Simply Red – Picture Book

Simply Red – Picture Book

Picture Book is the acclaimed debut studio album from Simply Red, released in 1985 and introducing the band's sophisticated blend of soul, pop, jazz and blue-eyed soul. Fronted by the distinctive voice of Mick Hucknall, the album established Simply Red as one of the UK's most successful pop-soul acts and remains a defining record of the 1980s.

The album opens with Come To My Aid, immediately showcasing Hucknall's soulful vocals alongside the band's polished, atmospheric sound. Sad Old Red, Heaven and the title track Picture Book demonstrate the group's softer and more reflective side, combining elegant arrangements with strong melodic songwriting.

Among the album's biggest highlights is Money's Too Tight (To Mention), a soulful cover of the Valentine Brothers' song that became Simply Red's breakthrough hit and helped establish their international reputation. The record also features Holding Back The Years, one of the band's signature songs and a hugely successful single that went on to become an enduring classic of 1980s pop and soul.

With its sophisticated production, soulful vocals and memorable songwriting, Picture Book remains an essential Simply Red album and an excellent example of the polished British soul-pop sound of the mid-1980s. A strong choice for fans of Simply Red, Mick Hucknall, blue-eyed soul, sophisti-pop and classic 1980s music.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Come To My Aid – 4:04
2. Sad Old Red – 4:32
3. Look At You Now – 3:02
4. Heaven – 4:33
5. Jericho – 6:04

Side B

1. Money's Too Tight (To Mention) – 4:14
2. Holding Back The Years – 4:28
3. Red Box – 3:55
4. No Direction – 3:40
5. Picture Book – 5:48