Simply Red Album: “Blue [Germany]”

This is an album that very much rides on past successes, Mick Hucknall's voice, and absolutely fantastic production. Unfortunately that's about it - the lyrical genius of past albums hardly makes an appearance here, and most songs are airy-fairy love songs. The cover of "The Air That I Breathe" is good for what it is, but is not comparable with many better renditions. The only song I really love off this album is "Night Nurse" (a cover). As mentioned, the saving grace of this album is the best production I have heard in ages - the sound has depth and width and almost comes out to get you. Overall, a good effort, but not in the same league as Simply Red's other works.

If you are new to Simply Red, an 80's and 90's pop band, you may want to check out their "Best Of" compilation first and make your move from there.

This is Simply Reds best album to date. It also is one of the better CD that I have listened to in a long time. Both my wife and I have been enjoying this album since it came out I believe in 1998. I have turned quite a few friends on to this CD and not one was disappointed.I enjoy all his albums, but this one was special.Mick keep it coming!

This is one of my favorite albums of all time. Each song has a diverse sound from the last one. There is reggae, there is a standard, there is dance music, etc. It is very uplifting. I love the Neil Young cover, and the cover of the Hollies; The Air that I breathe--Version 1. I don't care for the version to the beat of Jack and Diane. I love the song in between the two versions of The air that I breathe. Every song is great. Great cd to listen to in the car.

This cd was my introduction to Simply Red. I heard the songs 'Mellow my Mind' and 'The Air that I Breathe' on the radio, and I just had to buy this cd. Judging by a lot of the reviews, it seems like it's a change in style for Mick and band. But, not really knowing much, if anything, about their earlier works, I can only say that I really like this album. His original songs are very catchy and the lyrics, thought provoking and deep. And a nice 24 page booklet, packed with lyrics and colour photos is a plus.

With so many of the talented yet sadly (for the U.S.) over-looked British blue-eyed soul artists here is yet another. It is our loss, for the rest of the world knows this artist quite well.

Mick Hucknall along with his musicians known as Simply Red have been around for decades but in this country, we only know him from one hit. Internationally, Mick & his Simply Red tours have packed them in from England to Italy to Germany to Cuba and on.

This collection is full of mood and heart-felt vocals. The highlights (my favorites) are "Mellow On My Mind" which is a a blues ballad, delicate and sweet, "Say You Love Me", a tender soulful love ballad, "Some Day In My Life" is a song of loss and hope and love - but mostly sincerity, "Ghetto Girl" has an edgy feel - Mick's vocal is great, and "Night Nurse" is a funky and fun song that makes me want to dance.

I never tire of listening to these songs and have played them endlessly for years now. If you like Simply Red's more popular songs, I suggest giving this collection a listen.