Picture Book

ATTENTION K-MART SHOPPERS: THERE IS A BLUE LIGHT SPECIAL ON PAMPERS IN AISLE 7.

The funny thing is listening to this album, it was even worse than I expected it to be. There have been some dubious selections so far which make me question the validity of the 1001 albums but this takes the biscuit. I refuse to believe that this is one of the 1001 greatest albums ever made. If you Google 'Best albums of 1985' you get lists with some great albums, none of which are by Simply Red.

More a function of the rough day I’ve had but I’m somewhat saddened at how warped the list selection feels day after day. 900+ albums in and time after time I’m presented with some new British monstrosity of a band that somehow makes the same music as the 500 others before it. I would redo this whole project from scratch if it meant the selection contained exciting, underground albums that deserved the praise and recognition of being in the top 1001 of all time, not whatever this shite is Dimery be damned

Band has big "Jamiroquai but different be-hatted cunt in charge" vibes.

"This is the second Simply Red song on this tape. One's unforgivable. Two's a war crime. Can I fast-forward?"

Simply no

I know I will be alone on this one but I can appreciate this sort of 80s sophistipop. The talking heads cover was a bit of a surprise and I didn't love it but I generally enjoy the confluence of synths and soul from this era. 3.5 up to 4.

Love it... And don't know what all the hate is about. My criteria for rating albums in this project is very simple... 1) Did I enjoy listening to it? If no, one star, if yes, two stars. Would I mind if I had to listen to it again? If no, another star. Would I actively seek to listen to it again? If yes, another star. Do I want it in my library/collection? If yes, another star. This album got them all, so, five stars. Thank you!

I think all this soft 80s adult-oriented pop is payback for me having missed the two Black Sabbath records. That's on me, guys. You make a deal with the devil and the devil wants his due. I didn't mind "Heaven," "Holding Back the Years," or "Picture Book." But I'm going to have that lower octave singing of the line "Open Up the Red Box" stuck in my head the rest of my life and I am not sure I deserved that one.

Mick Hucknall has an amazing voice. Their best songs sounds like he's vocally grappling with the music; all snarls, growls and whips. This album contains a lot of Simply Red's best songs, like U2 I'm not sure why this band is seen as 'uncool' but I guess that's someone else's loss.

Wow… this is dull. Cheesy organs, unnecessary saxophones, and an allegedly soulful singer. When you think you’re nostalgic for the 80s, just put this on and be cured.

Simply Shite more like, amirite.

An album that cranks up the 80s aesthetic and sprinkles in some thoughtful lyrics.

What's the difference between Simply Red and a bull? A bull has the horns up front and the arsehole at the back. According to wikipedia, Mick Hucknall was among the people present at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in Manchester in June 1976 where the Sex Pistols were playing. This gig was influential in the formation of Joy Division, the Smiths, Buzzcocks, The Fall... and Simply Red? Jesus, Mick, you were right there; were you not paying attention? How do you see one of the single most influential punk shows of all time and end up doing... this? This is a slightly warmed up regurgitation of soul with tepid jazz inflections, all passed through the 1980s cheese-ulator production filter. The over-reliance on synths sucks all the warmth out of the record, and the drum machines squeeze all the swing out of everything. The cover of Talking Heads' 'Heaven' is appalling. It's an insipid and inhuman record that only Patrick Bateman could love. The more I listen to this record, the more I despise it. I own a copy of this record, which I think I need to get rid of immediately. I am _never_ going to listen to this again.

definitely smooth and not in a lacklustre way. It feels like a lot of love went into this album. Feels like sitting at a bar with a drink and a stranger, just to swap stories and part ways.

Enjoyed this, tight 80s smooth soulful pop. Reminded me of Phil Collins/Genesis at times and Michael Jackson at others. Fav track: Jericho

Solid album. I remember when this came out. First time I've listened to it all the way through. Not really my thing back then. Holding Back the Years is an all time classic. I enjoyed just about everything from this pick. Extra stars for the nostalgia.

Bangers

I had forgotten about this band. Enjoyed the album.

Pretty fantastic.

Great album

When I put this on, I immediately prepared myself for a rough ride. I figured this would be bad, and for some reason I wanted to hate on it. I think the consensus that it wasn’t amazing got to my head. But truthfully I just couldn’t hate this. This comes off to me like a more glitzy and glamorous Jamiroquai or Steely Dan. And I kind of hate it for that. But like I said, I couldn’t pretend to not like this for very long. I’m just a sucker for this sound, no matter who does it. And this does have some genuine highlights. The stretch from Jericho to Holding Back the Years is excellent. And the vocalist has some really great and powerful moments on here. This feels so smack dab right in the middle of the 80’s, which makes total sense considering the release date. This is a combination of many things, from the new wave influences, to even the title and cover art, which have a very artsy fartsy feel. I can understand why certain people would be put off and interpret this as rather pretentious. I find that there isn’t much to latch onto as an outsider. If you like this genre, you will find enjoyment in this. If you don’t, this isn’t going to change anything for you. It might make it worse, honestly. Rating: 7/10

Very 80s. The upbeat tracks especially were very fun. Stand-out: Come To My Aid

We listened to this over breakfast at which point my co-judge offered her opinion that it was "stinky", and on second listen (with headphones) I agree that a few songs, especially the debut smash hit, "Holding Back the Years" are over-the-top stinky. But I liked the title track and though I usually hate covers, I thought their version of Heaven was transformative. He has a great voice and I like the fact that the theme of not having any money shows up in a number of songs. So 5/10 from me with rounding down due to the radio-ready production.

I have always been a fan of Mick Hucknall. This is superb pop music with a jazzy feel, and he has only gotten better over the decades.

This is a fabulous album! Simply Red simply smashed it with this debut album. This album would for sure be in my all time favorites top 10 albums.

Man, this took me back. Mick Hucknell's vocals are soulful and land in the dead center of the blues. I listened to the whole album with pleasure.

This was a decent album. Had some catchy songs. It works well as background music, but for a dedicated listening session it wasn’t my vibe. Very groovy though.

Oh Christ. This is going to test my commitment more than Brothers in Arms did, isn't it. Ok, I listened. It's toss. Actually a shame, an album full of left leaning, anti-capitalist lyrics including a massive smash hit taking the piss out of Reaganomics at its absolute height, you just want it to be good. A Talking Heads cover, as well. To be fair, Come To My Aid has a decent track struggling to get out with decent Orange Juice/Smith's guitar work but Hucknall smothers it by being annoying all over the top of it. The rest is cod lounge-jazz crap. Or the worst kind of 80s mainstream electro rock. With Mick Hucknall being really annoying all over the top of it. I was softening slightly thinking about the good points but then Open the Red Box happened and sealed the 1/5.

Everyone now and then I come across an album that has it, and this has got it. Not much more to be said aside from the fact that I loved the cover of Heaven especially the big sax. Jericho has got some serious attitude to it. A very good obviously 80s album that never gets "too" 80s (thanks to a very heavy soul or something influence). I also love that in this case I am absolutely zero influenced by prevailing opinion cause I've never even heard of him. I actively avoid preconceptions as a hard rule for all these albums but in reality they sneak in every now and then - here is a pure unadulterated love of a record.

There's 2 or 3 pretty good songs dotted amongst a load of absolute drivel. I preferred The Frantic Elevators, but who doesn't? Mick Hucknall though innit, so he deserves 10 stars, never mind 5.

This album was shockingly awesome

meh

Fav songs: - Come to My Aid - Money's Too Tight (To Mention) - No Direction - Picture Book

Amazing album. So fun to listen to and definitely will be revisiting again.

Classic. Virtually every song is excellent.

I like the purple skin on the album cover. Billy Idol sprang to mind, both of there styles are very soulful. I especially like the intricate percussion parts.

Classic 80s music. Memories of college and dance clubs 🥰

Got through the first half, realized this album is a masterpiece in my eyes

Great album with many personal favourites on it. I grew up with this music, so it felt familiar, soulful, easy to listen to.

There’s an old joke which I’m willing to bet sarcastic elbows will also quote (and I think he told me it anyway) - what’s the difference between a wildebeest and simply red? A wildebeest has the horns out front and the arsehole in the back. I don’t know anywhere enough about mick hucknall to know if the joke is even fair but I will say there’s a bit of groove on this. It’s that particularly British groove coming out of northern soul - starts with I don’t know, Joe Cockker? Rod Stewart? Continues through Bowie, Queen, the style council, jamiroquai, everything but the girl and no doubt a thousand others I’ve blanked on. But this is part of it and it’s no surprise it sold so well. Well crafted. Well played. Well produced. It’s a 3.5 that I’ll round up to 4.

The band finds a steady R&B groove reminiscent of '60s Stax house band the MG's, and, as with the MG's, it's all in the service of a big-voiced soul singer, in this case a British redhead. Features the U.S. number-one "Holding Back the Years" and the U.K. Top 20 "Money's Too Tight (To Mention)."

Glossy, synthetic 80s sound. With all the excellent (and far superior) music in circulation at this point in our collective musical journey, I can't really fathom why anyone would pick this up and throw it on the record player.

Mick has a voice that would betray him in any police line-up, an ear for schmaltz that drills a wine bar into the brain, and majestic pink pancakes.

If you were alive in the UK in 1986 (bear with me, Todd) the video for "Holding Back The Years" was inescapable - a sickly mashup of a Hovis ad and Last of the Summer Wine (again, bear with me) that caused immense irritation as I longed for a glimpse of "Sledgehammer" or "Happy Hour" instead of the meandering pillock in the flat cap. Nevertheless, I still borrowed this album from the local library, but returned it unpirated - the most damning indictment of quality 11yo me could offer. It's still pretty dull today, especially the schmaltzy Talking Heads cover, even though I do have a secret nostalgic fondness for his voice and the characteristic yuppie wine bar sound (I won't complain too much if "Stars" shows up here later). Good socialist lad, too (continuing yesterday's theme of bad '80s pop made by decent people).

Like Elton John but without big dick energy

Picture Book is the debut album by Simply Red, originally released in 1985. I would've guessed this was made in 1985 from the first 5 seconds. Seriously, this thing is dated. I wasn't alive in the 80s but I could imagine this style of sophistipop was corny even back then. The music itself isn't all that bad. It just isn't good. Typical 80s instrumentals with some white boy soul vocals. Blue eyed soul had been done a million times before this and it certainly didn't need to be done again in the 80s. Pretty much every 80s instrumental cliche is present on here. I saw another user compare the backing tracks to the MGs.... really? The one saving grace for me was the last track which channels some dub vibes (I mean listen to that juicy bass line!). I also wanted to take a second to reiterate that this is a list of 1001 albums that the author thinks we must hear before you die. Not 1001 best albums, not 1001 most iconic albums. I see a lot of users complain that this isn't one of the "1001 best albums" or "it's barely known so why is it on here". We gotta play by the author's rules on this one.

Don’t think I ever got over the Harpo Marx impersonation on the album cover. No doubt Hucknall had a terrific voice, but I don’t think most of the material on this album has weathered well. His performance on Holding Back The Years is great. The cover of Talking Heads’ Heaven is abysmal up against the original. And even though their version of Money’s Too Tight is okay (although not nearly as interesting as the original), the fact they covered something that had been a disco hit in the UK only 3 years before they released this album does suggest they were not totally confident in their original material. And with good reason. I find most of these songs pretty limp. And what ever happened to Hucknall?

when the reds go marching, on on on! he's like the much better prototype of the used teabag that is ed sheeran. hideous ginger creature, the pastiest of things with suspisious eyes using predominantly black music styles to sing music that gets the women going. the prototype completed women though didn't he. can't see ed sheeran ever conquering slick mick in the all time tables. micks got a pretty good voice if you didn't know what he looked like, but there's just something so jarring about MOR soul being belted out by someone who looks like an eco warrior that's been trapped in a tunnel for the last 5 months surviving off stale golden wonder crisps and drinking his own piss.

A version lesser than "Go Back Jack Do it Again" of Steely Dan. Ok

I actually have this album on vinyl so I’ve listened to it before. Although the singer has a pretty unique/cool voice and a few of the songs are really catchy and funky, I just didn’t really enjoy this album overall. Maybe with repeat listens more songs would grab me. Reminds me a lot of Hall & Oates, but not as fun and awesome. Stand out tracks: come to my aid, look at you now and moneys too tight.

There is some music that I would consider timeless or ahead of its time. Not this. Picture Book should be locked in a vault labelled "80s music. Do not open under any circumstances."

You know how the British press lost its mind for like a half decade because Pippa Middleton had a visible ass which was seen as manna for a starving nation? Including this album on the list is the blue eyed soul equivalent. One star.

love.

Simply Red are actually just underappreciated quality. This album is smooth and makes you want to dance and be in love and croon away. Full of excellent songs.

The 25 year old British white dude from the 80s fronting this band sings with the soul of a 55 year old black woman from the 60's. If you get yourself in a Yacht Rock frame of mind, this album is pretty good. It's not Yacht Rock, but I'd place it nearby. A bit too soulful for that category, but it's not far off of stuff like ATR and Hall and Oats. I enjoyed it.

great performance

Awesome. Only one song I recognized, but love it all.

Great sound, fun covers, great listen.

Pleasantly surprised

Amazing synths, i have no idea what the "blue-eyed soul" or a "sophisti-pop" is, but if it's this, i'm interested.

Great songs. From songs suitable at a bowling alley, to big hits.

Shocked how much I liked this album. 80s distilled.

Very good, very nice!

schöner smother pop soul

I feel like I normally wouldn't be so down for this but I had a blast listening lmao great way to start a monday morning. Bit of grooving, great voice, the cover of Heaven was absolutely killer, all round cool asf

another band i have never heard of until now and DAMN do they slap. seriously, my jaw was to the floor the moment the first track played, with really awesome keyboard accompaniments, super catchy lines, and a whole theme centered around the appreciation for life, then and now... this is absolutely an album i will be listening to again and again.

Very surprised that I liked them so much.

Love it. Very jazzy and old school like me.

An album that is enjoyed by all that listen to it. Definitely a good choice to add to any music collection.

Superb! Amazing album!

Say what you like about Mick Hucknall; the man can sing. Amazing debut and can bear repeated listenings, of which there have been many since uni. Can totally forgive a Talking Heads cover (the impertinence!). Favourite track is predictably Holding Back the Years, but it’s a tough call as they’re all belters IMO.

This album was really good. Super interesting. 80s synth pop flair with soul based vocals and some touches of jazz instrumentals from time to time. Really weird in a good way. Favourite songs: Look at You Now, Money's Too Tight (To Mention), Holding Back The Years, Open Up The Red Box, Jericho, Sad Old Red, Come To My Aid, Heaven, No Direction Least favourite songs: if forced to pick, Picture Book 5/5

Absolute classic. 5 Stars.

5 Star album right here. I think it's their best work. I'm not the biggest fan of Simply Red, but this album is phenomenal!

Really liked this one. Surprisingly amazing. Kinda loved it.

Felt in love with simply red with this recommendation, absolutly amazing music.

What a likable pop album. The songs are catchy, the sound is full, the lyrics playful, and the guy's voice is great. Plus, where else have you heard a dance tune about Raegonomics?

Absolute banger of an album. Forget what you think of Mick Hucknall, just listen to it!

Warm and enjoyable over big speakers for pretty much anyone who lived and loved through the 80s a wonderful reminder of the joy of Simply Red and his bouncy locks and magical voice... And what a nice way to wake up. Great blue eyed soul (was it always called that?).

This was like 12 different genres yet I still loved it. Funky

love it

Que discazo loco, me encantó. De los mejores que escuché.

9/10 some really amazing stuff here a bit dorky at times, but for the most part it’s super solid

I love it so very much, I'm so glad it was recommended 😍

Fun, electronic, neon-feeling album, that gets you nodding your head and tapping your feet.

This is great. 1985 but does not seem 45+ years old. A really good blend of pop, funk, soul, r&b. For me, evokes the feeling of having been emotional over something for a long time, feeling tired of it, and turning inward and a bit cold with a new veiled perspective of the world.

Fabulous take from the 80s. Can’t believe I’d never listened to this before

## In-Depth Review of Simply Red's *Picture Book* Simply Red’s *Picture Book*, released in October 1985, stands as a landmark debut that both encapsulates and transcends the 1980s “blue-eyed soul” and sophisti-pop sound[8][6]. Fronted by Mick Hucknall’s unmistakable vocals, the album blends soul, pop, jazz, and R&B influences, delivering both commercial success and polarizing critical reception. This review will examine the album through its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, concluding with a balanced assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. --- ## **Lyrics** *Picture Book*’s lyrics oscillate between personal introspection and sharp social commentary. Hucknall’s songwriting is at its most potent on “Holding Back the Years,” a deeply personal ballad reflecting on loss and emotional restraint. The song’s plaintive refrain and evocative imagery have resonated with listeners for decades, earning it status as a classic[8][6]. Conversely, tracks like “Money’s Too Tight (to Mention)”—a cover of The Valentine Brothers’ anti-Reaganomics anthem—showcase Hucknall’s willingness to smuggle leftist, anti-capitalist themes into mainstream pop, a rarity for the era[6][7]. The lyrics here are direct, critical, and pointed, tackling economic hardship and political hypocrisy with a soulful sneer. Other songs, such as “Come to My Aid” and “Open Up the Red Box,” continue this blend of the personal and political, though sometimes the messaging can feel heavy-handed or lost amid the album’s glossy production[7]. The title track, “Picture Book,” closes the album with a colder, more introspective tone, contrasting the warmth of earlier tracks[4]. **Pros:** - Genuine emotional depth in “Holding Back the Years.” - Socially conscious lyrics in “Money’s Too Tight (to Mention)” and “Open Up the Red Box.” - Balances personal vulnerability with broader societal critique[7][6]. **Cons:** - Some tracks veer into cliché or lack lyrical subtlety[7]. - Not all songs maintain the same level of lyrical sophistication or impact. --- ## **Music** Musically, *Picture Book* is a masterclass in 80s production, for better and worse. The album is built on a foundation of soul, reggae, and 60s pop influences, filtered through the era’s penchant for synthesizers, drum machines, and polished studio techniques[1][2][8]. The arrangements are lush, with prominent use of keyboards, saxophones, and tight rhythm sections. “Come to My Aid” opens the album with a groove-laden bassline and punchy horns, setting a vibrant tone. “Jericho” and “Look at You Now” follow suit, blending funk-inspired guitar with slick, danceable beats[5]. “Holding Back the Years” strips things back, allowing Hucknall’s voice to take center stage, supported by subtle strings and understated instrumentation. The cover of Talking Heads’ “Heaven” attempts a dreamy, atmospheric approach, though it has been criticized for lacking the original’s nuance[5]. **Pros:** - Infectious grooves and memorable hooks, particularly on singles. - Strong musicianship, especially in rhythm and horn sections[5]. - Hucknall’s vocal performances are consistently powerful and emotive[5][7]. **Cons:** - Over-reliance on 80s production tropes: synthetic textures, drum machines, and occasionally cheesy saxophones[5]. - Some tracks feel dated or overly slick, sacrificing warmth and swing for studio polish[5]. - The “blue-eyed soul” approach can come off as derivative or inauthentic to some listeners[5]. --- ## **Production** Produced by Stewart Levine, *Picture Book* is a product of its time: clean, crisp, and meticulously layered. The album’s sound is defined by its clarity and balance, with each instrument occupying a distinct space in the mix. The production highlights Hucknall’s vocals, ensuring they remain the focal point throughout[8][1]. The downside of this approach is a certain sterility—some critics argue that the album’s sheen drains the music of the raw emotion and grit that characterized classic soul records[5]. The use of drum machines and synthesizers, while modern in 1985, now marks the album as unmistakably of its era, for better or worse[5]. **Pros:** - Impeccable studio craftsmanship; every instrument is clear and well-placed[8]. - Polished sound that suits radio and mainstream appeal[5]. - Vocals are front and center, allowing Hucknall’s strengths to shine[5]. **Cons:** - Production can feel cold or overly sanitized, lacking the organic feel of earlier soul music[5]. - Some arrangements are weighed down by dated 80s effects and instrumentation[5]. --- ## **Themes** *Picture Book* is thematically rich, weaving together personal reflection, romantic longing, and sharp political critique. The album’s central themes include: - **Nostalgia and Loss:** Most evident in “Holding Back the Years,” which explores memory, regret, and the passage of time[8][6]. - **Economic Hardship and Social Critique:** “Money’s Too Tight (to Mention)” and “Open Up the Red Box” tackle issues of poverty, inequality, and political disillusionment, rare for mainstream pop at the time[6][7]. - **Love and Redemption:** Several tracks, including “Come to My Aid,” address the search for support and emotional healing. The album’s ability to combine heartfelt sentiment with biting social commentary sets it apart from many contemporaries, even if not every track lands with equal force[7]. --- ## **Influence** *Picture Book* helped define the “blue-eyed soul” and sophisti-pop genres, paving the way for acts like Simply Red to bring soul music into the mainstream pop charts[6][8]. The album’s success—bolstered by the global hit “Holding Back the Years”—earned Simply Red a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist and cemented Hucknall’s reputation as a formidable vocalist[8]. While some critics have dismissed the album as derivative or lacking depth, others recognize its role in reintroducing social consciousness to soul music during a period dominated by more superficial pop trends[7][6]. The album’s blend of soul, pop, and jazz influences would echo in the work of later British acts, though its overtly 80s production has limited its timelessness for some listeners[5]. --- ## **Pros and Cons Summary** | Pros | Cons | |------|------| | Strong, emotive vocals from Mick Hucknall[5][7] | Over-reliance on 80s production clichés[5] | | Memorable singles (“Holding Back the Years,” “Money’s Too Tight (to Mention)”) | Some tracks feel dated or lack warmth[5] | | Balances personal and political themes[6][7] | Inconsistent songwriting; not all tracks stand out[7] | | Polished production and musicianship[8] | “Blue-eyed soul” approach can seem inauthentic or derivative[5] | | Helped revive social commentary in mainstream soul[6][7] | Covers (e.g., “Heaven”) pale compared to originals[5] | --- ## **Conclusion** *Picture Book* is a quintessential 80s album: slick, soulful, and sometimes polarizing. Its strengths lie in Hucknall’s impassioned vocals, the album’s infectious grooves, and its willingness to tackle both personal and societal issues. The production, while immaculate, is also its Achilles’ heel—rooting the album firmly in its decade and, for some, draining it of soul’s essential grit. The album’s influence is undeniable, helping to bring soul back into the pop mainstream and inspiring a wave of British acts to follow suit. For fans of the “sophisti-pop” and blue-eyed soul genres, *Picture Book* remains a touchstone. For others, its dated production and occasional lyrical missteps may limit its appeal. Ultimately, *Picture Book* stands as a testament to Simply Red’s ambition and Hucknall’s vocal prowess—a debut that, despite its flaws, set a high bar for the band and for 80s soul-pop as a whole.

Very soulful and has aged well for an 80s album.

This was fun! It was another that surprised me! I liked it a lot!

Really nice discovery! 9/10

Listen... I know it's not that outstanding or whatever, but I just absolutely love 80's music with this vibe.

Some bangers on this album! Reminds me of road trips with my family.

Phenomenal album, beautiful combination of styles and sounds. From the jazzy sax/piano comping to the groovy, funky beats. Love it. Plus moving lyrics? Sheesh. Part of me wants to drop a 5 star, but I’m a chicken. 4.5 stars if I could. 4 stars otherwise.

A delicious 80s pop soul debut from Sexyy Red’s very own father, Simply Red. Impressively good and quite enjoyable.

Not usually my kind of music, but this album is a pretty good. That synth pop 80's vibe is very present here. I definitely recognized "Holding back the Years", but I also kind of liked the titular song as well. Probably more a 3.5 for me, but I'll bump it up since it surprised me a bit.

Ok so thoughts upon opening track - I like it, bit of MJ. I don’t really listen to Soul Pop but I haven’t tried it much either so maybe it’s a new thing for me. I really liked Holding Back the Years and Picture Book. Woo will listen again.

michael jackson you have 24 hours to respond.

A nice surprise. I was familiar with them and the hits. Hearing the entire album was a new event. I like it a lot! Before listening I was inclined to give 2 stars. But listening raised it to 4.