Simple Minds Album: “New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)”

I can't rave enough about this record - and have been for 20 years! It is definitely in my top five of the eighties, and my top ten of all time. It's one of those records where everything (melodies, lyrics, texture) just seems to fall into place and work brilliantly. Before this record, Simple Minds were making music with an emphasis on avant-garde textures over melody. The music on New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) saw a departure from that form, and instead boasts beautiful melodies and haunting vocals complemented by an ethereal production. Kudos to producer Peter Walsh for making the synth-pop flavored music on this album sound beautifully organic and timeless. After 20 years, I have yet to tire of the alluring soundscapes, evocative tunes and spiritual lyrics contained on this masterpiece. The only other record that moves me as much spiritually is Van Morrison's Astral Weeks. Quite simply, New Gold Dream is an overlooked classic.

Yes, believe it. Most of the members of Simple Minds were in their early twenties when they laid this masterpiece down on tape. I cannot find a flaw on this record. I was in a band(playing bass) and listening to this makes me realize how myred in mediocraty we were. I love this band....sadly they changed into something they probably never planned to, Don't You Forget About Me catapulted them to a quicker spotlight and Once Upon A Time was the obligatory album to follow. Make no mistake....this is a brilliant group. They lost an incredible bass player as well as a deep keyboard player but they are still capable of greatness. This record may(and rightly so) be considered their peak, this record is my favorite record of all time, I used my first earned paycheck to buy this album and it is one of my fondest memories. The remastered version is like having it new again......good god this is an excellent recording.

This was my first Simple Minds album back in 1982. A number of the tracks were actually top ten hits in Australia when they first came out. I recently listened to this recording after many years and it still blows me away the same way it did 22 years ago. A lot of people say that music was better in the 80's and this record is a shining example of that. The musical talents on display are amazing - especially the bass and keyboards. The album has an ethereal quality to it - not like the Cocteau Twins - but one with a more rock sensibility (which would be further explored in their next brilliant release, Sparkle in the Rain).

I think one of the things that people have missed in their reviews of this album is the spiritual aspect of the record. I can think of no other album that so wonderfully combines solid musicianship with a spritual/religious theme throughout (look at the lyrics, song titles and album cover) without being overbearing. The songs here are not the usual ones about breakups and makeups - the songs touch on much bigger and broader themes that are best captured by these lines from Glittering Prize:

'Shine on, Shine the Light on me

In all of my life

So that much more I see

Like a Glittering Prize

I saw you up on a clear day

First taking hearts

Then our last breath away'

As A 15 year old when I first heard this album it struck me as different and possesing a unique beauty. When I listen to this now in 2005 I am even more struck it.

Sadly with this album and Sparkle in the Rain, Simple Minds reached their peak and by the time 'Don't You Forget About Me' was released they had left their most brilliant and inspiring music behind them.

Certainly the music of today and even what is considered progressive and alternative today can't even come close to this. Simply beautiful!

I am a self professed and rightfully accused music-snob and, though admittedly the 80's were my favorite decade in music, I don't dish out ratings of excellence very freely. Despite having been mesmerized by this album upon it's original release, I believe the passage of time allows me a good measure of objectivity in reviewing this recording.

Bottom line: It maintains itself as one of my all-time-favorite recordings.

The aptitude of the musicianship is undeniable. The driving baselines, fluid keyboards and hypnotic vocals create atmospheres unlike any other artists of this genre. Highlights include: "Someone, Somewhere in Summertime", "Promised You a Miracle" and "New Gold Dream". Nonetheless, some of the lesser recognized tracks are overlooked, despite being wonderful pieces of ambient bliss. Don't expect your typical 80's pop, this is much more. What Simple Minds did, particularly on this album (I have them all), is marked by the unique ability to transport the listener to dreamy beautiful places glittered with gold. If this sounds too lofty, you haven't listened or you're not ready to share the dream.

My two cents worth: I still think this album is gorgeous and brilliant. At its time--I was about 13 years old back then--it just exuded a most exotic, weird European coolness. The songs weave an oceanic, spacey blend of guitar jangle, ambient synths, and dance-able disco rhythm. If you dig Bowie and Roxy Music or Eno, you might like it. There isn't one stinker on this album.

Their previous albums have many gems, but were often darker. The next album after New Gold Dream was really good too: Sparkle in the Rain. But suddenly, as if they had been poisoned by bad taste or sold their souls, they became as ...annoying as any bad 80s band. That awful Breakfast Club song brought them fame and trashed their sound (they did not even write it; the Hollywood boogers did). Jim Kerr became a hokey, ...and every song had to be a political statement.

Then also lost Derek Forbes, who in my opinion, as a bass guitar player myself, was one of the best musicians of his time.

Get New Gold Dream, Sparkle in the Rain, and anything before it. Stay away from Alive and Kicking and the 90s stuff unless you like Mr. Mister ...