As it is now: The successor to the success album "HOME". The new album is called "Simplified" and it is a "Greatest Hits" album. In addition, there is a tendency during the first hearing, to perceive it as "too quiet". No wonder, because the first single "Perfect Love" (Track 1) and "Something Got Me Started" (Track 2) in Latin-style can initially suspect this work is marked by intense rhythms and a great party album. However, this is limited to these two titles. From track 3 it's over it, and that's just created dance and party atmosphere would be detrimental. But at this point only starts the actual album: Characterized by mainly jazzy elements, shows us Mick Hucknall with his band class look back at Pearl from his previous, now 20-year-old factory. And he dresses them in a new garment. Here are particularly "More" and "Your Mirror" highlight. However, the new arrangements of classic "Holding Back The Years" and "Fairground" are surprisingly successful. Almost imperceptibly here are also part further 2 new pieces. 2 of them are "Smile" and "Your Perfect Love" and it's really nice numbers. Outstanding and a great example of Mick Hucknall's unique talent to great covers songs is "A Song For You". .. Hopefully this song will be a single release, he really deserves it! A band as always excellent and Hucknall's now described matured voice and enchant the listener throughout the album. My tip: This album can (and will!) Be liked to hear a bit louder! Overall I give only 4 stars because unfortunately give the first two titles of the listener a "wrong" first impression. In my opinion, the overall impression of a very successful Jazzpop album is thus slightly blurred, which has not earned it. Mick Hucknall has managed skillfully to improve its already good songs such as "Your Mirror" again, my compliments !!
