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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Where are you now?", June 21, 2004
Like many from my generation the first any American teenager had heard from this band was from a now classic 80s movie known as "The Breakfast Club." The song was, of course, "Don't you(forget about me)." Those seeking more from Simple Minds were subsequently enthralled with their huge hit album "Once Upon a Time." But for many fans that was the beginning of the end. Then, one sparkling day, a fit of nostalgia overwhelmed me and I decided to look further into this band's past catalog. I owned "Once Upon a Time" on cassette only(don't laugh, it was the dawn of the compast disc) and I thought, "This is a very good album. I wonder if any of their other albums are any good?" I decided to check out a competing site that has critical reviews, as well as ratings. "New Gold Dream" was given a stellar review and a matching rating of 4.5 stars. Well, the rating is altogether incorrect. It should be higher! This is a fantastic example of all that was good about early 80s New Wave. I have listened to this album repeatedly since I got it in the mail, and seriously can find no flaws. The songs are intricate and well-arranged with pristine production value. No single instrument overwhelms any other, each seeking absolute harmony within the structure of every song. There is another plus that I love here, which is a matter of taste, to be sure. It is that Jim Kerr's vocals on this album are not nearly as bombastic and Bono-like(U2) on this album as on "Once Upon a Time." Instead, he sings with a more intimate tone directly into the listener's ear rather than his occassional catering to the stadium crowd. I obviously prefer his vocalizations here. All in all, this album is a magnificent transition from "Once Upon a Time" and into a whole new and inviting realm of superb songcraft and memorable musicianship. Take a chance and purchase this excellent CD. If you love early 80s New Wave then this CD must be in your collection. The replay value is very high, with many moments you will want to revisit time and again. (Note: This CD comes in a cardboard slip-case with no printed lyrics.) Thank you for reading my review.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you're new to Simple Minds, read..., December 11, 2003
I've been listening to Simple Minds since the release of their "Glittering Price" album in 1992, the American (cheapo) collection. Although poorly developed, I fell in love with SM by listening to that 1992 album (not to mention that in at least 5-6 years that was the only thing you could find in record stores from Simple Minds around here in Philly!). While there was nothing wrong with the songs (other than most of them [if not all] were significantly trimmed), it was absolutely imcomplete and disorganized. For example, the American album was missing the song from which the name of the album was originally from, Glittering Price (BIG DUH!).
This doesn't have much to do with the New Gold Dream album, since only one song from "New Gold Dream" was in that album, "Someone Somewhere In Summertime", strangely definitely not the best song from the album. With the release of the greatest hits "The Best Of" 2 CD Collection everyone probably thought the problem was going to be fixed. Unfortunately to make the collection complete the "Best Of" should have had 4 CDs instead of two (impossible, I know). But AT LEAST one of these should have been included: "New Gold Dream", "Big Sleep", "Hunter And The Hunted" &/or "Colours Fly And Catherine Wheel".
OK enough blabbering, having said that I really encourage ANYONE who has purchased any Simple Minds album (or even if all you've heard is "Don't You Forget About Me") to give New Gold Dream 81 82 83 84 a try. You'll be delighted. I really love Jim Kerr's strong voice in this album. I give it two thumbs up, but when it comes to this one I wish I had more hands, I'd give it more. Simple Minds music has so much style, no crappy new group from these days will ever match it. I regret that there are still lots of people who have never heard them at all.
Now that I own all of SM albums, I believe that "New Gold Dream 81 82 83 84" and "Sparkle In The Rain" were Simple Minds bests albums.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Overlooked Classic, January 9, 2003
I can't rave enough about this record - and have been for 20 years! It is definitely in my top five of the eighties, and my top ten of all time. It's one of those records where everything (melodies, lyrics, texture) just seems to fall into place and work brilliantly. Before this record, Simple Minds were making music with an emphasis on avant-garde textures over melody. The music on New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) saw a departure from that form, and instead boasts beautiful melodies and haunting vocals complemented by an ethereal production. Kudos to producer Peter Walsh for making the synth-pop flavored music on this album sound beautifully organic and timeless. After 20 years, I have yet to tire of the alluring soundscapes, evocative tunes and spiritual lyrics contained on this masterpiece. The only other record that moves me as much spiritually is Van Morrison's Astral Weeks. Quite simply, New Gold Dream is an overlooked classic.
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album New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) 
