Graffiti Soul

The forgotten idols come back

It is a well known fact that the band Simple Minds was one of the most promising rock bands not only in their native Scotland, but also around the whole United Kingdom. It was around the eighties in the twentieth century. They were even compared to U2 due to their style and popularity level. However, the band known as U2, headed by Bono, impetuously conquered the US and world market with its discs, flavored with the up-to-date dance and electronica elements. At the same time, the members of Simple Minds are remembered in North America as the one-hit band – the US auditory admires them for the wonderful single Don’t You (Forget About Me) from the soundtrack for The Breakfast Club movie. The thing is that the musicians refused to change the style of their play in order to catch the fashion or reach commercial success – and it does not matter if the reason for such decision was the British conservatism or the principal position of the rockers. No wonder that soon after it, the fame of the collective began to fade. Nevertheless, the band was not dismissed in 90s, while in the beginning of twentieth century it re-established itself on the big scene. In 2002, Simple Minds recorded the album Cry, which was favorably taken by both the public and the critics in the United Kingdom and in the US. In 2004, they fastened their success with the disc Our Secrets Are The Same. In a year, the successful record Black & White 050505 followed. And now, after the band celebrated its thirtieth anniversary in 2008, it presented its devoted fans with the new long-play Graffiti Soul.

The classical arena rock by Simple Minds

The album opens with the new-wave track Moscow Underground, spiced up with the disco elements. The lead single Rockets will amuse the listeners with the light, infectious modern sound and high-spirited atmosphere, while the following romantic rock composition Stars Will Lead The Way can boast of the same qualities. The tracks Light Travels and the album-titling Graffiti Soul became the strongest soul-grasping pop rock ballads on this full-length. They will vividly remind you the classical rock ballads that made the whole stadiums sing along with the band in the time of its triumph. The positive-driven track Kiss & Fly is wisely built upon the memorable riff sequence and demonstrates the masterful guitar play by Charlie Burchill. The melody This Is It shows the listeners the perfect vocal shape of Jim Kerr – on this song it is ultimately seen that he solos both professionally and passionately with his handsome and still strong voice. Such rock tracks as Rockin' In The Free World and Peace Love & Understanding will remind us about the active civil position of the members of Simple Minds and their part in different political movements. The disc closes with the lyrical compositions with a tint of nostalgia - Teardrop, Whiskey In The Jar and Sloop John B.

Graffiti Soul is a perfect gift for the band’s devoted fans

The new long-play by the musicians from Simple Minds contains eighteen pop rock tracks. Although some of the songs are very catchy, while the others are not, all of them can be boldly called the specimen of well-done rock in the airs of 80-s of the twentieth century. As it goes on almost every album, Graffiti Soul features the compositions that you will listen several times a day, while the other songs will become the filling material for you. However, it should be noticed that the so-called filling material is of at least descent quality here, which makes the praise for the band. Well, it is no wonder, as the artists of Simple Minds are used to recording the qualitative music during their thirty-years-plus impressive career. All the musical instruments parties are well done – without exception, but the strong, flexible vocal party by front man Jim Kerr deserves special mentioning. However, we should acknowledge that twenty years in the shadow made its deal that the collective members were undeservedly forgotten by the capricious public. Nevertheless, the devoted fans of Simple Minds can be glad, as the band did not collapse in spite of all the difficulties. The unity soul helped Simple Minds to pass through all the tests and record such a wonderful disc as Graffiti Soul. Of course, this album probably is not going to bring them the world fame, but the long-time appreciators of Simple Minds are sure to purchase Graffiti Soul and listen to it without a minute of regret.