Simply Red, fronted by the distinctive vocals of Mick Hucknall, has captivated audiences worldwide with their soulful pop and blue-eyed soul sound. Spanning decades, their discography is rich with hits and hidden gems that continue to resonate with listeners today. Let’s explore some of the most iconic Simply Red Songs that have defined their career and cemented their place in music history.
“Holding Back the Years,” from their debut album Picture Book, is arguably one of Simply Red’s most recognizable tracks. This poignant ballad, co-written by Hucknall and Neil Moss, showcases Hucknall’s emotive vocal delivery and the band’s ability to blend soul and pop sensibilities. Produced by Stewart Levine, the song’s enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt lyrics and timeless melody.
Another standout track from Picture Book is “Money’s Too Tight (To Mention),” a cover of The Valentine Brothers’ song. Simply Red transformed this soul tune into a funk-infused anthem, highlighting their versatility and ability to reinterpret classics in their own unique style. Levine’s production again played a crucial role in shaping this energetic and socially conscious track.
Moving into their commercially peak era, the album Stars is a treasure trove of Simply Red songs. The title track “Stars” is an uplifting and sophisticated pop song that became a global hit. Its smooth production, courtesy of Stewart Levine, and Hucknall’s confident vocals made it an instant classic.
From the same album, “For Your Babies” is a tender and romantic ballad that further cemented Simply Red’s status as masters of soulful pop. Produced by Levine and co-produced by Hucknall, the song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a popular choice for romantic occasions. “Your Mirror,” also from Stars, showcases a different side, with a more introspective and slightly melancholic feel, still retaining the band’s signature smooth sound.
The album A New Flame brought further hits, including “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” a cover of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. Simply Red’s rendition, produced by Stewart Levine, became a massive international success, demonstrating their knack for taking soul classics and making them their own. Another gem from A New Flame is “It’s Only Love,” an upbeat and catchy track that showcases the band’s energetic side, originally written by Jimmy and Vella Cameron. The album’s title track, “A New Flame,” embodies the smooth, sophisticated pop sound that Simply Red perfected during this period.
Simply Red also ventured into covers from diverse genres, as seen in “The Air That I Breathe,” originally by The Hollies, featured on their album Blue. Produced by AGM, Simply Red infused this classic with their soulful touch, demonstrating their ability to bridge genres. Another notable cover is “Night Nurse,” originally by Gregory Isaacs, also from Blue. Simply Red’s remixed version, with Gota Yashiki, brought a contemporary edge to the reggae classic.
From their album Home, “Sunrise” cleverly samples Hall & Oates’ “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do),” creating a fresh and funky track that blends classic soul elements with modern production by Andy Wright. Also from Home, “Fake” is a more upbeat and contemporary sounding song, showcasing Simply Red’s evolution while maintaining their core musical identity. And “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” originally by The Stylistics, also on Home, highlights their ability to reinterpret soul classics with sincerity and their own distinctive style.
Later in their career, Simply Red continued to release popular songs like “Fairground” from the album Life. This track cleverly samples The Goodmen’s “Give It Up,” resulting in an infectious and danceable hit that showcased their ability to stay relevant and innovative. Another notable later hit is “So Not Over You” from the album Stay, a contemporary pop-soul song that demonstrated their continued songwriting prowess in the 21st century.
Even delving into their more unique tracks like “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye,” a Cole Porter cover from Simplified, shows Simply Red’s versatility and Mick Hucknall’s ability to interpret diverse material with his signature soulful voice. And “Angel,” featuring Wyclef Jean from their self-titled album Simply Red, demonstrates their willingness to experiment and collaborate, blending their sound with contemporary hip-hop influences. Finally, “Go Now,” a cover of Bessie Banks, included in collections, is another example of their soulful interpretations of classic songs.
Simply Red’s extensive catalog of songs offers a journey through soulful pop, blue-eyed soul, and beyond. From their early hits to later successes, Simply Red songs continue to be enjoyed by fans worldwide, a testament to their enduring musicality and Mick Hucknall’s unmistakable voice.
