Everything came together for Simple Minds in 1982 with New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84). The band had perfected their sound with the guitars and keyboards finally living harmoniously, creating a huge, warm, textured sound described by Jim Kerr as “ambient dance music”. The synths now envelop the listener instead of assaulting them, the guitars sparkle, Kerr uses his voice as an instrument, content to take a backseat to the music. The lyrics are both nonsensical and perfect. Kerr admits he chose words for how they sounded and the imagery they conjured. What you get are abstract musical paintings, songs that seem to radiate light. The singer called the record “a coffee table album. They should have sold New Gold Dream in furniture stores, because it can brighten a room.” The album was their most successful yet, reaching number three on the UK charts, and garnering them the best reviews of their career.
Tracklisting:
1. Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)
2. Colours Fly and Catherine Wheel
3. Promised You a Miracle
4. Big Sleep
5. Somebody Up There Likes You
6. New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
7. Glittering Prize
8. Hunter and the Hunted
9. King Is White and in the Crowd