“Red Harmony: Exploring Simply Red’s Soulful Sound”
is a band that was formed in Manchester in 1984 by the vocalist (and songwriter) Mick «Red» Hucknall
with three former members of the band Durutti Column: bassist Tony Bowers,
drummer Chris Joyce, and
keyboardist/trumpeter Tim Kellett.
They were joined by guitarist Sylvan Richardson and keyboardist Fritz McIntyre.
The band’s name comes from Hucknall’s reddish hair and his affinity for the Manchester United football team, whose colors are red and white.
Her first album.
He released his debut album after signing with the record label Elektra Records.
«Picture Book,» in October 1985. The album was a great success with tracks like
«Money’s Too Tight (To Mention),» a cover of The Valentine Brothers’ song, and
«Holding Back The Years,» a ballad written by Hucknall at the age of 17.
The album reached number 2 in the UK and number 16 in the US, earning platinum certification in both countries.
Second album
The band’s lineup changed over the years. For their second album,
«Men and Women» (1987), saxophonist Ian Kirkham and Brazilian guitarist Heitor Pereira joined.
The album had a more sophisticated and funky sound, featuring hits like
«The Right Thing» and «Infidelity.»
It reached number 2 in the UK and number 31 in the US, also achieving platinum status.
«A New Flame» (1989),
Simply Red took a stylistic shift towards a more pop and soul sound.
Produced in collaboration with Stewart Levine, known for his work with artists like Lionel Richie, the album featured the hit cover of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes’ «If You Don’t Know Me By Now,» reaching number 1 in the US and number 2 in the UK.
The album also included other notable tracks such as
«It’s Only Love» and
«A New Flame.»
It became the band’s first UK number 1 album, also topping charts in various European countries.
In the US, it reached number 22 and earned gold certification.
Worldwide Success with «Stars»
«Stars,» the fourth album by Simply Red, was released in 1991 and became the band’s most successful to date.
Entirely composed by Hucknall, the album drew inspiration from his relationship with model Catherine Zeta-Jones.
With a mature and elegant sound, incorporating influences from classic soul and contemporary R&B, the album featured hits like
«Something Got Me Started,»
«Stars,»
«For Your Babies,» and «
Thrill Me.»
«Stars» topped the UK charts for 19 consecutive weeks, breaking Michael Jackson’s record with «Bad.» The album sold over 10 million copies in Europe and more than 15 million worldwide.
However, it only reached number 44 in the US. The album achieved diamond certification in the UK and platinum certification in several countries.
After the success of «Stars,» Simply Red embarked on a two-year world tour, performing in over 30 countries.
The band also participated in various charitable events,
including the tribute concert to Freddie Mercury in 1992 and the peace concert in Bosnia in 1995.
Musical Evolution with «Life» and «Blue»
In 1995, Simply Red released their fifth album, «Life,» marking a new musical evolution for the band.
The album had a more organic and diverse sound, incorporating influences from reggae, gospel, hip hop, and acid jazz.
Collaborating with artists like Sly and Robbie, Jools Holland, and The Fugees, the album included hits such as «Fairground,» the band’s first and only UK number 1,
«Never Never Love,»
«We’re In This
Together,» and
«So Beautiful.»
The album was another major success, selling over 8 million copies worldwide.
It topped the charts in the UK and several European countries, reaching number 21 in the US. The album achieved platinum status in many countries.
Sixth album
In 1998, Simply Red released their sixth album, «Blue,» which had a more intimate and melancholic sound, influenced by blues, soul, and pop.
Featuring collaborations with artists like Lauryn Hill, Sly Dunbar, and Lamont Dozier, the album included tracks such as
«Say You Love Me,»
«The Air That I Breathe,»
«To Be Free,» and
«Mellow My Mind.»
The album was another success, selling over 4 million copies worldwide. It reached number 1 in the UK and various European countries, and number 40 in the US.
The album achieved gold or platinum status in many countries.
Independence with «Home» and «Simplified»
In the year 2000, Simply Red parted ways with their record label East West after a legal dispute over the rights to their songs.
The band decided to create their own website, simplyred.com,
which also became their independent record
label. Under this label, the band released their seventh album, «Home,» in 2003.
The album had a more acoustic and natural sound, drawing influences from soul, jazz, and pop.
Collaborating with artists like Mick Guzauski, Andy Wright, and Gota Yashiki, the album included tracks such as
«Sunrise,» sampling Hall & Oates’
«I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do),»
«Fake,»
«You Make Me Feel Brand New,» a cover of The Stylistics’ song, and
«Home.»
The album was another success, selling over 3 million copies worldwide. It reached number 2 in the UK and number 3 in Germany but did not chart in the US.
The album achieved gold or platinum status in many countries.
«Simplified» (2005)
Simply Red released their eighth album, «Simplified,» which featured acoustic versions of some of their previous hits along with some new songs.
The album had a more minimalist and relaxed sound, with influences from bossa nova and jazz.
Collaborating with artists like Jorge Calandrelli and Gota Yashiki, the album included tracks such as
«Perfect Love,»
«Something Got Me Started,»
«Holding Back The Years,» and
«A Song For You,» a cover of Leon Russell’s song popularized by Ray Charles.
The album was another success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.
«Stay» (2007)
This was Simply Red’s tenth studio album and the first in five years.
The album marked a return to their soul and funk roots, featuring tracks like
«So Not Over You,»
«Stay,» and
«The World and You Tonight.»
The album was a critical and commercial success, reaching number four in the UK and number one in Italy.
«Farewell» (2009):
This album was announced as Simply Red’s final one, as the band decided to part ways after a 25-year career.
The album compiled their greatest hits in live versions recorded during their farewell tour in Europe, Australia, and South America.
The album also included two new tracks: «Go Now» and «Money TV.”
«Big Love» (2015)
After a six-year hiatus, Simply Red surprised their fans with a new studio album titled «Big Love.»
Celebrating the band’s 30th anniversary, the album showcased their musical evolution, incorporating influences from jazz, blues, and country.
Featuring collaborations with artists like Natalie Imbruglia, Joss Stone, or Gregory Porter, the title track paid homage to the victims of the 2015 Paris terrorist attack.
«Big Love» (2015)
After a six-year hiatus, Simply Red surprised their fans with a new studio album titled «Big Love.»
Celebrating the band’s 30th anniversary, the album showcased their musical evolution, incorporating influences from jazz, blues, and country.
Featuring collaborations with artists like Natalie Imbruglia, Joss Stone, or Gregory Porter, the title track paid homage to the victims of the 2015 Paris terrorist attack.
«Future Love» (2023)
This is Simply Red’s upcoming album, expected to be released later this year.
The album will be a surprise for their fans as it explores new genres and sounds, including electronic pop, reggae, and hip hop.
Featuring collaborations with artists like Dua Lipa, Sean Paul, or Kendrick Lamar, the first single from the album will be «Future Love,» an optimistic and danceable song about love in challenging times.
In conclusion, Simply Red is one of the most influential and successful bands in pop and soul music over the last few decades.
With their unique style, emotive lyrics, and charismatic stage presence, they have managed to captivate millions of fans worldwide.
Their musical career spans over 30 years, during which they have released 12 studio albums, various compilations and live records, and received numerous awards and recognitions.
Simply Red is an example of how music can transcend borders and trends, remaining relevant and significant for new generations.