Simple Minds Albums (16)
'Black and White 050505'
Release Date 1/1/2005
Tracks 9
Label Sanctuary
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
With a sudden resurgence of '80s new wave from both revivalist acts (the Killers, Interpol) and reunions of the old guard (Duran Duran), the time was certainly right for other veteran acts to "get back in the ring," so to speak. And Simple Minds did just that, with the release of 2005's Black and White 050505. Founding members Jim Kerr (vocals) and Charlie Burchill (guitar) are back once more, with an album that manages to incorporate both elements of their earlier, best-known work (such as 1985's Once Upon a Time), as well as modern sounds. That said, Kerr and Burchill wisely don't stray too far away from their identifiable sound (à la U2's post-Joshua Tree work). This is no more evident than in the track "Different World," which doesn't sound too far off from a more polished Dandy Warhols composition, or the soaring album opener, "Stay Visible." A major factor in the group's creative rebirth can be attributed to the input of Bob Clearmountain, who previously worked with the band on its aforementioned 1985 album. Maybe something there's something good about all this '80s nostalgia -- inspiration for older acts to issue surprisingly strong albums, as evidenced by Black and White 050505. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Simple Minds attempted to rectify their glory days as an act classic with signature hooks and dreamy lyrical stories on 1995's Good News From the Next World and 1997's Neapolis, but grunge and modern rock had overtaken the new pop generation and Simple Minds fans had moved beyond the beauty of it all. Still, frontman Jim Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill continued on, and into the new millennium remained an ambitious pair determined to prolong their career on their own terms. Neon Lights, Simple Minds' debut for Eagle Records and their first covers album, suggests that perhaps Kerr and Burchill are having a good laugh. This concept album boasts their own favorites -- cuts by David Bowie ("The Man Who Sold the World"), Neil Young ("The Needle & the Damage Done"), Kraftwerk ("Neon Lights"), the Doors ("Hello, I Love You"), and others -- and a confidence that Simple Minds attempt to pass off with some interesting tweaking. Patti Smith's "Dancing Barefoot" starts off with its usual acoustic brushing, but twangy licks are added and the dark haunt of the track itself switches tempo to be more fashionable without the ability to simply arrive like the original version. Echo and the Bunnymen's "Bring on the Dancing Horses" bounces with typical new wave beats, while Burchill's copycat riffs do little to carry one of the Bunnymen's finest tracks. When Neon Lights could have closed, Simple Minds' rendition of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" is one of the album's shocking moments. Joy Division, like many of the other acts included on Neon Lights, should remain untreaded territory. "Love Will Tear Us Apart" swirls around early U2 licks (listeners always knew Simple Minds wanted to be like them) and a repetitive chorus, it's no longer sacred. It's permeable and redundant, something so unfortunate for one of the most influential tracks to come from post-punk. Regardless if they're paying tribute to some of their favorites, Simple Minds waltz on sacred ground on Neon Lights. The composition doesn't work and it's a laughable effort, sadly. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Simple Minds signed to Chrysalis for Néapolis and saw the return of Derek Forbes on bass. Néapolis signals a return to form while remaining on the cutting edge. Unlike U2, the band they have been most often compared to, Simple Minds have not lost themselves in the techno beats and processed samples of their countrymen. Longtime fans will embrace this album; from the opening track, "Song for the Tribes," through the two singles, "Glitterball" and "War Babies," one immediately recognizes that classic sound. Other standout tracks include "Tears of a Guy," "Superman V Supersoul," and a potential third single, "Killing Andy Warhol." The biggest surprise on the album is "Androgyny," a welcomed instrumental in the tradition of their earlier works (see Empires and Dance, Sister Feelings Call, and Sons and Fascination). It's nice to know that in the 1990s, one classic new wave band hasn't forgotten what it is all about. Unfortunately, Chrysalis felt there was not enough of a following outside of Europe to justify the worldwide release of the album. ~ Paul Fucito, All Music Guide
'Good News from the Next World'
Release Date 1/1/1995
Tracks 9
Label Virgin
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
One prize Simple Minds will never win is for being the most consistent band in the world. Some of their albums have been strong (New Gold Dream, Sparkle in the Rain, and Once Upon a Time, to name a few), while others have been weak and disappointing. Real Life sort of falls in between; some of the songs are decent (including the catchy "Stand By Love" and the haunting "Woman"), but the majority of them aren't very memorable. Devoted Simple Minds fans will want this; more casual listeners would be better off sticking to the band's mid-'80s work. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Their first proper new release since the commercial breakthrough of Once Upon a Time (a live album intervened) and Simple Minds makes a decidedly, noncommercial follow-up. Street Fighting Years is a moody, dark affair. The music is yearning and most of the songs are politically charged lyrically. It was a move that could (and did) bring commercial failure. However, Street Fighting Years is an artistic and elegant album that might lack immediate choruses but draws in the listener. The title track takes some dramatic turns that give the gentle melody added thrust. "Take a Step Back" pulsates and "Wall of Love" rocks with conviction. Slower tracks like the brooding "Let It All Come Down" and a spirited run through the traditional "Belfast Child" are well done. Other noteworthy tracks include a version of the Peter Gabriel classic "Biko" and the soaring "Mandela Day." It might not have satisfied the band's newly won fans, but Street Fighting Years is an interesting, enjoyable album with some truly lovely moments. ~ Tom Demalon, All Music Guide
'Live in the City of Light'
Release Date 1/1/1987
Tracks 14
Label A&M
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Recorded primarily at Le Zenith in Paris on the last date of a world tour in August 1986 and released as a stopgap to satiate fans while the group spent another two years crafting its studio follow-up to Once Upon a Time, Simple Minds' double-album Live in the City of Light was a good summation of the band's rise to worldwide fame between 1982-1985. Except for the 1981 "Love Song" (paired in a medley with covers of Artists United Against Apartheid's "Sun City" and Sly & the Family Stone's "Dance to the Music") and the inevitable movie song hit "Don't You Forget About Me," all the selections came from New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84), Sparkle in the Rain, and Once Upon a Time, and they were played in a heavily echoed, big-production style in keeping with Simple Minds' status as stadium-fillers. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Riding the coat tails of the John Hughes flick The Breakfast Club, Simple Minds finally broke America with their theme song "Don't You Forget About Me," and their 1985 release Once Upon a Time captured the heart-wrenching excitement found in bands such as U2. They were now one of the biggest names in music and Jim Kerr's thirsting vocals became the band's signature. Once Upon a Time, featuring producer Jimmy Iovine (U2, Stevie Nicks, Bruce Springsteen), showcased more of a guitar-driven sound. The band's heavy synth-pop beats had relaxed a bit and Charlie Burchill's charming playing style was most noticeable. Also enlisting the choir-like beauty of Robin Clark, Simple Minds' popularity was expounded on songs such as Alive & Kicking" and "Sanctify Yourself." This album was one of their best, most likely leading the pack in the band's album roster, because it exuded raw energy and solid composition not entirely captured on previous albums. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Scotland's Simple Minds get creative and passionate on Sparkle in the Rain, their seventh album released prior to their mid-'80s heyday of heralding the charts. Produced by Steve Lillywhite (U2, Morrissey, XTC, Psychedelic Furs), Sparkle in the Rain marks the band's best effort thus far, capturing thick seascapes of illustrious lyrical visions. Frontman Jim Kerr's anthemic love songs are political and personal, and synth-beats throb over Charlie Burchill's new wave third-chord guitars and swooning basslines. Songs like "Waterfront" and "Book of Brilliant Things" are finely cut tracks with Simple Minds' signature harking, but the glossy verse behind "Up on the Catwalk" is what's most appealing. Piano vibes are pinch-hitting and Kerr's songwriting thrives on celebrity and the falling grace that coincides that. Sparkle in the Rain is a glimpse of what's to come from Simple Minds. Kerr's heart-wrenching vocals soar and such emotion only leads to earning a global following. Like U2 did with 1984's The Unforgettable Fire, Simple Minds will touch hearts by stripping their soul. The process has already begun on Sparkle in the Rain. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
