1991, two months before the release of Nik Kershaw's "The Collection".
Chesney Hawkes - Extra track on the "Secrets If The Heart" Single (4:16)
The 1991 "Secrets Of The Heart" single (7", 12" and CD single) featured Chesney Hawkes' recording of Nik Kershaw's "One World" song.
Chesney Hawkes' cover features nearly the same arrangements that were used for Nik Kershaw's remix version.
Note that, according to some sources, Nik Kershaw may have performed some guitars on Chesney Hawkes version of "One World" though the record sleeve does not mention it.
Also released as track 14 on CD1 of Chesney Hawkes' 2022 "The Complete Picture" Box.
Written by Nik Kershaw
Tunecode: 6586623N
ISWC: T-011.348.126-7
ICE work key: 11307372
PRS/MCPS - Work registered: August 11th 1989
Probably written around 1986/1987.
Album version (4:02)
Available on the 1989 "The Works" album (vinyl LP, tape, CD and online digital file).
A remastered version was also released on February 21st 2025 as track 7 of Disc 4 ("The Works" album) from the MCA YEARS box set.
Written by Nik Kershaw
Tunecode: 6586617C
ISWC: T-011.348.121-2
ICE work key: 11307327
PRS/MCPS - Work registered: August 11th 1989
Probably written around 1986/1987.
Album version (4:02)
Available on the 1989 "The Works" album (vinyl LP, tape, CD and online digital file).
Also available as track 12 on disc 2 of the 2022 "Essential Nik Kershaw" collection.
This track has a shorter fade-out (3:55).
A remastered version was also released on February 21st 2025 as track 87 of Disc 4 ("The Works" album) from the MCA YEARS box set.
Written by Nik Kershaw
Tunecode: 6595129X
ISWC: T-900.235.909-3
ICE work key: 11396388
PRS/MCPS - Work registered: January 1st 1987
Probably written around 1986.
Album version (4:10)
Available on the 1989 "The Works" album (vinyl LP, tape, CD and online digital file).
This song was co-written by Nik Kershaw and Peter Wolf.
A remastered version was also released on February 21st 2025 as track 9 of Disc 4 ("The Works" album) from the MCA YEARS box set.
Written by Nik Kershaw
Alternate title: "Walk About"
Tunecode: 6586620J
ISWC: T-011.348.123-4
ICE work key: 11307349
PRS/MCPS - Work registered: August 11th 1989
Probably written around 1986/1987.
Album version (4:56)
Available on the 1989 "The Works" album (vinyl LP, tape, CD and online digital file).
A remastered version was also released on February 21st 2025 as track 10 of Disc 4 ("The Works" album) from the MCA YEARS box set.
Written by Nik Kershaw
Tunecode: 003450FV
ISWC: T-011.363.353-6
ICE work key: 344959
PRS/MCPS - Work registered: August 29th 1990
B-Side of "One Step Ahead" Single (3:43)
Released as B-side of the 1988 NIK12, NIKT12, DNIK12 "One Step Ahead" 7", 12" and CD singles.
Also available as track 13 on disc 1 of the 2022 "Essential Nik Kershaw" CD collection.
Also released as track 7 of the 2022 online only "B-Sides" collection.
The remastered version was also released on February 21st 2025 as track 7 of Disc 5 ("B Sides" CD) from the MCA YEARS box set.
Written by Nik Kershaw
Tunecode: 003450FS
ISWC: T-011.365.332-9
ICE work key: 344956
PRS/MCPS - Work registered: August 29th 1990
B-Side of "Elisabeth's Eyes" Single (4:01)
Released as B-side of the 1989 NIK13, NIKT13 and DNIK13 "Elisabeth's Eyes" 7", 12" and CD singles.
Also available as track 11 on disc 2 of the 2022 "Essential Nik Kershaw" collection.
Also released as track 8 of the 2022 online only "B-Sides" collection.
The remastered version was also released on February 21st 2025 as track 8 of Disc 5 ("B Sides" CD) from the MCA YEARS box set.
