New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds

4.0 - New wave synth-pop with some slapping bass. I like the way this record gathers to a crescendo with the middle six songs, starting with "Promised You A Miracle." "Big Sleep" beautifully layers sound, each element building on the other. The instrumental "Somebody Up There Likes You" sounds like an Eno-esque ambient composition. "New Gold Dream..." reveals Simple Minds' larger pop ambitions that are more fully realized on later works. Finally, check out Herbie Hancock's synth solo towards the end of "Hunter And The Hunted"!

4