| Nerves of Steel | |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Erasure |
| Album: | The Neon |
| B-Side: | Remixes |
| Released: | 11 August 2020 |
| Length: | 4:13 |
| Label: | Mute |
| Producer: | Erasure |
| Prev Title: | Hey Now (Think I Got a Feeling) |
| Prev Year: | 2020 |
| Next Title: | Fallen Angel |
| Next Year: | 2020 |
"Nerves of Steel" is the second single from the album The Neon by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released on 11 August 2020.[1] [2] The song premiered on BBC Radio 2.
The vocals were done in Atlanta, Georgia, with the final mixing done in London, England.[3]
Andy Bell said: "This is my favorite track from the album, I am truly honored that all our LGBTQIA+ friends were so creative during lockdown and helped us with this joyful video. Thanks for creating such a lovely piece of art!"[3] [4]
The video features drag queens and LGBTQ+ stars including participants from RuPaul's Drag Race, including Detox, Manila Luzon, Amanda Lepore, Candis Cayne, and a few others.[3] [5] [6] The video was directed by Brad Hammer,[1] and produced and edited by Tyler Stone.[2]
The track has received generally positive reviews.
Retro Pop described it as a "synth-driven love song at its core, the track sees Andy Bell pine after a potential lover, over Vince Clarke's trademark pulsing beats."[7]
Stereogum described it as a "patiently pulsing, simmering depiction of that sort of dizzying early love phase."[8]
SLUG Magazine wrote: "Having the distinction of being the most traditional, Erasure-sounding cut, it has all the elements of single status: upbeat but slightly darker synths, intriguing lyrics and a great vocal performance by Bell."[9]