Kim Wilde – Kids In America

Kim Wilde’s “Kids In America” is one of the defining pop records of the early 1980s, bursting with youthful energy, synthesizers, driving guitars and a powerful sense of movement. Released in 1981 as Wilde’s debut single, it was written by her father, former rock ’n’ roll star Marty Wilde, and her brother Ricky Wilde, who also produced the recording.

The song grew from a melody Ricky had developed on his Wasp synthesizer. Marty then created the lyrics after being struck by a television programme about American teenagers and their confident, rebellious attitude. He imagined a young woman looking out over a city, restless to escape and join the excitement happening around her.

Musically, the recording reflects Ricky Wilde’s fascination with contemporary synth-pop and new wave, drawing inspiration from artists including Ultravox, Gary Numan and Kraftwerk while retaining a strong pop-rock edge. The combination of pulsing synthesizers, bass, drums, guitar and Kim’s cool, assertive vocal created a sound that felt distinctly modern. The recording also benefited from musicians connected with the progressive rock band The Enid, whose studio provided the setting for the early sessions.

“Kids In America” introduced Kim Wilde with remarkable confidence. Her youthful vocal delivery perfectly matches the song’s restless atmosphere, while its celebration of nightlife, music and independence captured something quintessentially early-1980s. It remains her signature recording and an enduring snapshot of the era’s vibrant synth-pop culture.

The song peaked at No. 02 in the UK charts on 28th March 1981.