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"With "Graffiti Soul", Simple Minds confirms its return to the summits of a rock that it continues to adorn with new wave finery without taking a wrinkle."
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4/5
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Without reaching the level of the band's heyday, "Black & White 050505" (2005) strongly resembled a return of Simple Minds to the forefront. Finally stabilized around the quartet Kerr - Burchill - Gaynor - Duffy, the Scottish band seemed to find back some of its values and finally offered some beautiful pieces of this new wave rock that had made its fame in the 80s and 90s. The band offered its new opus four years later with a "Graffiti Soul" with a deep black cover and for which it came back in the Rockfield Studios where it had recorded "Real To Real Cacophony" (1979), "Empires And Dance" (1980) and "New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)" (1982). Mixed again by the faithful Bob Clearmountain, the newcomer presents himself in the best conditions to confirm the rebirth initiated by his predecessor.
Carried by a massive bass, 'Moscow Underground' takes the listener directly away with its power and dynamism. Airy and bewitching, this title proves to be unstoppable from the outset and launches the sequel on exciting bases that will not weaken afterwards. "Graffiti Soul" quickly reaches new heights with the single 'Stars Will Lead The Way', more rock and with a catchy chorus, and with the calm 'Lights Travel', whose space-sounding instruments provide a feeling of well-being and flotation, freeing us from the earthly attraction. It's been a long time since Simple Minds has offered songs of this level. More classic but no less effective, 'Rockets' and 'Kiss And Fly' surround this magical pair and are worthy of the era of 'Once Upon A Time' (1985). The latter also has an air bridge and a slightly more complex structure that reinforces its efficiency.
The next step does not diminish in intensity with the energetic eponymous title which benefits from a fine performance by Jim Kerr. Urban and nocturnal, 'Blood Type O' becomes bewitching before 'This Is It' concludes the official tracklist with a new catchy chorus and an always stimulating vigour. But while it would be tempting to complain about the short duration of this opus whose quality of the eight tracks gave hope for more, the Scots had the good idea to prolong the pleasure with two bonus tracks. In less than three minutes, 'Shadows And Light' surprises with its haunting chorus and scathing guitars on its finale. As for the cover of Neil Young's 'Rockin' In The Free World', it becomes scathing and sees Jim Kerr pushing his vocals to the treble and showing a rare aggressiveness. It should also be noted that there is a Deluxe edition with a second record containing only covers.
"Black & White 050505" was therefore not a hopeless hope and "Graffiti Soul" brings the resplendent confirmation of this. By returning to the values which had made their success, Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill's band is back at the top of a Rock that they continue to adorn with new wave finery without taking a wrinkle. So here are the Scots back in the spotlight for our greatest pleasure! - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Moscow Underground - 5:01
02. Rockets - 4:35
03. Stars Will Lead The Way - 3:25
04. Light Travels - 4:12
05. Kiss And Fly - 5:01
06. Graffiti Soul - 4:48
07. Blood Type O - 3:48
08. This Is It - 4:52
09. Shadows And Light [bonus Track] - 2:50
10. Rockin' In The Free World [bonus Track] - 4:17
LINEUP:
Charlie Burchill: Guitares / Claviers
Eddie Duffy: Basse
Jim Kerr: Chant
Mel Gaynor : Batterie
Andy Gillespie: Claviers / Invité
Gordy Goodie: Guitares / Claviers / Invité
Jez Coad: Claviers / Batterie / Invité / Chœurs
Tom Hooper: Batterie / Invité
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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(0) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
3/5 (3 view(s))
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STAFF:
4/5 (1 view(s))
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OTHER REVIEWS
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT SIMPLE MINDS
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