01Hit Single
"Holding Back the Years" breakthrough
In 1985, Simply Red gained global recognition with the release of "Holding Back the Years," a track that propelled them into international charts.
Artist profile · 05/07/2026
Simply Red
Simply Red formed in Manchester in 1985, delivering a mix of soul, pop, and jazz-inflected sounds. Led by Mick Hucknall, their hits span decades, grounded in blue-eyed soul and sophisticated pop.
- 12
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 1.4M
- Last.fm listeners
- 22M
- Last.fm plays
About
Simply Red, From Manchester in '85, soulful pop refined over decades.
14 vinyl releases blending soul, jazz, and pop — rare limited editions tracked in real time.
Simply Red emerged from Manchester in 1985, rooted in soulful pop with jazzy and funky influences. Spearheaded by the distinctive voice of Mick Hucknall, the band gained international prominence with the 1985 hit "Holding Back the Years." Over the years, they produced numerous albums that traverse soft rock, R&B, and soul genres, charting consistently throughout the '80s and beyond.
Their catalog includes studio albums like "Picture Book," "Stars," and "Life," each showcasing a blend of pop and blue-eyed soul stylings. Vinyl collectors will find a rich selection of pressings, including limited editions such as the 2025 "Recollections" LP from Music On Vinyl, and recent albums like 2023's "Time." The band's longevity and evolving sound mark a substantial footprint in British pop m…
Discography
Simply Red discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01
StarsRecollections · 2025 - 02
Sunrise - 03
Holding Back The YearsSimplified · 2005 - 04Holding Back the Years - 2008 Remaster
- 05
If You Don't Know Me by NowA New Flame · 1989 - 06For Your BabiesSimplified · 2005
- 07Something Got Me StartedSimplified · 2005
- 08FairgroundSimplified · 2005
Essentials
3 Simply Red albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 1989This 1989 album contains key Simply Red tracks characterized by soul and pop fusion, available in multiple vinyl editions, notable for its influence and durability.
10 tracksStereoMultiple vinyl pressingsReleased on Elektra
#2 · 2019A modern exploration of soul and pop with 10 tracks, this album has limited edition pressings and maintains the band's soulful legacy in a contemporary context.
10 tracksLP formatLimited edition releasesBMG label
#3 · 2025A 40-track compilation spanning the band's career, issued as an extensive limited edition LP with several pressings, highly sought after by collectors.
40 tracksLimited editionMultiple pressingsReleased by Music On Vinyl
Go further
Artists similar to Simply Red
Artists who share part of Simply Red's musical DNA.
B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of Simply Red
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
02Studio Album
"A New Flame" release in 1989
The 1989 album "A New Flame" was issued on Elektra with 10 tracks blending soul and pop, and remains a staple in their vinyl discography.
03Pressing
2025 "Recollections" limited LP editions
"Recollections" was released in 2025 by Music On Vinyl with multiple European pressings, including a limited edition retailing up to €195 among 70 copies counted for sale.
04Recent Album
"Time" album from 2023
The 2023 "Time" LP features 12 tracks and several limited edition pressings, with prices ranging from about €9.28 to €21.74 in UK and European markets.
"Simply Red delivers a unique blend of soul and sophisticated pop that has endured since the mid-'80s."— Music Expert
"Mick Hucknall’s vocal tone is instantly recognizable and central to the band’s sound identity."— Audiophile Review
Simply Red CDs
See allHolding Back The Years : Live In Santiago
Simply Red
Pop internationalePop
2026-06-26MUSIC ON CDFrom$16.49
1 offer
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FAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
When was Simply Red formed?
Simply Red was formed in Manchester in 1985.
What genres best describe Simply Red's music?
The band blends soul, pop, jazz, and funk, often described as blue-eyed soul and sophisti-pop.
Which Simply Red albums are most sought after on vinyl?
Albums like "A New Flame," "Blue Eyed Soul," and "Recollections" are notable on vinyl, featuring limited editions and reissues.
Are there rare or limited vinyl editions for Simply Red?
Yes, several limited edition pressings exist, including the 2025 "Recollections" LP and colored editions of other releases.
Where can I find Simply Red vinyl records in France?
Simply Red vinyl records, including reissues like "Simplified," are available in France and Benelux through distributors like Demon Records.
What are common price ranges for Simply Red vinyls in the UK?
Prices vary from around €9 to €22 for recent albums like "Time," with original limited editions occasionally fetching higher prices.
How many tracks are usually on a Simply Red LP?
Simply Red LPs typically range from 10 to 40 tracks, depending on whether it is a studio album or a compilation.
What should I listen for in Simply Red's vinyl sound quality?
Pay attention to smooth vocal clarity and warm instrumentation characteristic of their soul and pop fusion.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.
Last updated: 05/07/2026