Few things are as intriguing as a blast from the past that has less to do with nostalgia and more to do with pure musical genius. Enter Simple Minds with their album, "Cry," a masterstroke released on April 1, 2002. What many seem to miss is that this band is not just about 80s synth-pop—they've got layers, people! Formed in Glasgow in 1977, Simple Minds has always been a force to be reckoned with. Yes, they initially captured hearts with 'Don't You (Forget About Me),' the anthem for misunderstood rebels everywhere, but the unsung hero here is "Cry," which brought them roaring back into the spotlight in the early 2000s. Shot through the lens of melodic brilliance, this album seizes your attention from track one and holds it hostage until the very end, forcing you to reckon with the genius of Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill.
Now, if you like your music unshakeable and perpetually intriguing, "Cry" is a feast. It's an album that smashed its way past the stale offerings of its time and emerged something fresh. The record starts with 'Cry,' a commanding opening that's like a shot of espresso for your ears—pulsating, wild, yet wonderfully controlled. The track is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Simple Minds, effectively outclassing many so-called 'progressive' bands of the period, often lauded by cultural leanings that seek to commodify talent.
Jim Kerr’s vocals in this album are like thunder wrapped in cotton, smoothing out the jagged edges of life while keeping your ears on high alert. His philosophical lyrics are not just words set to music; they are soundscapes for the logical mind. Don’t even get me started on Charlie Burchill’s guitar work. The man doesn’t just play—he articulates emotions that demand to be felt.
What's fascinating is how 'Cry' blends elements that honor their rock roots with fresh electronica elements, staying ahead in a game often obsessed with boxed-in definitions. Tracks like 'Spaceface' give a nod to electronica without losing the emotional gravitas expected of real musicianship. The versatility in this album is a middle finger to anyone who would label it outdated. Want an example? Try 'Lazy Lately'; it's a track of melodic beauty wrapped around an edgy framework that's anything but lazy.
One of the standout tracks, 'Sugar,' doesn't sugarcoat anything. Kerr's vocals are dripping with unchecked emotion, giving an earnest punch that lingers long after the song ends. It's precisely because Simple Minds doesn't hide behind fancy gimmicks or convoluted metaphors that they allow the listener to connect. Their music is open, honest, unapologetic, and remains endearing to those who appreciate genuine artistry.
Now, let's talk about the reaction surrounding 'Cry.' While some may have been caught off guard by its daring strides and ambitious detours, the album is a triumph of audacious endeavor. Well, Simple Minds, with their relentless dedication, often fly under the radar of mainstream acclaim, but isn’t it all the more satisfying to understand the genius that escapes the monotonous drone of what’s been spoon-fed to the masses?
In fact, here's the amusing bit for those who like to box art into categories: the strength of "Cry" is its defiance of easy categorization. The album wings its way from rock to electronica while maintaining a cohesive sound that is uniquely their own. Tracks like 'New Sunshine Morning' inject a burst of optimism wrapped in sonic elegance, setting the stage for what great music should do: inspire and incite some serious reflection.
The problem with mainstream circles is often their aversion to complexity. Here’s an album that scoffs at that averageness, cruising over pedestrian offerings by thriving in contrast. Nested in 'Cry' are occasionally prophetic lines, audacious beats, and superb guitar work that never sounds overindulgent. While many might miss the finer details caught up in fluffy melodies elsewhere, this album demands you sit up and listen.
The truth is, "Cry" presents a rare equation: consistency powered by innovation. Simple Minds didn't reinvent the wheel with this album; they just crafted a sleeker, more powerful engine on their musical vehicle. The album has elements that stick in your mind and tracks like 'The Floating World' give your ears the sort of feast you wish wouldn't end, and it closes the experience with elegance.
If there’s one pressing notion "Cry" leaves you with, it's that real artistry, propelled by vision and crafted with skill, transcends eras. In a world so often deeply entrenched in blindly following trends, Simple Minds offers something real. "Cry" is an album that offers much more than a singular listening experience; it's a dialogue for thinkers who seek substance in sound.