Simplified takes more well-known tracks from Simply Red's impressive back catalog and re-imagines them in a more acoustic - "simplified" - fashion. It also includes their stunning take on the Leon Russell classic, "A Song For You."
Hucknall was inspired to revisit some of Simply Red's hits after he was asked to perform some material with only a piano as accompaniment. "What struck me when I listened back to the performance was just how much the song leapt out at you in those circumstances," he says. Classic Simply Red songs such as "Something Got Me Started," "Sad Old Red," "Smile," and "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" are reinvigorated thanks to these sophisticated, even jazzy, new arrangements. One of the group's most popular hits, "Holding Back The Years," is beautiful and still lush; recognizable, but with an added timeless maturity. Other songs featured on Simplified include "More," "Your Mirror," "Fairground," and "For Your Babies."
The lead-off track and first single from Simplified is the irresistible, upbeat, and distinctly Latin-flavored "Perfect Love." The Cuban vibe of this sensual new song is amplified by the vocals of Havana-based singer Danae. A Latin feeling runs throughout Simplified, inspired by the band's recent visit to Cuba. In fact, Simply Red is the first English pop band to have played in Havana, as they appeared at the landmark Gran Teatro early in 2005.
Simplified is the follow-up to 2003's highly successful Home, which sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide. That release helped push the band to a level of over 50 million albums sold since forming 21 years ago. Although Simply Red's lineup of musicians has rotated throughout the years, the one constant has been Mick Hucknall, one of the finest male vocalists Britain has ever produced, and also one of its most accomplished, melodic, and prolific pop songwriters.
Simplified available on CD October 18, 2005.
Preview and Purchase Simply Red music
.
On the Blue: New Horizons Cruise Days 4 & 5: Starship Lands on the Pearl, Alan Parsons Takes It Home
Kandace Springs - Run Your Race
On the Blue: New Horizons Cruise Day 1: Marbin Gets the Fun Started
Hot In The City: Prog Band Tu-Ner Coming to Phoenix
Pink Floyd's David Gilmour Reveals Song From First New Album In Nine Years
AC/DC Launching High Voltage Dive Bar At Stops On Power Up Tour
Vince Neil Says Motley Crue's New Song 'Dogs of War' Old School Meets New School
Watch Twenty One Pilots' New 'Backslide' Video
Billy Idol Goes Behind The Scenes Of Classic Hit 'Eyes Without A Face'
Ringo Starr Reunited with John Lennon's Lost 1965 Help! Guitar Found in an Attic After 50 Years
Hear Say Anything's New Song 'ON CUM'
Metal Supergroup Leviathan Project Deliver 'MCMLXXXII'