Kim Wilde’s 1981 debut single ‘Kids in America’ became an immediate pop success, reportedly selling so rapidly that chart compilers initially suspected manipulation. Its impact established Wilde as a major new British pop artist and helped make the song an enduring anthem of the early synth-pop era.

The single sold about 60,000 copies in a day and reached number two on the UK Singles Chart, where it remained for 13 weeks. Written by Wilde’s father Marty and brother Ricky, it later gained international popularity, although it peaked at number 25 in the United States.