Reviews (page 4 of 8)
So this album took 4 hours of my life, and I’m going to ramble. Initially I looked at the 1970s rock album, with the shittiest cover art I’ve ever seen and was like fuck it we are all in we are going for it and getting the full 5 discs no bs listen. Well let me tell you there is a lot of BS but some Solid fucking gold too. Disc 1 - the basics, solid, good driving music I got to cruise around Florida on my bike on a sunny and 70s day and listen to a good chunk of it and you know what it was fucking hittin, the synth popy sounds matched the vibe and it felt like I was in a GTA trailer when in reality I’m just a fat dude who doesn’t use turn signals and was bobbing his head down 417. Disc 2 - headphones in doing admin stuff at work, if I have to hear one more version of Promised you a Miracle I might shoot someone. Maybe myself. Diaz 3 - driving home from work Theme for Great Cities made me go ooooooooooooooooo that opening hit okay I’m fucking back. Glittering prize still sucks tho. Disc 4 - in trance as mission? Okay I like a lil slappy opening. I’m fucking with it HEAVY remove the airy 70s slow lyrics and it’s a funky ass instrumental PROMISED YOU A MIRACLE Disc 5 - oh thank god I got another version of promised you a miracle. Nothing really notable on 5 skip it. In all seriousness though promised you a miracle is a funky song, and I love that dddundundun backing noise it’s such a fun driving song. This is another album that I think I would just like an instrumental version of so much, the instrumental versions of the songs were such good listens and I enjoyed them a lot. I’m not going to say it’s all worth a listen, it’s really not. But I’ll probably come back to a few of these songs when I’m roadtripping, or just want to hit triple digits on the bike and feel like I’m in TRON. Extremely mid album-but it’s got its time and place where it’s a fun listen.
I listened to this three times, just Disc 1. I didn’t like it much then I liked it a lot then I didn’t like it as much. The songs have blended in my head so specific callouts I’m not doing. I love synth pop so this album gets to ride to coattails of that genre but I imagine it had a bunch of influence over what I listen to today. I just prefer most of my new age stuff to this. Listen to the first 10 seconds of Promise You a Miracle on repeat. It feels like you’re trapped in a never ending fun house
The album cover and the presence of 5 discs on this are not giving me great hope but let's take a look. Jim Kerr you sound strange. I can't quite put my finger on it. It's a bit uncanny. You don't sound strange like David Byrne, who's wacky voice is charming and endearing. You sound strange like you're a robot merely pretending to be the front man for Simple Minds. I'm keeping an eye on whether or not he's a reptilian, but in the meantime, Someone Somewhere is a pretty decent song, something about the way he's singing is just pissing me off a little bit. Colours Fly and Catherine Wheel is a bit better, it's got some funky groovy vibes, but the question I feel like I need to ask is... is anyone having fun? Everything feels just a bit too clean. Nobody feels like they're really playing with any passion or creativity, they feel like they're reading the sheet music in front of them as on beat and to the rhythm as they can muster. This feels like AI. The album's not bad. There's nothing about this music that's offensive, but halfway into the first track of the album I wanted to turn it off. My amygdala gland was firing and I went into full fight or flight mode, and I fought the urge to turn it off and take flight by fighting and calling Jim Kerr a reptile. I stand by what I said though - something about this is just not right. I hope somebody else feels this way or I might just have schizophrenia. I think this album just gave me psychosis. It's not supposed to sound like that. Somebody Up There Likes You is fucking me up even more now. No Jim Kerr, their reptilian leader has taken the backseat, but this feels like one of the most ominous tracks. Nothing about this song makes me feel like Somebody Up There Likes Me, I feel like I'm being stalked through an alleyway by cyberpunks in 2148. And not in a good way. Oh fuck he's back, he's back and he's as terrifying as I remember him, the "Low, low, low" he opens up New Gold Dream with almost stopped my fucking heart I just don't think he should sound like that guys I don't know. I don't even want this review to just be Jim Kerr slander but I just looked him up... and he looks like he might be a reptile... no shade Jim, but you and your band of misfits are sending me spiraling into a panic attack. Penultimate track is titled Hunter and the Hunted. It all makes sense now. This might be it for me, boys. It appears that I was the Simple Mind, all along. I was about to say all jokes aside to start my conclusion, but I'm not joking. This was my genuine reaction. This album is fine, it just felt soulless to me in a disturbing way. To me it was almost equally as unsettling as Suicide self-titled, just in a very unintentional way. This album genuinely isn't bad, it's completely fine, there are some points in it that I would actually say I kind of enjoyed. But, with all that being said, it's a 2 because there was nothing about it that was offensive per-se but it was all just so fucking boring. I had to entertain myself by creating a conspiracy theory about it. Jim Kerr I'm sorry if I offended you I just feel like you're up to no good. Suicide self-titled was a 2 because it was painful to listen to but it was at least trying to do something. This is a 2 because it's completely decent music but it feels incredibly uninspired and unambitious. I had an uncle (non-blood related, importantly) who was a Jehovah's Witness and a very strange fellow. He was also a very bad person who did very bad things that I genuinely should not reveal in this review. I feel like he would love this album. That should sum up my feelings on it.
Yeah. Don’t think I would listen to these songs again, but it wasn’t the worst thing in the world I guess
Pre-Thoughts: - Idk shit about this, this is looking like its gonna be some mayonnaise bulllshiiiit. But im staying open and giving it a try. - There's absolutely no way im listening to all four hours of this comp. Doing the first disc and essential album only. During Thoughts: - I just know some british guy but this list together - Described as ambient dance music, which is kinda interesting. even the first track just feels like a relic. - As much as I kinda shit talked this I dont mind it. kinda groovy - Disclaimer: listening to the 2002 remaster. I feel like the mixing profile for this style is so different to what I normally listen to. My first instinct would be to call it thin but everything is well balanced enough. The layers are necessary because I feel like elements need something to back them up because of the sounds they picked. - Promised You A Miracle just hit me like a slap. Hell yeah - I love the lead synth in Big Sleep. - Getting on my level with Somebody Up There Likes You, cool instrumental interlude - I love the drum beat in the title track - Okay this is the first time since starting this list that I was reluctant going in and it actually has won me over. Im loving the second half. - Sometimes I like to think that this style of vocal is doing a Dracula impression and it makes it more fun. Post Thoughts: - A very strong second half, won me over from totally non-acknowledgment. I actually saved this album down for another listen because I think there's a time and a place and potential for me to like it more. - This is not my typical fare and I gotta be in a specific mood. It does have some great grooves, the extended jams maybe I could do without and vocals are hit or miss for me. Overall I was surprised this album had something to offer and happy that I was patient with it.
2.8 Disclaimer I only listened to disc 1! Enough fun synth, drums, bass, and guitar elements to make me enjoy it. If they removed the vocals I wouldn’t be mad. Sometimes sounded like the intro to an educational video from grade school
Woke up pissed at the world that this stupid website gave us another 80s rock album. I was pleasantly surprised by this album. As people in the group chat said this morning, I would also agree that this should not be classified explicitly as a rock album but maybe some sort of synth-pop and alternative rock sub-genre. Very groovy overall— made for an excellent listen driving through the mountains. Songs I added included: Someone Somewhere, Glittering Prize, and Made You a Miracle. All that said, don’t get too cocky 1001 Albums. If I get another 1970s rock album tomorrow I will give it no higher than a 2 as I am rocked-out. Some Rap, pop, or jazz would really be nice 3.9/5
Excellent start to finish. I only knew a couple songs but was captivated the whole time
Could have been wrong long track. Shouldn’t have been but could have been.
No sé si los Simple Minds andaban queriendo sonar a The Cure, pero en este álbum me parecieron tremendamente similares, guardando las diferencias. El álbum me gustó, tiene un par de tracks que me volaron la cabeza y otros que no entendí muy bien para qué estaban ahí, pero en su conjunto me parece un disco sólido. Siento que si le entrara más a los Simple Minds terminaría volviéndome muy fan. Ya veremos.
solid Scottish New Wave with some really great bass lines.
pass
Listened to the original 9 track version. This was fine, it kinda sounded like a David Bowie or Pet Shop Boys album from the 1980's.
Langweilig. Es tut mir leid.
Overall: 7/10 You may say this album hasn't aged well and I'd have no argument against that. It's very much a product of the 80s. For some reason, I enjoy this more than most of the 80s synthpop I've gotten so far. I found myself having a lot of fun with it. Fav Song: Colours Fly and Catherine Wheel
Clocking in at a little less than 4 and a half hours, this was a challenge to get through. That said, I definitely enjoyed it and had some favorites - always a big fan of 80s new wave. My favorites were: "Someone Somewhere (In Summertime) [Remastered 2002]," "Promised You a Miracle (Remastered 2002)," "Glittering Prize (Extended Theme)," "New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84) [Alternative Dream Version]," "Hunter and the Hunted (Alternative Take)," and "King Is White and In the Crowd (Monitor Mix)."
4.0 - Very Good
Hmm j'ai passé quelques bons moments mais c'est pas le rock qui me touche. Je sais pas quelle est la part de "ça a pas super bien vieilli" versus c'est juste pas trop mon style, mais en cherchant j'ai vu que ça avait l'air de se qualifier "rock arena" (sensation de grands espaces, fait pour être chanté dans une église, fit indeed avec la pochette), typique mouvement UK années 1980 post-punk et qui hérite du rock glam à certains égards. Notamment j'aime pas ce genre de voix de gorge avec du vibrato et pas mal de réverb, pas fan non plus des nappes au synthé et de la batterie hyper traitée. J'ai pas passé un mauvais moment, et encore une fois quelques trucs qui m'ont paru sympa, mais sans plus.
beaucoup de hauts et de bas dans cet album, dans le sens où j'ai trouvé que certains sons étaient vraiment très prenants (Someone Somewhere, Big Sleep, King is White and in the Crowd) et les autres un peu décevants par rapport à ce que laisse entrevoir le premier morceau. globalement une très bonne écoute, mais le ratio entre très bons morceaux / neutres est un peu faible. je connaissais leur chanson la plus connue, donc c'était plutôt cool de pouvoir recontextualiser le groupe dans le paysage musical. et petite mention pour la pochette qui est très stylée! un bon 3.6, et c'est là que je regrette qu'on ait pas plus de granularité pour noter, parce que ça reste pour moi au-dessus de Bob Dylan et à peu près au même niveau que Fun House pour ce qui est de l'expérience d'écoute.
Bra synthpop! Mye bedre enn kjennelåta Don't You (Forget About Me) skulle tilsi; åpningssporet er GOAT-kaliber. Ligger veldig i Depeche Mode-territorium, helt ned til hvor mye det til tider minner om Pink Floyd. (DM skriver jevnt over bedre låter, da.) Interessant valg av albumcover. Skriker liksom: Ikke kjøp meg! Mulig det skal være litt pagan, New Gold Dream får meg til å tenk på Hermetic Order of the Golder Dawn.
Kan jeg bare få åpningsriffet på «Someone Somewhere» på repeat? Kan jeg få være med i en montage på vei hjem fra byen med «Big Sleep» som soundtrack? Hitlåtene til Minds er episke, men det er nesten urettferdig at den plata her kommer i skyggen av dem. Kanskje litt samme problemer har, ettersom Hunting High and Low er en bunnsolid synthpopplate. Det er så mye kult som skjer i detaljene på New Gold Dream. Små riff som gjør seige låter sublimt catchy. Lydbildet som traff meg perfekt i høstmørket. Omslaget er kanskje blant de verste jeg har sett, men til gjengjeld blir «Hunter and the hunted» enda kulere når man vet at Herbie Hancock spiller soloen på den.
Dette er nok det albumet jeg har vært mest skeptisk til hittil. Har aldri hørt om det før, men navnet og coveret gav meg ikke mye håp for å si det sånn. Jeg ble positivt overrasket! Helt grei 80-tallsmusikk. Intet mer eller mindre
The most “Ok” album I’ve heard. Impressively Ok as a matter of fact. Then again I’m not really a fan of pop so this album was kind of just lost on me I guess? I could definitely see this being someone’s favorite. For me though I can’t ever see myself coming back to this. Favorite Track: They all sound the same Worst Track: See the above 2.5 stars
Not to my taste in any way shape or form
Not my jams
Not very notable to me
Siendo muy fan de sus dos mejores discos (Sparkle in the Rain (1984) y Once Upon a Time (1985)) nunca me he molestado en escuchar el resto de su obra. Al final le voy a dar un 3, que se está convirtiendo en mi puntuación estándar para todo lo que no sea malo. Me guardo "Promised You a Miracle".
I enjoyed this album a lot! Familiar with the band but not familiar with any of these songs. Incredible bass work on the entire album. Definitely worth listening to again!
I wanted to forget but it wasn't there
Mid 3, leaning high 3, some real solid tracks but a couple misses, would have been a 4 otherwise
nice, siento q las conozco todas, medio musica de fondo, lindas
Scottish New Wave, 80s. Very much of its time, synth pop.
Some serious 80s brit pop bias on these albums.
Interesting album...there were some good songs...but some of them were pretty mid...so overall a middle of the road album.
Nope not for me
Not sure what to make of this. The kind of album that would have been futuristic at the time but now sounds dated. Very much a stepping stone to later work. Compare the title track to Utah Saints rave rework and there's not much difference. Not offensive, just feels a bit of its time. A high 2
Good album,, 8/10
decent album, every song has that typical simple minds sound so if you're into that its great
It sounds like the time, but, there is nothing special about this album that isn't either done again or better by another band on this list.
I like Simple Minds, but this is merely an okay album and far from their greatest album (Once Upon a Time), and it does not have the cultural sway, nor should it really, as their performance and recording of "Don't You Forget (About Me)" from The Breakfast Club soundtrack. I think the list missed out on their 2018 album WALK BETWEEN WORLDS. ::chef's kiss:: especially the standout track "The Signal and the Noise". And while I love 80s album, particularly the synth albums, this is honestly not one of the better ones. As an aside, I have make the following complaint once more: not including soundtracks and scores on this list is one of the silliest rules of this exercise. There are so much quality songwriting, arrangement, and performances that were culturally vital and go missing because of a silly rule. The only track on NEW GOLD DREAM that I actually enjoyed was "Someone Somewhere (in Summertime)".
good for working
An Album ain't 4+ hours lol
No idea why the extended version is so long. I thought this was fine.
This was not engaging me. The echoey quality of the vocals were a huge turn off, none of the music was catching my ear. TG I didn't listen to the 4 hour version
I didn’t dislike this but it just sounds like mid pop from the 80s
nah
4.5
D'abord, contrairement à Guillaume, j'ai beaucoup aimé le cover. J'étais down pour des chants grégoriens. Bon c'est pas des chants grégoriens, mais c'est the next big thing, un mixte entre U2 et Tears for fears. Ce projet me fait devenir friand de New Wave et de post-punk! D'ailleurs ça fait 2 semaines j'écoute War en boucle et que je repicke des tounes de U2, je pense qu'Alice veut me kicker dehors de la maison pour retourner travailler. J'ai trouvé les guits et synths planants (woh, un solo de Herbie en plus!) Pourquoi 81-82-83-84 dans le titre de l'album?
Pas convaincu malheureusement pas Simple Minds, même apres 2 écoutes complètes ce que je peux rarement me permettre. Quelques bon flash sur New Gold Dream et la première pièce, mais le son très new wave/synthétiseur finissait par me fatiguer
ещё одна группа которую по названию путаю с другой, а по музыке это вообще какой-то пет шоп бойз
Terrible and terribly boring. Why was this on this list.
I kind of like a number of Simple Minds hits, this one only had one of them though. The rest of the album was a real snorefest though. Basic 80's pop but completely devoid of the upbeat atmosphere that the rest of the 80's and their later work also had. Completely forgettable listen. They were a popular band but this doesn't feel worthy of inclusion on the list. I really don't find any merit in this listen. Promised you a miracle isn't even that good.
It’s like walking into an art gallery where every painting is titled “Emotion” but none actually have any. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions Someone Somewhere (In Summertime) Glittering Prize
Went in with average expectations given how bad some pop from this era can sound, but ended up really enjoying it. Classic 80s synth in the vein of early Talk Talk or Tears for Fears, both of whom I love. The title track is excellent.
I never really knew that I liked Simple Minds apart from their biggest hit, Don’t You (Forget about Me) but this is actually pretty good
👎🏼
If you, like I, are only familiar with the huge hits- Don’t You(forget about me), Alive and Kicking, Sanctify… you owe it to yourself to give this album a listen. Infectious 1980’s synth pop sound will transport you back in time to “the Breakfest Club”. Every song (except one)is really well crafted 80’s pop… the one track that to me seems like “filler” is “Somebody Up there Likes You”. I don’t say this because it’s an instrumental (I love instrumentals) but it is a 5 minute track that drones on and on and never goes anywhere… sounds more like an ad for the synth sounds than a song … for this reason 3 1/2 stars instead of 4.
Simply boring
I like this band’s singles Promised You a Miracle and Don’t You Forget About Me but never liked the band enough to buy even a greatest hits album. This was okay and listenable but it didn’t make me change my mind about delving into their back catalogue.
Thoroughly enjoyed this 80s rock album. Keep: Promised you a miracle
More mind and less simple next time, please
Expected to hate it but it was fine. I will never listen to it again. But it was Fine.
Another great new wave band I just never got into. This album may have changed that though, I love to get into bands way past their prime. Better late than never.
Ok but a bit samey.
2.5
Not my thing
Simple Minds have a very particular sound. To my ear, it is the type of 80s music I do not enjoy. If you happen to like this style of 80s music, and like any of the most popular songs from Simple Minds, you will love this album. I do not.
Sounds like a lot of other BS from the 80s and I don’t see the appeal.
Can’t say I cared for much of this album.
Good
28/09/2025 There's nothing that special about this album, it's okay and it passes the "okay" test. Spotify listeners: 8.3 million
7/10…new wave / 80s pop
Favorite Track: Hunter and the Hunted
New Gold Dream is a shimmering, atmospheric masterpiece that captures Simple Minds at the height of their creative powers. From the opening notes of “Someone Somewhere in Summertime,” the album feels warm and enveloping, with lush synth textures, steady grooves, and Jim Kerr’s soaring vocals creating a sound that is both euphoric and introspective. The title track and “Promised You a Miracle” bring that perfect mix of rhythmic drive and melodic beauty, the kind of songs that feel like they could soundtrack both a night out and a quiet moment of reflection. What stands out most is the consistency. Every track feels carefully crafted, with the band finding the ideal balance between their artier post-punk roots and a more polished, expansive sound. “Colours Fly and Catherine Wheel” and “Big Sleep” glide along with hypnotic grace, while “Glittering Prize” has a lightness that makes it instantly memorable. The production is rich without being cluttered, giving each instrument its space while blending everything into a glowing whole. Listening to New Gold Dream feels like stepping into a golden haze where everything is in perfect focus. It is an album that sounds timeless, both of its era and completely beyond it, and it shows a band hitting a rare moment of total clarity in their sound. It is emotional, uplifting, and endlessly replayable, a true high point not just for Simple Minds but for 1980s pop as a whole.
Really good album
The music always sounds like it is knocking on the door of something greater. The band seemed to nail it on Glittering prize. Everything else seems to come close but not quite get there.
Simple Minds are the defacto band for beautiful music of this era. This record really highlights that.
Dating myself, but Simple Minds were always one of my favourite bands of the 80s (even if their song titles sound a little pretentious now).
Lets gooo een album van 4.5 uur. Ik kon een aantal nummers wel waarderen zoals promised you a miracle en new gold dream, maar de rest was niet heel memorabel. De jaren 80 synth vibe kan ik wel diggen
2 for promised you a miracle .
I was surprised at this album. The cover screams hardcore rock but when you listen it is a chill low key album. I’m listen to this again.
At the end of the day it's 80's synth pop. You either like it or you don't. Not a huge fan, but it's okay.
It was fine.
Da se već zaključiti da ja totalno imam bass blindness, tj. ako valja bas malo me šta dalje zanima. Ali ovdje nije samo bas, pjesme su baš kvalitetne. Nije mi sve leglo ali je bar pola odličnih pjesama. Uvijek je zanimljivo vidjeti koliko se kvalitetni radovi neke grupe razlikuju od najpoznatijih pjesama.
Ok, 80’s vibe
Just the epitome of that echoey 80s sound
I once thought that 80s synth was my thing and was waiting for an album on this project to listen to. Maybe I was wrong.
Ok
Yet another band I rediscovered through this list. I know what the Simple Minds play - vaguely - but now I listened to what some consider their best album and I really, really like it. It's fresh 80s rock music with some great ideas.
Nothing special
Big 80s fan, and some huge nostalgia around a few of the songs. Still a great example of sophisticated, smooth, intellectual pop songwriting. 4⭐️
Not really interesting. Sounds like a boring version of Simple Minds.
Nice
Nada de mais
I can't imagine that this was a must listen during the 80s. This seems like cookie cutter, 80s syth driven music. I haven't heard one song on the whole album that I am familiar with. It isn't Kid Rock or Limp Bizkit though...so it gets a 2.
i love the 80s
It's ok
Glittering Prize er et godt nummer. Jeg har det som om, jeg burde høre det mere, men det gjorde ikke stort indtryk, så det bliver en stor 2'er.
Fine. Solid ‘80s vibes.
I’m guilty of only knowing the big hit by Simple Minds. This didn’t really sound like that. It reminded me more of the Cure in places. But it didn’t really rise above a 3.
I’m usually not a fan of this type of synth music. This wasn’t so bad, though.
I actually quite like the music, but I so so hate Jim Kerr's voice it overwhelms any points it might have got. I don't suppose there's an album of instrumental versions?
Ei ihmeellinen, 1,75/5.
1,5
thought simple plan and simple minds were the same band until today
Outdated and boring.
painfully 80s
Not as interesting as I hoped, but perfectly fine and enjoyable, would seek physical filler vinyl copy ⭐⭐⭐
Felt like an album I’ve heard before but not as interesting. It’s fine, nothing too striking about it. I understand they may have influenced other better synth wave bands. Seems the singer was influenced by Ian Curtis who is excellent. This album simply didn’t do much for me and I like Synth Wave. 3 stars
Panašu į depeche mode, geras balsas.
אייטיז משעמם
Third album in a week that's more yawnable 80s rock. Why is this in the book?!
New Gold Dream (the album) has an interesting sound and a lot of religious overtones. Someone Somewhere In Summertime and the title song are the best on the original album. The rest are listenable, but no standouts. Only know about Simple Minds from their one hit; Don’t You Forget About Me which doesn’t have the same sound as this album. I did listen to the non-repeat songs on the extended version and Theme For Great Cities is a standout! (2.9*s) Still unable to figure out the (81/82/83/84)
Pretty standard synth pop-rock tunes. A more little dream-like and whimsical than some of the other 80s acts from the genre. I was not moved by New Gold Dream and give title track top slot. Not sure about the 82-84 reference...maybe years they hoped to be a chart topping band? I am wondering if we are going to get their Breakfast Club album on the list if this one made it. 2.05 stars for a simple minded record.
I don't have any prior familiarity with Simple Minds beyond The Breakfast Club and "Don't You". I've always been a fan of the song so I was hoping this would offer something in the same vein. At the end of the listen, there is very little for me to take away. It's not bad, but it's not any good. Another one to add to the "meh" pile and move on. Simple Minds will continue to stand as a one-hit wonder for me for the time being. 1.96 stars
10 seconds in I thought "I'm not going to like this and it's going to be a looong listen" and I was unfortunately right.
Quintessential 80's.
parempi kuin oletin, välillä tulee vähän instrumenttaalia pidempään vähän ambientti ääniä vähän kivaa rauhottelua. ja kun laulataan niin tajutaan että miksissä laitetaan pienemmälle koska kuuulostaan kuitenkin päivän päätteessä aika saatanan paskalta joten se-fwawareness. itseis tietämys on korkealla tasolla tässsä näin. siitä tulee ehdottomasti lisäpisteitä meikäläisen tukkimiehen kirjaan! muuten kuitenkin iaka saamatonta touhua mutta ei sellasta sehän se elämä on sellaista joskus yrittää yrittää mutta ei saa. minä annan yrityspalkintoja, osallistujapalkintoja heh nykynuoriso tälläisiä mutta on nykyisyys ja olen nuori niin tehdääs nyt näin tällä kertaa big sleep
Found the nine track version after the link had sent me in the direction of the 3-disc, 3.5 hour version. I don’t think their sound has aged quite as well as some of their peers, but there were some pleasant surprises here.
It’s not bad, but it doesn’t sound strong in any major area. By the end of it, I’d just kind of tuned it out - not because it was bad, just wasn’t grabbing me at all.
Yawn
A perfectly adequate new wave album.
Another album where the only version available on Spotify is a bloated, extended edition. This one is a ridiculous 5 disc version. When it comes to the original songs, I liked them well enough. The singles are the obvious stand out tracks, but the rest of the music was good enough that I'm just about giving a 4.
I know the name “Simple Minds”, but I don’t recognize these songs. This Al un is really good. It’s reminding me of the smiths.
A fine 80s synth pop album. It was a breakthrough for Simple Minds and highly influential on some big name artists like Depeche Mode and U2. But you really need to consider this one in the context of the year it was released. It probably contributed a lot to the sound of 80s synth pop to come. In retrospect, it doesn't quite hold up as well as other bands. For one moment in 1982, it seems like Simple Minds were on top of the genre and helped push forward a more human sound. So for that it's certainly significant. But they'd be surpassed by the end of the decade which is likely why most people only know their one gigantic hit song. I love some good synth pop so this was a great listen for me anyway. And bonus, Herbie Hancock makes an appearance.
Насправді доволі непогано, хоча місцями звучить як типова музика 80-х. Дивно, але останні три пісні мені сподобались найбільше, особливо Glittering Prize, а також Kings Is White And In The Crowd. Загалом Once Upon a Time мені як альбом подобається більше (і не тому, що там головний хіт сімпл майндс), але і цей альбом достойний насправді. 3.5
Sometimes I love eighties music. Unabashedly pretentious, dark and moody (although this rather glitters at times), with a driving prominent bass. Takes the beat from disco and twists it into synth/rock music. This sounds fantastic.
I know a few of Simple Minds' later stuff, but not this one in particular. I wasn't expecting much of a different sound to be honest, it's pretty smooth 80's pop complete with the signature synths. Don't feel like much was done here to make this record that much different from other synth-pop and new wave acts from the time. Any efforts to do so came up a tad flat. Still an OK listen at the end of the day.
Good one.
Not the worst 80's British record I've gotten on this list, but that also isn't a ringing endorsement of this record.
Great, early salvo of one of the decades most important New Wave groups. While the songs don't have the sweeping, operatic qualities they would later add, it's an enjoyable listen that is distinctly of it's time, but also not as dated as some of it's contemporaries.
mag soa musik ja eig voll, aber des war iwie boring
Great sonic palette but probably lacks the songs to be truly beyond good
Just meh. It was new wave pop. Nothing stood out.
I expected more, I can't put it into words. It wasn't bad but it was very similar
I wanted this to be like modern english but it didnt quite hit the same. more boring.
bland!
The Simple Minds were very much part of me finding my musical identity. It some much more poppy and goody-goody than it did at the time but I think the songs still stand, also the lesser known ones. Nice basslines, and the vocals stand out.
6/10 pretty good background music 8-14-2025
Some pretty rad moments. Big Sleep was great with a fantastic bass line. I can see how this would have been a very influential album for the next couple decades.
Decent album, with Promised You a Miracle going hard. High 2s.
prfect
anyway
man, i just cannot figure out what the critics saw in this. i normally love 80s new wave, but this is just... boring. i'm only closely familiar with simple minds' don't you forget about me, but these tracks feel like the rough drafts that should've been scrapped on the way there. also i dunno if these guys are a christian band but this album cover SCREAMS "jesus pamphlet created by a church youth group leader using a free alternative to photoshop" favorites: someone somewhere (in summertime), promised you a miracle
Pretty solid new wave/post-punk record. But it's very 50/50 for me. Kinda switches off between stereotypical, upbeat 80's music that I'm not a big fan of (Glittering Prize), and more melancholic post-punk in the vein of The Cure, which I like quite a bit (Somewhere Someone In Summertime). But its kinda in that "When I have The Cure, I'll just listen to The Cure" situation. Just goes to reinforce my theory that good 80's music needs a darker, melancholic, somber edge to it. If it's just upbeat, its not going to be good. Solid, but not anything special for me.
I usually like this type of music but found it forgettable with a lot of filler.
Almost there, just need the songs
I think I just don’t like synth
Synth pop, reminds me of Perry's stage, so 80s Promised you a miracle New gold dream
Not a fan of new wave
Pretty fine, doesn't excite me though.
Very enjoyable, 'wears its genre on its sleeve'
Simple Minds has quickly become one of my favorite 80s new wave bands. I hadn’t really dug into any of their full albums until the last 6 months or so, and now that I have, I’ve found a whole new appreciation for them. I used to have a greatest hits album from them, but it only had a couple of really good tracks, and the rest felt pretty mediocre. That made me think the rest of their catalog would be just as underwhelming, if not worse. But man, was I wrong. This album, in particular, leans heavily into synthpop, with the guitars playing more of a complementary role to the synthesizers. There’s also a strong art rock vibe running through it, which likely gives Simple Minds their more mature and distinctive sound.
Just ok.
Alrite
Ugh, what a chore.
I have heard that this album is awesome but I didn’t know that it was this good. Really awesome New Wave here.
I definitely didn't need to hear this album. There were some parts that caught my attention, but mainly I found this tedious and dated.
Kinda a big ol' snoozer... 4/10
Unremarkable
Always liked this album which many fans say is peak Simple Minds. The 3 singles are great, but for me the title track is still a banger and one I still listen to regularly.
great
One thing I've never been able to get past is how much of a silly name simple minds is. Detracts almost completely from their output. This album is good in parts. Promised you a miracle and glittering prize are excellent. But that name oh dear oh dear.
Pretty samey 80s vibes. Not bad, but nothing stood out in particular for me.
New wave could not exist in a post-internet world. Call it self-awareness, call it irony, but all media now is dripping in something that these synths refuse to take part of. It's pure, it's genuine. That said, I don't think this is the best new wave album
It’s whatever
Not as good as I’d hoped.
Today's album is what I call a true '80s one hit wonder. I wanted to like it but I just didn't. But I do like that one song (that's not in this album)
Meh
Explorations in reverb and delay making this a product of the 80´s. Simple Minds have better material than this album
Didn’t age well: one good synth / bass / drum loop per song, then dubbed over with the same non melodic singing. This worked when synths were new. Not anymore today. 🥱 One exception: New gold dream. Compared to Depeche Modes Music for the masses which had proper buildups this sounds bland.
pure synthwave
4 - Dunno, just liked it. Cheesy but good
Didn't enjoy this much. So 80s. 2.7/5
This is straight down the middle New Wave. Like almost a stereotype for this type of music. I like it but it's not exactly going to wow anyone. It's fun to listen to and I think it is produced well. I'm not sure I would actively listen to this album much, but I'd definitely throw it on and play it in the background every now and then. 3/5
I have always been a clear simple minds fan. I enjoyed this album
Another album from my late teens, tho' I was more of a weird music fan at the time. Simple Minds always seemded more slick and pop-orientated than I liked, Forty plus years later, I think the same. Miracle is still the stand out track, and the whole album reeks of Eighties optimism, but still is slightly lacking in substance. A good 3.5 stars.
Boring
kinda boring
A handful of really good songs. I found the second half of the album to be a bit of a let down. It stayed sonically pleasing throughout but I didn't connect with a majority of the songs. A couple songs will make it into my rotation and I would like to hear more from Simple Minds, especially a live album. 3.5
Loved the 80's vibe here, still has something to offer
Super 80s, none of the big hits though
4 So underrated. Simple Minds were always relegated to the off-season U2 especially given their sweeping arrangements and Jim Kerr's passion. However, when they found their sound on this album, this was Art Pop. Mel Gaynor gave them a real head-nodding drive/groove. Those riffs ("Promised You A Miracle") were sparkling and uplifting ("Someone, Somewhere (In Summertime")). "The King is White and In The Crowd" is a helluva closer too. In the end, everyone compares them to U2. No one takes into account, this was U2's inspiration - not the other way around.
Much more like it, 8/10, some good 80s pop rock
When I saw the album cover, I thought I was in for a religious rock album or some shit. Turns out it was some mid Scottish New Wave. I'm not a fan of new wave as a rule, but the fact that this was a tolerable Scottish band that actually showed some talent garners them at least 1 extra star, so 2 stars it is... Favorite songs: Promised You a Miracle, Big Sleep Least favorite songs: Colours Fly and Catherine Wheel 2/5
I thought the Cyndi Lauper album I listened to recently might be the most 80's album ever. Simple Minds: "hold my beer"
#641. At this point I'm convinced it's intentional and done directly to spite me that there's so many one hit wonder's non-hit albums on this list. 2/5: nah
Absolutely 80s pop new-wave in every single way. Nothing that I need in my content rotation, but it did hit some grooves.
These tracks were all okay, but really didn’t leave any lasting impression in my mind. Pleasant enough not to turn it off but probably wouldn’t seek this out again. 2.5/5
No thank you! (Jesus music)
Highlight Song/s: Glittering Prize Some things that stand out to me about this album: It's fairly minimalist. The singer sounds a bit like Robert Smith. Some of the lyrics seem quite hopeful. It's an alright album.
There are definitely parts I find interesting (bass lines most frequently), but some songs faded totally into the background for me. I liked Glittering Prize, and then the beginning of Hunter and The Hunted, but the length of song lost its impact.
80s synth-pop, quite liked having it on, but nothing stood out really. Good but forgettable. 3/5
This is a bit too poppy in the 80s synth genre for me. Still got me nodding along though on a few tracks. Low 3/5
Two or three very strong tracks and a fair amount of filler for me. Bass and drums always to the fore with vocals dialled down, except on the singles.
I love the textures, performances and general vibe of this album. I prefer the compositions when they wrap themselves around a more traditionally shaped song, some of the tracks are a little formless for my taste but make for an interesting listen. For this reason when the band points towards a pop song on the bouncy and life affirming Glittering Prize, this stands out as my favourite moment on the tracklist, even more impactful because of the overall album it sits on.
Love the bass lines on this thing, some of the more abstract soundscapes don’t land for me and the album is weaker for them (though I enjoy them in an of themselves) but damn when this thing is good it’s good (see Glittering Prize)
If someone asked me what a generic, synth-drenched, basic-ass 80s album sounds like, I’d say: New Gold Dream, hands down. Too bad I can’t stand that cheesy 80s crap. 😂
Spotify had me worried when it showed it as 4 discs and I was thinking that was 3 discs too many. But the one actual disc by itself isn't bad. But it kinda all blends together into a general new wave sound.
New Gold Dream - Simple Minds ⭐️ One of those albums that makes absolutely no sense as to why it's included on the 1001 list, no sense at all. I hated Trout Mask Replica a lot more but at least I get why it's on the list but New Gold Dream? No clue. None. OK, so you like synth pop then why not listen to Yazoo or Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark? At least both bands have some kind of personality, some kind of life to them. New Gold Dream is just another crappy 1980s album and hardly the only dreck on the 1001 it's just a little (OK a lot) more soul numbingly boring than most albums I have ever heard not the worst not even close, they play their instruments well enough, the singer has a decent enough voice but FUCK ME I couldn't wait for it to end. I listen to every album I generate from start to finish and if you don't why are you even reading this? I fully expect some one-star albums, but this one just confuses me- why is it on here? Who honestly thinks that anyone has to listen to New Gold Dream before you die? Sadistic much? Anyone? Seriously what a messed-up thing to wish other people's lives. If I get a few more albums like this in a row- I'm out NOT finishing this project. I have close to 1000 vinyl albums & just over 2,000 albums on CD so what am I doing hearing stuff that makes me wonder why I even like music? Downvote that, bitch.
BANGER
Promised You A Miracle, Someone Somewhere In Summertime y Glittering Prize fueron puntales de lanza de un álbum que les puso en cabeza en cuanto a popularidad sin perder calidad ni crédito. Este fue el inicio de una trilogía descomunal con Sparkle in the rain y sobre todo Once upon a time que les llevó a la cima, un lugar que frecuentaron hasta finales de los 80 y aunque perdieron popularidad y calidad, siguieron haciendo buenos discos y aún están en ello. Un disco excelente con una portada horrible. Buenas voces, melodías exquisitas y sobre todo ambientación marca de la casa.
No idea what to do with this one. I had somewhat of a Simple Minds phase back then™ but this doesn't ring any bells. It seems like a warm and pleasant outlier in the early 80s sea of cold New Wave. U2 from its time but with synths and they kept The Edge around for some songs? I do not dislike this at all but I wish there were some hooks and melodies I could remember in an hour from now. Maybe why I had erased it from my Simple Minds phase? It's just... there, very uneventfully.
This is a little too "new wavy" even for me.
- It's fine, it's just not that interesting. -
This may be the most boring 80s album recorded. It’s a big yawn from start to finish. So bland.
Not really my thing. Some songs were good but overall I didn’t find any song as a standout or one that I would come back to.
Such mediocre existence of what I personal think is the most mediocre time in modern music history, the 80's (the decade I was born). The post punk/new wave genre that dominated the early to mid 80's is one the genres that did not age well/carry over to new generations. I say this the day after giving The Smiths a 4 star rating for an ablum that stood out in the crowd, this album does not do that. I literally forgot I was listening to it, while actively listening to it. Overall immemorable, never out right bothered me or caught me off guard, just bland meh nothingness, a generic saltine cracker. 3.8/10 101/1001
My god, this is boring.
Slow 80s rock vibes - not my thing
Meh
Catchy radio song like "Promised You A Miracle" and "Glittering Prize" but, like much of the Simple Minds oeuvre, this just never clicked with me. They have that late 70s/early 80s new wave synthy sounds and just can't shake it. Not bad, just not memorable.
A lot of the production was interesting but the songwriting just did nothing for me
lots of people have done this better i think
Standard 80s fare but I ain’t listening to all that
Kinda boring actually and not the record with their hits
So long but fine
En daar gaan we weer. New Wave. Jaren '80, galm, koorknaap, synthjes. Je wil zo'n album niet binnen 10 seconden in dat hokje proppen en afserveren, maar ik merk dat het zo snel bij mij wel kan gaan als ik er iets teveel van krijg in een te korte periode. Ik vind het ook heel moeilijk om aan het geluid te horen dat dit Simple Minds is en niet die Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark van laatst. Of George Michael, of a-ha, of Talking Heads, of the Human League, Spandau Ballet of noem er nog 10 meer die ongetwijfeld allemaal in deze lijst staan. Andere mensen zullen dit waarschijnlijk bij rap hebben, of die gooien Slipknot, Limp Bizkit en System of a Down op één hoop. Of Soundgarden, Nirvana en Pixies. En hoewel ik het dus wel enigszins kan plaatsen en verwoorden heb ik toch moeite om dit album los te trekken uit deze lijst en er van te genieten voor wat het is. Het is niet slecht maar ik ervaar dit als 2 sterren waar ik misschien als ik overdreven schappelijk zou zijn nog 3 sterren van zou kunnen maken. Maar dan heb ik toch liever de twee albums die ik hiervoor kreeg en al een 3 gaf. Ohja, en dé hit staat hier niet op hè. Twee sterren dus.
This was a chore to get through, a long and unrewarding drudge, drowning in 80s synth and instantly forgettable lyrics. I'm not a fan of 1980s pop music and this isn't even a particularly good example of the genre.
I bought 'Once Upon A Time' in 1985 and I thought if there was going to be a Simple Minds album on this list then that would be it. But it’s not. This is. And it’s just as good. Unmistakably 1980s. And what's wrong with that? A huge band. Stadium rockers and Live Aid alumni. And Jim Kerr was my man-crush too (sorry, Jim, but you’ve not aged well). But your band has. 5 All the way.
There was nothng here to hold my interest. 2 stars or D-.
Great album so nostalgic of the early mid 80s
I really thought Simple Minds was better than this compilation of boredom.
Eighties poppy.
Mediocre 80s sounding band. 5/10
I've always loved their hits, but I don't think I've ever listened to a full album. This is great!
This is actually pretty good. I dig the vibes.
I feel like I had heard that voice before but couldn't pinpoint where. Not bad songs, nice and light with a poppy 80's feel
Idk anymore honestly. Gives old vibes and like that type of music was done before and alot better
I really couldn't get into them, they just sounded like a worse version of stereophonics
I'd give it a 3.5 if I could. Solid 80s sound, but there just wasn't a song that grabbed me.
This is Simple Minds finally sounding like Simple Minds. It will depend on your musical taste whether you consider that a good thing or a bad thing.
what an amazing album!! i’d like the vocals to be mixed cleaner, a bit louder and not be so reverby and echoey. the first track suffers from a very low vocal mix that’s just bad. shame because it’s such a great song. i doubt that all this will actually stop me from putting this album on tho. i llistened to flac versions of andrew walters remasters from the super deluxe cd box set released in 2016 and i loved the way it sounded. then i go to spotify and find it sounding similar again. *i’m truly not an expert on sound* sigh xD fave songs; someone, somewhere (in summertime), promised you a miracle, big sleep, new gold dream. big sleep probably being the nr 1 fave!
Good bass and synths. Breakfast club vocals. Good early morning work music 3 stars? I dunno how the metric will work
this album opens with a really punchy synth and some ok vocals. Its new wave according to rym, and i feel like given the music im hearing its more of a new wave secondary, synthpop as the lone primary because, what is this? i kinda like it but if i had lost all access to will wood, of montreal and radiohead, well for one id be sad as hell, and for two id be listening to oingo boingo, which is like if this was more will-wood-esque and sillier, and i would get through the backlogged stuff at a rate not known to man, i certainly wouldn't put this on, because a knowledge of how talking heads sounds beyond the hits (by that i mean listening to remain in light and stop making sense in full) is maybe gonna help me appreciate this more, although the sub 3.00 friend rating doesn't really make me think thats true. anyways back to the music the fuck was i on saying "oh oh this aint new wave" this is new wave and ok new wave at that. I do feel like the less new wave sounding tracks are the worse ones. Overall it was fine nothing id come back to but i still enjoyed it enough.
3.5
Enjoyed this. Some familiar songs, especially if you listen to 6Music.
Not a fan of this at all. All literally sounds the same and there were no recognizable songs. 4/10
someone somewhere- 4 colors fly and catherine wheel- 4 promised you a miracle- 4 big sleep- 3 or 4 somebody up there likes you- 3 new gold dream- 4 glittering prize- 2 or 3 hunter and the hunted- 4 king is white and in the crowd- 3 its just not very good
3/5 pretty good but I need to take a point away for that album cover
I love me some Simple Minds! They are such a great 80s new wave band and this album was solid and lots of fun. This album made me want to go dancing with my mom. I’m definitely listening to this again in the future!
😬 not my thing
Deducting points for length.
nice to listen to. nothing _that_ exciting. the sound is very distinctive throughout. either iconic or dated, depending on how you feel about 80s music.
Very 80’s. Each one sounded like the last. No likes to take away but I’m sure someone in the world appreciates it so not just one star
Not horrible, but just bored and couldn't finish.
I’m not sure if any band exemplifies 80s new wave as well as Simple Minds. This is the sound. Really good album. Also - fascinated to learn a while ago that the band is still releasing music. Good music! I’m all for it.
Very straightforward sound - all of it very recognizable and every song makes me think of Don't You (Forget About Me).
Empires and Dance is the good Simple Minds album. Goes so hard you'd think it's a different band entirely. Reel to Reel Cacophony also rips. This one sucks. Defined 'sell-out', these fellas.
finally, a good palette cleanser after all the weird noisy new wave i heard before. polished, moderately reverberated, and having the typical class that artsy 80s pop should have, this one was a generally good listen. new gold dream has a sound that makes you feel like you're in a morbidly long dress and dancing in the moonlight in a church. airy and atmospheric, under the right conditions, this album makes you feel like you're floating on air. it's said that billy idol and brian eno were fans of these guys, and i can hear the influence.
Completely forgettable 1980s rock album. Won't be revisiting. I absolutely hated the mixing. Couldn't make out the singing at all.
Yawn. I've no nostalgia at all for this. There's brighter, wetter, sexier 80s albums out there, what is this doing on the list??
No se mucho de música pero la voz me recordó un poco a Gustavo Serati,solo que vercion inglés
irish soda stereo
It was ok
Meh - same thing over and over.
Disclaimer: I really like Simple Minds, so this rating is a bit biased like my Jamiroquai review. Overall, this is my favorite Simple Minds album. Pretty much every song is really good and well polished. The lowest rated song for me was the very last one, "King is White and in the Crowd", mainly because it's 7 minutes long and it drags on for 3 minutes too much with just the same melody playing over and over. Well put together album overall though and definitely one should listen to before they die. 3.89/5 stars = 4 stars. Can't Miss tracks: "Colours Fly and Catherine Wheel" "Promised You A Miracle" "Somebody up there Likes You"
Awesome album, loved it. I loved how driving the bass guitar was in this whole album. I didn't get to a song I didn't really care for until Glittering Prize, and that's most of the way through. The standouts for me are Big Sleep, Promised You a Miracle, and New Gold Dream. Great new wave album, would never have heard of these guys otherwise.
'Somewhere there is some place / That one million eyes can't see.' I would have liked The Breakfast Club group to give me more of a buffet, but this succeeds as some sort of timeless period piece: it's about as 80s as you can get, and for this reason, endures thru the decades. Lyrically, it's vague and lugubrious, the quintessential 80s backbeat charms but also irritates, and nothing tells me that it's held together by authentic ingenuity. But, call it a guilty pleasure, or else an instance of guilt being somehow pleasurable: the energy is true to form and not something I'd promptly refuse. Besides, it has moments of truths and beauty: 'We were only young in the whirlpool of warning.' I'm left wanting to squeeze what I can from life. For that: dig.
Good ol 80s electric pop cheese. A few little standouts but nothing remarkable
New wave 80s sound that never does anything unique with it
Better than I anticipated 3.5
Quintessential 80s synth-pop (always hated the term "new wave"). The dominant sound of my high school and college years, which is probably the only reason why I can listen to it today without skipping past it. I did always like the haunting tone in his voice though.
7/10 Enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Very 80s, but in a good way. It drifts at times, but the songs are good and it holds a lot of strong nostalgia for me
It's new wave, it sounds very much like 1982, and yet it's also incredibly gorgeous. 1982 at its finest.
Each individual track is good enough on its own, but as a collective there isn't enough variety to justify a high rating. It's a kind of semi-experimental synth pop, propped up by some nice basslines. Pretty funny to see the split in reviewer sentiment here. Half the reviews are "this is the best synth-based creation of all time, richly textured beautifully crafted songs, a complete cohesive experience" and the other half are "this is balls. unmemorable, bland, bloated, dated". As one might guess, I fall somewhere in the middle. The sound is definitely dated and I would never go out of my way to listen to the record again. On the other hand, the compositions are decently strong, there are some good hooks here and there, and for the most part I enjoy the singing. 9 tracks in 46 minutes is certainly not bloated for an album, so I don't really see those reviewers' points. The title track is surprisingly good, having a satisfying chord progression that repeats every few bars for maximum ear exposure. Someone Somewhere (In Summertime), the album opener, is also pretty solid – though I couldn't for the life of me tell you why. In an alternative universe I'd be complaining endlessly about the annoying high-pitched staccato synths, but they're not that bad in this setting. The best song, though, has to be Promised You A Miracle. The hook is great, the intermittent tempo-halts are just weird enough to be engaging but not so weird as to alienate the listener. I walked away from this feeling like a 2-star rating would be justifiable. But one of my policies is that, if I "like" every individual track, the album must get at least 3 stars. (Voilà!) 3/5 Key tracks: Promised You A Miracle, New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Decent fun album 7/10
Gear: DCA ÆON 2 Noire Artwork: ✝️♥️🔥 Production (2003 Remaster): 🤷♂️😐👍 Music: ✨🎛️🤷 Rating: 🪙🪙/5
A very good entry from a genre I'm not a huge fan of ("new pop" according to Wikipedia). Glittering Prize was my top track. Bonus points for the most "Graphic design is my passion" album cover I've seen.
All the new wave starts to sound the same to me after a while
Fairly traditional 80's synthpop/new wave. You know the drill: gated reverb on the drums, synth washes, more reverb on the vocals. There's no surprises here - just some solid song writing. Best Tracks: Someone Somewhere (In Summertime); Promised You a Miracle; New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
i love when this endeavor makes me listen to bands i’ve only heard one hit song from. i like every song on this so much better than what i had heard. Glittering Prize! so good! so 80s so awesome i loved it
pretty good and fun!
I like later works better.
Meh.... this was about as a defining and generic 80's sound as you could possibly get. This could have been any one of a dozen bands from that era that all sounded the same. It's music like this which gives me a much greater appreciation for the music from the prior two decades.
I literally can't think of anything to say about this one. It is fine, the production sounds good. It is kind of weird we didn't get the album with their massive hit. Mid 3.
I’m dedicated to this project but not dedicated enough to listen to 50+ tracks that this album has. I listened to a shorter version and I had zero interest in it
No bangers, but it turns out broadening my Simple Minds horizon was a good move.
Yikes
This was some great 80s vibes. Another cool exposure to a band that I only knew their big hit from.
Some elements sound like Franz Ferdinand songs I don't like. The remainder merely fades.
Bad
cool
Nice album with an interesting sound
Boring.
I've tried Simple Minds a couple times and can never get into it. Did not change this time round. There's no weight behind any of it, it feels like it's trying to move me somewhere but it's so weak that it passes by me like a light breeze Rating: 2.0
like new order, but not as good.
Not into it. Too 80s synth.
Ya echaba de menos otro álbum de synth-pop ochentero. Pues qué decir, más de lo mismo. Tiene un par de temas muy buenos; sobre todo, "Hunter and the Hunted" es un temazo que va in crescendo, creando una atmósfera cada vez más llena de texturas y acaba resultando una orgía de sonidos electrónicos etéreos ochenteros. La guitarra es más virtuosa de a lo que este género me suele tener acostumbrado, aunque los sintetizadores y la voz llorona son lo mismo de siempre. Un álbum que no es que sea malo, de hecho está muy bien producido y es pop-synth ("new pop") de calidad. Muy entretenido, pero me podría haber muerto fácilmente sin haberlo escuchado.
The best thing I can say about this album as it wasn’t actually the four hours I thought it was when I first opened it in Apple Music.
Super generic and kinda boring 5/10
80s. Didn't hate it.
This feels like stepping into a modest 1980s house with “good bones”—high ceilings, a solid foundation, and a lot of natural light (read: shimmering synths and moody optimism). But as you walk from room to room, it’s clear that not everything got the full makeover. It just doesn't deliver the emotional, layered drama that would become Simple Minds just a few years later. Tracks like “Promised You a Miracle” and “New Gold Dream” are the centerpiece renovations—open concept, polished, and ready for guests. But elsewhere, vocals are recessed like a sunken living room, the melodies float in abstract space. Still, the bones are there. The intention is there. And for fans who remember the before-and-after, it’s fun to revisit the blueprint mid-renovation.
So I’m always biased towards 80s bands cause I really enjoy the cartoony synths they use a lot in 80s music. And this album has a very interesting sound, very of its time which I think dates it and maybe will turn some people off, but I enjoyed it. Definitely not for everyone but if you like “Dead or Alive” type sounds, then this album will be a goldmine.
very great and catchy new wave tunes, give it a listen
In one ear and out the other. The instrumental track was alright.
Very long, very 80's, very middle of the road for me, not that special. Ugliest album cover i've ever seen btw. 2.5/5
2.5
||Yeah... I don't get this... It's like take what The Cure was doing and do it with out passion or catchy melodies. It just as sounds like faceless early 80s synth new wave. To make things worse some of these songs go of for fucking ever without going any where So many bands at the time were doing this better. Soft Cell, Depeche Mode Siouxsie & The Banshees.... (5.3) ★★½
Too symth heavy. Very 80s production. 2 stars