SIMPLY RED

In 1995 – 10 years on from Simply Red’s blockbuster breakthrough with debut album Picture Book and one quarter of the way into a glittering four-decade (and counting) career – Mick Hucknall was talking to Q magazine.

“Would you fancy yourself at 60 as a Sinatra of the day?” asked the interviewer, leaning into Hucknall’s already-firmly-established reputation as one of the great British vocalists of his generation.

“I think it’s dangerous to make a comparison with one individual,” replied Hucknall. “But the notion of being perceived as a great singer is something to attain, a wonderfully dignified goal. I want to be the best.”

Fast forward through 12 studio albums as Simply Red (five of them Number Ones), two solo albums, back-to-back ASCAP Most Performed Song honours (1987 and 1988) for Holding Back The Years, consecutive Brit Awards (1992 and 1993) for Best British Group, a Brit for Best British Male (1993), the 1997 MOBO for Outstanding Achievement, two Ivor Novellos (1992 Songwriter of the Year; 2002 Outstanding Song Collection), and some 60 million album sales…

…in summer 2020, the Mancunian soulman and songwriter hit that milestone age of 60. How satisfied was Hucknall with where he’d taken his voice, and with how it was perceived?

On Simply Red’s new album, Time, Mick Hucknall is true to that ambition and vision. Over 12 vivid, heartfelt, life-giving tracks that mix soul, funk, R&B and blues, the artist demonstrates an unerring ear for, feel for and passion for songs that move the emotion and the imagination.

Recording in London with longstanding producer wingman Andy Wright (their relationship began on 1995’s Life, home of huge Number One hit Fairground) and the close-knit cadre of musicians with whom he’s formed a matchless touring band, Hucknall is back – and not just with the label, Warner Music, with whom he began Simply Red’s musical adventure. He’s writing from, and about, himself.