Album Info
| Artist: | Simple Minds |
| Album: | Once Upon A Time |
| Released: | Australia, 4 Nov 1985 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Once Upon A Time | 5:44 |
| A2 | All The Things She Said | 4:16 |
| A3 | Ghost Dancing | 4:46 |
| A4 | Alive And Kicking | 5:24 |
| B1 | Oh Jungleland | 5:12 |
| B2 | I Wish You Were Here | 4:42 |
| B3 | Sanctify Yourself | 5:00 |
| B4 | Come A Long Way | 5:08 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $125 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship your vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
Simple Minds' "Once Upon a Time," released in 1985, is a pivotal album in the band's discography, representing a high point in their career and capturing the essence of the mid-80s pop-rock sound. This album, following the success of "Sparkle in the Rain" and their hit single "Don't You (Forget About Me)" from The Breakfast Club soundtrack, solidifies Simple Minds' place in the pantheon of 80s music icons.
The album opens with "Alive and Kicking," a track that epitomizes the band's ability to blend anthemic rock with synthesizer-driven pop. The song's soaring chorus, Jim Kerr's impassioned vocals, and the lush production create a sense of uplift and grandeur, setting the tone for an album filled with expansive soundscapes and emotive lyrics.
The title track, "Once Upon a Time," continues the album's thematic exploration of love, hope, and the pursuit of dreams. The track's driving rhythm, coupled with Kerr's evocative lyricism, showcases the band's knack for crafting songs that are both introspective and universally relatable.
"All the Things She Said," another standout track, features a compelling blend of guitar riffs and synthesizer melodies, further demonstrating Simple Minds' mastery of the 80s pop-rock genre. The song's catchy hook and dynamic arrangement make it one of the album's most memorable tracks.
The production of "Once Upon a Time," helmed by producers Jimmy Iovine and Bob Clearmountain, is characterized by its polished and expansive sound. The album's use of reverb, layered synthesizers, and stadium-sized drum sounds contribute to its cinematic quality, making it emblematic of the mid-80s musical landscape.
Critically, "Once Upon a Time" was well-received, with many praising its anthemic qualities and the band's successful fusion of rock and pop elements. The album's cohesive sound and strong songwriting were highlighted as key factors in its appeal, earning Simple Minds critical acclaim and a wider international audience.
Commercially, the album was a significant success, bolstered by the popularity of singles like "Alive and Kicking" and "Sanctify Yourself." The album's commercial performance helped to cement Simple Minds' status as one of the leading bands of the 1980s, with "Once Upon a Time" becoming a defining album of the era.
In retrospect, "Once Upon a Time" stands as a testament to Simple Minds' artistic vision and their ability to capture the zeitgeist of the 1980s. The album's blend of grandiose soundscapes, emotive lyricism, and pop sensibility makes it a landmark release in the band's career and a classic of the 80s pop-rock genre. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while continuing to resonate with listeners for its timeless themes and masterful production.