He was 17 when he wrote this . . . about living after his mother abandoned his father and he at the age of 4(IIRC). This is a lifetime of hurt and pain distilled in to a wail, with a mantra of hope. I first heard this on MTV in the mid-80s as a boy and it has been an anthem for the ages.
@petersteckel3792: He was 3, and apparently he and his father whom was a Barber in Stockport had a good relationship until he was 10 and then they started to clash and because no woman was around it to referee between them made it difficult. I do hope they made up though, because the mother sounds like the usual prodigal parent that comes back in to the picture when their child is famous and wants something off them because of it, rather than wanting them. I remember the lead singer from Madness, having the same situation only with his father rather Mick with his mother.
Yess, thank you MTV,...they played this morning, noon, and night, and at that time, for me, it was like in the 70's, when they would play the heck out of songs so much, you almost didn't need to run out and buy the song,..but there were times, when I just couldn't resist, and saved up so, like when Songs In The Key Of Life, came out, had to go get the album,..and this song came out, with Simply Red, it just was never played enough for me,.ohh but when Money's Too Tight To Mention, came out, had to get the album, that became at least my anthem, I was young adult working, it just struck a nerve,..love the 80's,..Godspeed, Peace ✌
Love this song! His voice is so awesome! I'm 75 years old and play his greatest hit CD in my car. At my age, you know I grew up with music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. I have collected so many vinyl record albums over my lifetime. I love music! It's too bad I can't take it with me when I die. ❤❤❤❤
Hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. I couldn’t get enough of this song. If You Don’t Know Me By Now, a cover, was another insanely huge and beautiful hit. Mick Hucknall has a glorious voice.
The vibe of this song penetrates so deep. It feels like he's having an intimate conversation with himself . I heard this song originally when I was relatively young and I could take it of leave it at the time. It's so all encompassing from start to finish. And imagine, Mick actually wrote it when he was 17. His rich, vibrant interpretative voice gives it extraordinary umph.
This song, and group, are what I love about the 80's, most of the groups used strings, horns, bongos,..it was like, the return of the big band era,..truly wonderful composing, arrangements,..like Duke Ellington did, eloquent, ABC, Spandau Ballet,.Madness,..Breathe,..I grew up in the 60's, so even though big bands, were giving way to more contemporary music style, some of those artist were still around, doing shows, and also the old black and white movies they were featured in, were on tv,.movies with Abbott and Costello, you got to see the Andrew Sisters,..and in the 60's, artists like Sergio Mendes, Burt Bacharach, andHerb Albertand the TijuanaBrass,....so when the 80's came along, I was already primed for that music, especially because those groups incorporated so much of old big band instruments in their music, and writing,..just an awesome, and another innovative time like the 70's were,..saw how you just dropped, and melted when you heard Mick's voice, the horn, and there are many singers like him, Michael McDonald, Sam Cook, Al Green, they jus have that smooth, rich voice,..rich voices, just different levels, of richness, no too sound alike,..loved your reaction, and bravo to whoever suggested you hear this,..Godspeed, Peace ✌...
If this almost made you tear up then "If you don't know me by now" will have the same effect. The Stars album is also a must listen. You've opened up another bottomless journey to travel down. Enjoy guys.
"Strangled by the wishes of pater. Hoping for the arms of mater." Such powerful lyrics. One of the best songs of the decade. When this song dropped, everyone said "Wait, what?!?! Who is that!!?!?!?"
I love that you mention the noir feel as a fellow big fan of 40s and 50s dark end of the street movies. He does, indeed, have a gift with that soulful voice. Great upload.
Mostly a rock/metal guy, but also as a vocalist, really do apreciate this song and the singular vocal of Mick Hucknell...Simply Red, simpy beautiful. Cheers!
Nick and Lex - Congratulations, you made me cry again. It is such a pleasure watching you react to my favorite music. Holding Back the years is my very favorite 1980's song. Watching your reaction brings back the memory of how you listened to the Tears For Fears "Woman In Chains" song that first time. I think you were just as shocked by the beauty of this song. Again, it comes down to the sonic quality of the musical instruments, the vocalist being an instrument and the production value. Thank you for making me cry again, my dear friends, Ken
In 2008, I was living in Germany. I got a call from my German girlfriend that she just heard on the radio that Simply Red was giving a concert that evening in Mainz, FOR FREE, and anyone hearing the announcement could attend. Of course we jumped on it and drove to Mainz. It was an open air concert with a relatively small crowd, so we were able to be right up front center stage. It was one the best concerts I've ever seen/heard.. Mick Hucknall sang every song so perfectly you'd swear you were listening to a polished studio recording, including this song, and he seemed to do it so effortlessly, even though it was 23 years later. Everyone (including us) were moving and dancing to the music. Unforgettable night that stills gives me chills when I think about it.
@@NicknLex I'd call this song jazz tinged blue eyed soul. They are a diverse band incorporating some funk , pop & dance vibes. A good rabbit hole to dive in , also the singer Mick Hucknell sounds as good if not better live.
This song was Huge. I loved it like so many others. I remember being impressed that so many people liked it in the POP world where a slow song with a great voice usually doesn't do that well. ThX Scott, Nick and Lex 👍🎵🍁 Cheers P.S. Maybe your back is not too bad today Alexia? Your smile sure is doing well. 🌼
Sad story behind the writing of this gem at age 17. When Mike Hucknall (lead singer, when you see him you will know instantly why the name Simply Red) was 3 years old his mother walked out of his life (leaving he and his father), what 3 year old could ever begin to understand that, I’ll tell you, the answer is ZERO (she had no relationship with him once she left, apparently didn’t even try to be a part of his life)! The emotion in his voice comes from the pain he felt growing up and wondering about the mother he’d lost. His cover of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”, is a must and should be next!
Speaking as a creative person (I write and compose), the creation of the art very often provides the release from the pain and sadness that inspired it.
You just did this video an hour ago. This is the soonest I've ever seen any video on RUclips after it was posted. I like being in the first 360 views! Views are jumping up as I type. There's a 2018 live version of this song on RUclips from Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome. He's in a tuxedo and has a 40 piece orchestra. It's every bit as good as the original. The audience knows all the words. It's called Simply Red - Holding Back The Years (Symphonica In Rosso). Thanks for another great video from you two. I can't believe someone hadn't heard this song until an hour ago, and I got to see them hear it.
I must admit to not being the biggest Simply Red fan back in the day, but I must have mellowed. I enjoyed hearing this after a long time, and one has to marvel at Mick Hucknall's voice and phrasing. Thanks Scott!
Whatever Mick sings is gold. "Stars", "If You Don't Know Me By Now" and "Money's Too Tight To Mention" are excellent follow ups. You should check him out live too. Can't wait to see Lex playing bass to this 😉
I was 7 years old when this came out. Grew up listening to this band. My sister loved these guys. Wonderful voice! Great request Scott! Really enjoyed this!
I think you would be blown away by any of the live performances from the A Starry Night concert in Hamberg, Germany. Try Stars, Something Got Me Started, If You Don't Know Me By Now, and the one you just heard, Holding Back the Years. The entire band is awesome!
Great song, very emotional song, another great Simply Red song, If you don't know me by now, I saw Simply Red in concert in the 80's with my then girlfriend, it was a wonderful evening, not a dry eye in the building, so much heart and soul.
WOW I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THIS THIS SONG, A LOT TO SAY! THANK YOU FOR HOSTING! Song about parents, Pater-Dad -- Mater is Mom. She left him when he was 3 years & did not return. God is here forever!
Another viewer suggested seeing this song live and I agree, Mick's control and range is so good, that even live, without manipulation, it's close to perfect and the extra emotion you get from live performances like the 1992 Montreux Jazz Festival shows him at the height of his prowess. Still, more recently, treat yourself to the live Symphonica in Rosso as decades of experience shows off his showmanship.
great reaction guys saw SR in Wellington NZ in the early 80’s and the one thing I distinctly remember was the clarity of their sound and of course Mick Hucknalls amazing voice. These guys have a long rabbit hole much like Steely Dan if you dare to go down it. They cross a range of genres and think you would enjoy reacting to more of their material 🤩
This song takes me back to a dark period in my life when this song came out. Mick Hucknell's vocals are outstanding. I actually. haven't listened to this song since it came out. I can handle it now . Simply Red sure came out with some great music!
Great stuff you guys. This song is one of my all time favourites, of which I have several hundred, just like anyone else. I am now subbed to you as you didn't pause the song! 😍
Mick - Outside of his band Simply Red.. is a F*cking legend in the UK! No one, no one has ever said a bad thing. You may not like his type of music, but you can not contest his voice or soul. Just to rub it in: His voice LIVE is so good, that it sends shivers down your spine. Peace out.
Chill out my friend! We absolutely adore this music. Talk about just clicking on a video and not watching it... We even reacted to the live version. Relax!!
A classic. Lots of great Simply Red songs: The Right Thing, Sad Ol' Red, A New Flame, Stars, You Make Me Believe, Fairground, Never Never Love, We're in This Together, Oh! What a Girl! The Death of the Cool, So Not Over You, Good Times have Done Me Wrong, So Many People, Something Got Me Started, Sunrise, Your Mirror. Mick Hucknall could sing the Phone Book and it would be great.
I don’t think I have heard this song since it was popular- and it was so popular it was over-played. Thanks for sharing and giving me the opportunity to hear it from a new perspective!
Nick, I wish you were my brother, we are a lot alike, we wear our emotions on our sleeves and don't care that people see our emotions, emotions show who you are as a person, great song, great group, great request, great reaction, Nick great Sean Connery impersonation.
Hey guys it worked out perfectly. I’m pleased as punch that a minor oops created such a perfect serendipitous continuity. Sometimes you just roll with it and trust the process. I’m so glad we landed on this song to help kick off the Simply Red adventure. There are lots of good suggestions in the comments for follow ups. Mic’s voice is one of a kind. ❤️❤️
Hello you two. I'm glad you found Simply Red. My tip to you would be the Song "Model" from 1991. It shows the versatility of Simply Red and is a very cool Song. Have fun. Greetings from Germany
Great song. I have been on a bit of a SR binge lately, buying the 'Stars' LP tonight via Discogs to add to the debut album 'Picture Book' and the recently bought 'Men And Women' and 'A New Flame'.....after having the "Greatest Hits" album on CD for years. Cruisy stuff! For more of this band, start with: 'Money's Too Tight To Mention' then check out any of: 'Sad Old Red', 'Red Box', 'The Right Thing', 'It's Only Love', 'A New Flame', 'You've Got It', 'She'll Have To Go', 'Something Got Me Started', 'Thrill Me', 'Your Mirror', 'Model' (reggae-ish) and 'Fairground'.
I know of at least two versions of this song. I believe this is the "jazzier" version and not the original track off the album. It got a ton of air play on the radio when it was released. Mick Hucknall has such a unique and beautiful voice. Great reaction..... Take care.....
He does a version of the Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes song, "If You Don't Know Me By Now," that's pretty good, too. You really should listen to both. Simply Red's version isn't quite as good as the original imo, but he does it justice.
Glad u found simply red guys. What a band.what a voice and ther rest of the album is brill.i think there are at least 5 hits on that album..stars is fab
Check out the video to this. Mick Hucknall is/was a redhead and looked like he wouldn’t have a great voice. They have many great songs, a version of Barry White’s ”It’s Only Love”, comes to mind. But this is their greatest moment, I think. Never gets old.
Nick ,Lex déjenme decirles que esta canción la compuso el vocalista, Mick Hucknall a los 17 años inspirada en su vida, cuando fue abandonado a los 3 años por su madre quedando solo con su padre ,pues era hijo único. De ahí la inspiración de soledad de este hermoso tema. Te lo dice antes , la madriguera del legado musical desde los 60, 70 y hasta los 80 es infinito ,de calidad y versatilidad en todas las corrientes musicales. Legado que nunca morirá. Saludos desdé Santiago de Chile
I agree. There are some songs and/or particular recordings one can just tell will never go out-of-style or out-of-date and will basically be played forever.
Have to point out that Simply Red, sting+Sade which he references are all Brits!!!!!; Have to be honest,in my younger years I could take or leave their music pretty much.But, as I've aged and my musical tastes have evolved and matured I can take so much more from songs like these.Mick Hucknells voice is peerless. Powerful, evocative, warm and no one could get close to singing it quite like him for me. The lyrics clearly are so meaningful to him. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant
I hope it's one of the live shows of him singing this selection. The Live versions are longer I think. The one you want to see, and here is the live version from 1992.
Hola Nick y Lex!!!! Adoro a Simple Red❤❤!!! Maravillosa reacción de este genio y de este temazo con esa voz increíble!!! Saludo desde Córdoba! Argentina❤❤ y una sugerencia La Bengala Perdida de Luis Alberto Spinetta, por favor. Es un tema que escribió el flaco en homenaje a un chico que murió por una Bengala incrustada en su pecho durante un partido de fútbol😢😢. Los amamos, arriba el rock argento❤❤!!!!!
LOVE MICK HUCKNALL!!! Just throw on the Picture Book album and Enjoy!!❤ I’m sure you’ll recognize more of his work and if not…you’ll love it anyway!!!😊
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
He was 17 when he wrote this . . . about living after his mother abandoned his father and he at the age of 4(IIRC). This is a lifetime of hurt and pain distilled in to a wail, with a mantra of hope. I first heard this on MTV in the mid-80s as a boy and it has been an anthem for the ages.
Well said
@petersteckel3792: He was 3, and apparently he and his father whom was a Barber in Stockport had a good relationship until he was 10 and then they started to clash and because no woman was around it to referee between them made it difficult. I do hope they made up though, because the mother sounds like the usual prodigal parent that comes back in to the picture when their child is famous and wants something off them because of it, rather than wanting them. I remember the lead singer from Madness, having the same situation only with his father rather Mick with his mother.
Yess, thank you MTV,...they played this morning, noon, and night, and at that time, for me, it was like in the 70's, when they would play the heck out of songs so much, you almost didn't need to run out and buy the song,..but there were times, when I just couldn't resist, and saved up so, like when Songs In The Key Of Life, came out, had to go get the album,..and this song came out, with Simply Red, it just was never played enough for me,.ohh but when Money's Too Tight To Mention, came out, had to get the album, that became at least my anthem, I was young adult working, it just struck a nerve,..love the 80's,..Godspeed, Peace ✌
Where do you hear "mantra of hope" in the lyrics, "Nothing had the chance to be good. Nothing ever could."?
That was a first class reaction to a first class Band
Love this song! His voice is so awesome! I'm 75 years old and play his greatest hit CD in my car. At my age, you know I grew up with music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. I have collected so many vinyl record albums over my lifetime. I love music! It's too bad I can't take it with me when I die. ❤❤❤❤
This is one of those songs that sounded like an instant classic the first time I heard it.
The MTV Generation could not escape this song when it was released.
MTV kept it on heavy rotation for weeks.
When you look at the original video, you will be so surprised by his look, not believing that wonderful voice coming from this very young white man.
He wrote the song when he was 17 too - which is wild (although it was recorded when he was 24).
Hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. I couldn’t get enough of this song. If You Don’t Know Me By Now, a cover, was another insanely huge and beautiful hit. Mick Hucknall has a glorious voice.
The vibe of this song penetrates so deep. It feels like he's having an intimate conversation with himself . I heard this song originally when I was relatively young and I could take it of leave it at the time. It's so all encompassing from start to finish. And imagine, Mick actually wrote it when he was 17. His rich, vibrant interpretative voice gives it extraordinary umph.
beautiful reaction. loved it. truth and music ......
This song, and group, are what I love about the 80's, most of the groups used strings, horns, bongos,..it was like, the return of the big band era,..truly wonderful composing, arrangements,..like Duke Ellington did, eloquent, ABC, Spandau Ballet,.Madness,..Breathe,..I grew up in the 60's, so even though big bands, were giving way to more contemporary music style, some of those artist were still around, doing shows, and also the old black and white movies they were featured in, were on tv,.movies with Abbott and Costello, you got to see the Andrew Sisters,..and in the 60's, artists like Sergio Mendes, Burt Bacharach, andHerb Albertand the TijuanaBrass,....so when the 80's came along, I was already primed for that music, especially because those groups incorporated so much of old big band instruments in their music, and writing,..just an awesome, and another innovative time like the 70's were,..saw how you just dropped, and melted when you heard Mick's voice, the horn, and there are many singers like him, Michael McDonald, Sam Cook, Al Green, they jus have that smooth, rich voice,..rich voices, just different levels, of richness, no too sound alike,..loved your reaction, and bravo to whoever suggested you hear this,..Godspeed, Peace ✌...
I fully recommend watching any live performance from them, he really nails the vocals.
If this almost made you tear up then "If you don't know me by now" will have the same effect. The Stars album is also a must listen. You've opened up another bottomless journey to travel down. Enjoy guys.
I saw him sing this live on breakfast television at 8.00 in the morning and it was perfect.
"Strangled by the wishes of pater. Hoping for the arms of mater." Such powerful lyrics. One of the best songs of the decade. When this song dropped, everyone said "Wait, what?!?! Who is that!!?!?!?"
I always love to see people hear "Holding Back The Years" for the first time.
I love this man's voice❤So many good songs too!
I love that you mention the noir feel as a fellow big fan of 40s and 50s dark end of the street movies. He does, indeed, have a gift with that soulful voice. Great upload.
Pr1mero!!!!! I fell in love with this song immediately when it came out. I was 13!! That muted horn!!!
Mostly a rock/metal guy, but also as a vocalist, really do apreciate this song and the singular vocal of Mick Hucknell...Simply Red, simpy beautiful. Cheers!
Nick and Lex - Congratulations, you made me cry again. It is such a pleasure watching you react to my favorite music. Holding Back the years is my very favorite 1980's song.
Watching your reaction brings back the memory of how you listened to the Tears For Fears "Woman In Chains" song that first time. I think you were just as shocked by the beauty of this song.
Again, it comes down to the sonic quality of the musical instruments, the vocalist being an instrument and the production value.
Thank you for making me cry again, my dear friends,
Ken
‘For your babies’ is my favourite of theirs.
In 2008, I was living in Germany. I got a call from my German girlfriend that she just heard on the radio that Simply Red was giving a concert that evening in Mainz, FOR FREE, and anyone hearing the announcement could attend. Of course we jumped on it and drove to Mainz. It was an open air concert with a relatively small crowd, so we were able to be right up front center stage. It was one the best concerts I've ever seen/heard.. Mick Hucknall sang every song so perfectly you'd swear you were listening to a polished studio recording, including this song, and he seemed to do it so effortlessly, even though it was 23 years later. Everyone (including us) were moving and dancing to the music. Unforgettable night that stills gives me chills when I think about it.
Wow was right there with you while reading this. Thanks for transporting me there!! ✨ 💗 Lex
@@NicknLex I'd call this song jazz tinged blue eyed soul. They are a diverse band incorporating some funk , pop & dance vibes. A good rabbit hole to dive in , also the singer Mick Hucknell sounds as good if not better live.
One of the best singers of the last century !!! and better guy
The hard part to believe is that his live performances sound just like the studio versions of his songs. A wonderful soulful voice.
Thank you, Scott, for a great request and Thank you NicknLex...
This song was Huge. I loved it like so many others. I remember being impressed that so many people liked it in the POP world where a slow song with a great voice usually doesn't do that well. ThX Scott, Nick and Lex 👍🎵🍁 Cheers
P.S. Maybe your back is not too bad today Alexia? Your smile sure is doing well. 🌼
Sad story behind the writing of this gem at age 17. When Mike Hucknall (lead singer, when you see him you will know instantly why the name Simply Red) was 3 years old his mother walked out of his life (leaving he and his father), what 3 year old could ever begin to understand that, I’ll tell you, the answer is ZERO (she had no relationship with him once she left, apparently didn’t even try to be a part of his life)! The emotion in his voice comes from the pain he felt growing up and wondering about the mother he’d lost. His cover of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”, is a must and should be next!
Speaking as a creative person (I write and compose), the creation of the art very often provides the release from the pain and sadness that inspired it.
The group name has nothing to do with his hair color but instead about Mick's fandom of Manchester.
@@UWish0430 And Manchester United FC (known as The Reds)
You just did this video an hour ago. This is the soonest I've ever seen any video on RUclips after it was posted. I like being in the first 360 views! Views are jumping up as I type. There's a 2018 live version of this song on RUclips from Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome. He's in a tuxedo and has a 40 piece orchestra. It's every bit as good as the original. The audience knows all the words. It's called Simply Red - Holding Back The Years (Symphonica In Rosso). Thanks for another great video from you two. I can't believe someone hadn't heard this song until an hour ago, and I got to see them hear it.
One of the best ballads of all-time!
I think he knows we are all just holding on and letting us know that we're not alone
I must admit to not being the biggest Simply Red fan back in the day, but I must have mellowed. I enjoyed hearing this after a long time, and one has to marvel at Mick Hucknall's voice and phrasing. Thanks Scott!
Whatever Mick sings is gold. "Stars", "If You Don't Know Me By Now" and "Money's Too Tight To Mention" are excellent follow ups. You should check him out live too. Can't wait to see Lex playing bass to this 😉
"Money's Too Tight To Mention" is Killer, also 'Thrill Me" is great.
So glad you two finally discovered this great Simply Red tune! Been recommending for quite some time.
This is soul music.
I was 7 years old when this came out. Grew up listening to this band. My sister loved these guys. Wonderful voice! Great request Scott! Really enjoyed this!
The 80's and 90's were amazing. Inxs etc they were just phenomenal bands.
Mick's voice is so expressive
"Holding back the years" and "Sunrise" are my all time favourites by Simply Red, though completely different vibes.
I think you would be blown away by any of the live performances from the A Starry Night concert in Hamberg, Germany. Try Stars, Something Got Me Started, If You Don't Know Me By Now, and the one you just heard, Holding Back the Years. The entire band is awesome!
I remember 30 years ago when I walked into an empty cafe in Northern Scotland and this song was playing.
Do you believe this song was classic right when it came out? I remember it played right then on late evening radio, next to 70's classics. Timeless
Very nice groove, haven't heard this one in a long while, thanks for sharing.😊
Great comparison to Sade with the background music.
Great song, very emotional song, another great Simply Red song, If you don't know me by now, I saw Simply Red in concert in the 80's with my then girlfriend, it was a wonderful evening, not a dry eye in the building, so much heart and soul.
AWESOME SONG
Best reaction I've ever seen. Your joy! ❤❤❤✌️
WOW I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THIS THIS SONG, A LOT TO SAY! THANK YOU FOR HOSTING! Song about parents, Pater-Dad -- Mater is Mom. She left him when he was 3 years & did not return. God is here forever!
Amazing video & song, and amazing Sean Connery impression!
Absolutely gorgeous track
And many esteemed artists done version of
❤
STARS (1991) is by far their best (and also most successful) album - you'd love the whole record, no doubt about it. Incredibly funky, jazzy, soulful.
Another viewer suggested seeing this song live and I agree, Mick's control and range is so good, that even live, without manipulation, it's close to perfect and the extra emotion you get from live performances like the 1992 Montreux Jazz Festival shows him at the height of his prowess. Still, more recently, treat yourself to the live Symphonica in Rosso as decades of experience shows off his showmanship.
We will do it live very very soon!
great reaction guys saw SR in Wellington NZ in the early 80’s and the one thing I distinctly remember was the clarity of their sound and of course Mick Hucknalls amazing voice. These guys have a long rabbit hole much like Steely Dan if you dare to go down it. They cross a range of genres and think you would enjoy reacting to more of their material 🤩
This song takes me back to a dark period in my life when this song came out. Mick Hucknell's vocals are outstanding. I actually. haven't listened to this song since it came out. I can handle it now . Simply Red sure came out with some great music!
I love the sound of a baffled trumpet
Great stuff you guys. This song is one of my all time favourites, of which I have several hundred, just like anyone else. I am now subbed to you as you didn't pause the song! 😍
I was in the 10th grade when this song was released you guys should watch the video to this song. Also his cover to If You Don't Know Me By Now. 👍🏼
Mick - Outside of his band Simply Red.. is a F*cking legend in the UK! No one, no one has ever said a bad thing. You may not like his type of music, but you can not contest his voice or soul. Just to rub it in: His voice LIVE is so good, that it sends shivers down your spine.
Peace out.
Chill out my friend! We absolutely adore this music. Talk about just clicking on a video and not watching it... We even reacted to the live version. Relax!!
You can count the number of songs Simply Red had on the charts on one hand (counting fingers) but their few hits had a big impact on our memories.
The beauty of this song overshadowed the meaning.
A classic. Lots of great Simply Red songs: The Right Thing, Sad Ol' Red, A New Flame, Stars, You Make Me Believe, Fairground, Never Never Love, We're in This Together, Oh! What a Girl! The Death of the Cool, So Not Over You, Good Times have Done Me Wrong, So Many People, Something Got Me Started, Sunrise, Your Mirror. Mick Hucknall could sing the Phone Book and it would be great.
Really good music video to this one as well, featuring British actress Maggie O Neill and filmed in the Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby.
Excellent request Scott!
I'm gonna get you guys t-shirts with your opening lines, lol and in BIG letters at the bottom of Lex's t-shirt WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
First heard this song in the early 80's. Can picture it being performed only in a dark night club for some reason. Great song!
It’s from 85
I don’t think I have heard this song since it was popular- and it was so popular it was over-played. Thanks for sharing and giving me the opportunity to hear it from a new perspective!
Thanks for being open to it!! 💕
Hi guys, love the muted trumpet. Also...love you two!
Blue eyed soul at its very best.
Nick, I wish you were my brother, we are a lot alike, we wear our emotions on our sleeves and don't care that people see our emotions, emotions show who you are as a person, great song, great group, great request, great reaction, Nick great Sean Connery impersonation.
Hey guys it worked out perfectly. I’m pleased as punch that a minor oops created such a perfect serendipitous continuity. Sometimes you just roll with it and trust the process. I’m so glad we landed on this song to help kick off the Simply Red adventure. There are lots of good suggestions in the comments for follow ups. Mic’s voice is one of a kind. ❤️❤️
The rest of us Nick and lex fans wish to thank you as well, Scott. Perfect choice.
Ken
Thanks Ken.
Hello you two. I'm glad you found Simply Red. My tip to you would be the Song "Model" from 1991. It shows the versatility of Simply Red and is a very cool Song. Have fun. Greetings from Germany
If You Don’t Know Me By Now next!!
Hey guys!!! Simple Red is amazing!!! You should check them live in Cuba. The best show. Thanks. Greettings from Argentina
Mick hucknall sounds as good today as he did 30+ years ago... he is an amazing artist with an amazing soulfull voice..
Great song. I have been on a bit of a SR binge lately, buying the 'Stars' LP tonight via Discogs to add to the debut album 'Picture Book' and the recently bought 'Men And Women' and 'A New Flame'.....after having the "Greatest Hits" album on CD for years. Cruisy stuff!
For more of this band, start with: 'Money's Too Tight To Mention' then check out any of: 'Sad Old Red', 'Red Box', 'The Right Thing', 'It's Only Love', 'A New Flame', 'You've Got It', 'She'll Have To Go', 'Something Got Me Started', 'Thrill Me', 'Your Mirror', 'Model' (reggae-ish) and 'Fairground'.
I know of at least two versions of this song. I believe this is the "jazzier" version and not the original track off the album. It got a ton of air play on the radio when it was released. Mick Hucknall has such a unique and beautiful voice. Great reaction..... Take care.....
He does a version of the Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes song, "If You Don't Know Me By Now," that's pretty good, too.
You really should listen to both.
Simply Red's version isn't quite as good as the original imo, but he does it justice.
He still have this voice today mick is fantastic thanks for react to this one
brilliant!
Glad u found simply red guys. What a band.what a voice and ther rest of the album is brill.i think there are at least 5 hits on that album..stars is fab
Check out the video to this. Mick Hucknall is/was a redhead and looked like he wouldn’t have a great voice. They have many great songs, a version of Barry White’s ”It’s Only Love”, comes to mind. But this is their greatest moment, I think. Never gets old.
You'll love them singing "Fairground"
Nick ,Lex déjenme decirles que esta canción la compuso el vocalista, Mick Hucknall a los 17 años inspirada en su vida, cuando fue abandonado a los 3 años por su madre quedando solo con su padre ,pues era hijo único.
De ahí la inspiración de soledad de este hermoso tema.
Te lo dice antes , la madriguera del legado musical desde los 60, 70 y hasta los 80 es infinito ,de calidad y versatilidad en todas las corrientes musicales.
Legado que nunca morirá.
Saludos desdé Santiago de Chile
"Money's Too Tight To Mention" and "Thrill Me" are also great songs.
So sexy. So soulful. This song is gonna still be killer 50 years from now.
I agree. There are some songs and/or particular recordings one can just tell will never go out-of-style or out-of-date and will basically be played forever.
It never gets old it just gets better.
Have to point out that Simply Red, sting+Sade which he references are all Brits!!!!!; Have to be honest,in my younger years I could take or leave their music pretty much.But, as I've aged and my musical tastes have evolved and matured I can take so much more from songs like these.Mick Hucknells voice is peerless. Powerful, evocative, warm and no one could get close to singing it quite like him for me. The lyrics clearly are so meaningful to him. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant
Temazoooo!!!, de los mejores temas de los 80, cuando todavia se bailaban lento, saludos
Absolutely brilliant album my favourite by simply red
I hope it's one of the live shows of him singing this selection. The Live versions are longer I think. The one you want to see, and here is the live version from 1992.
Check them out doing this number at the Montreal Jazz Festival 2023. Sublime.
Songs of my youth! Where did time go?
Saw him in Cornwall. Good live.
What a silky voice! 🔥
Jericho is my favourite Simply Red song. From the same debut album
I recall tears for Elbow's Magnificent (She Says)," so men do it, too. LOL.
One of my faves by Simply Red is the track Stars. Mick Hucknall has solo albums which are also great!
Hola Nick y Lex!!!! Adoro a Simple Red❤❤!!! Maravillosa reacción de este genio y de este temazo con esa voz increíble!!! Saludo desde Córdoba! Argentina❤❤ y una sugerencia La Bengala Perdida de Luis Alberto Spinetta, por favor. Es un tema que escribió el flaco en homenaje a un chico que murió por una Bengala incrustada en su pecho durante un partido de fútbol😢😢.
Los amamos, arriba el rock argento❤❤!!!!!
He sounds just the same at the age of 64, icon here in England…
LOVE MICK HUCKNALL!!! Just throw on the Picture Book album and Enjoy!!❤
I’m sure you’ll recognize more of his work and if not…you’ll love it anyway!!!😊
SIMPLY RED IS A VIBE.....
Their best song, from their best album. A lot of Motown influence on Picture Book, especially on the dance numbers.
Open up the red Box 👍👍