24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply Red - Simply the Best!, September 27, 2003
This is the best album that Simply Red has done since Stars! The title track "Home" is great, and reminiscent of "Holding Back the Years". I normally don't like sampling, but in their song "Sunrise" it seems to work really well! The Hall & Oates tracks blend in well, and this song is already topping the charts here at no. 3 on one radio chart! Another great track is the cover of You Make Me Feel Brand New, my favourite Stylistics song! Mick Hucknall's voice is superbly suited to this song. I also love Lost Weekend. You can almost feel the pain "blowing away" as you listen to this song. Something for You starts off really great, but gets a little boring towards the end. I would like to hear that great chorus at least one more time. But, overall the CD is great and Simply Red are definitely back!
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Actually 4.5, but thats not the point. Simply red are back!!, April 30, 2003
So what happens when your record company drops you after a couple of disappointing selling cds in "Blue" and "Love and the Russian winter"?
Answer: Set up your own label (Simplyred.com) and get back to basics with an album sure to please long time Simply Red fans and possibly, just possibly help restore their place in the world charts.
Interestingly, their old label, Warner music, is licensed to distribute this cd(in Europe for starters), perhaps knowing they might hit the jackpot this time.
As soon as I heard the lead off single "Sunrise", (sampling "I can't go for that" by Hall and Oates) with a chorus that sticks in your head, I've been eagerly anticipating the rest of the album. By and large it hasn't let me down.
Here's a brief critique of all the tracks:
Home- Just like "Holding back the years", something in this song makes me want to remember my younger days. The fact that Micks singing about lost love, he yearns for the "safety" of familiar surroundings. A nice easy listening tune to start of with (8/10)
Fake- The pace picks up a bit here. Add some brass and backing "doo doo doos" that could be lifted off "Baby I need your lovin'". Kinda retro yet contemporary. The musicianship here is first rate. It's also great to hear live drums on most of the tracks. (9.5/10)
Sunrise- Great song. Heard it heaps and never tire of it. For once, a sample that is used to great effect. Top 10 in the UK, I hope this repeats that success world wide. (10/10)
You make me feel brand new- A cover of the classic "Stylistics" song. A pretty faithful version is all I can say about it. However, his voice is sounding better than ever. (8/10)
Home loan blues- Almost re-visits the "Money's too tight to mention" theme with a groove not too dissimilar. Absolutely love the line "You can have it all- but you gotta pay". Nice sax solo too. (8.5/10)
Positively 4th Street- Yes- it's the Bob Dylan classic! Now this is done with a nice little twist. First its just his voice with violins. Then the acoustic guitar kicks in- with some "country" touches. Later on a full on brass section plays! Not sure what Dylan would think of this, but I think this is a great version (9/10)
Lost Weekend- Highlight of the album!!! The Brand New Heavies will think someones ripped them off!!! Acid Jazzy feel that beautifully compliments Mick's voice. I can imagine crusing the highway in a convertable to this. Just makes me feel happy. (10/10)
Money- Seems a re-current theme. Either money or girl problems. This is maybe the only "darker" song on the album. Probably the only song I don't really like. (6/10)
Something for you- At 6.00 minutes long ,this starts of sounding like "Brother Louie", that morphs into a rousing Motown like chorus only for it to go all laid back and jazzy (complete with an extended cool electric organ and Santana like guitar solo). Sensational!!!! Waiter, can I have a martini please.(10/10)
It's you- A lovely song to complete the album (I don't think the 53 second reprise of "Home" really adds much). Certainly one for romantics. (8.5/10)
I hope I've been able to paint an accurate picture of this album. Long time fans should be happy with this and anyone looking for a mature pop record can't go wrong with this one. Highly recommended!!!
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