Neon Lights

Neon Lights - Simple Minds

By Ben  Oct 16, 2001

For all their criticism over the years, namely the last decade, this album proves Simple Minds can still cut it with the best of them. Ok so they didn't write these songs, but the arrangements and overall feel is one of good musical production and a... sense of space. It doesn't feel over-produced or bombastic in any way. Kerr isn't trying to re-sell Simple Minds to America again or aim for Stadiums with a thumping live set. This serves it's purpose, and it serves it well. The almost goth-toned Depeche-styled 'Needle and the Damage Done', the catchy strains of 'Dancing Barefoot' and the wonderful fresh sounding 'Bring on the Wild Horses' (in my opinion better than the Bunnymen's) are obvious highlights. 'Gloria' opens the album and you can immediately shed any comparisons with the U2 version. And here's the rub. There is more experimentation on this album than their last three put together. This has traces of dance, grunge, acoustic and pop. It encapsulates the years from where the songs originate and then decorates them with layers of synth and electro-rhythms. For the first time in a long time, we hear Simple Minds having fun and that's all it is. Not a worldwide best seller and not a chart contender, but a sound collection of songs that perhaps, just perhaps, might give Simple Minds back the vitality they have been lacking of late. Next year they celebrate 25 years as a band, although in fragile form these days with band members seemingly changing with every song released and tour announced. Still, I personally think 2002 could be a good year if Simple Minds can stop trying too hard and get those catchy songs back. Read more Less