Much like Robbie Williams and the Manic Street Preachers, Simple Minds were a band that always found themselves constrained to European fame, never quite making an impact across the Atlantic. In the early days of their union, the band was set up against U2; but as U2 pushed beyond their boundaries and achieved global recognition, Simple Minds were relegated to one-hit-wonder status Stateside for their contribution to that John Hughes movie.
Of course, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” is a great pop song, and the band had a handful of other interesting stadium pop singles in the ’80s, but their glory days are long over; the group has struggled over the past decade to regain their popularity even in the UK, where it has been steadily dwindling. Their last few records were received scathingly, and Graffiti Soul – which is their first effort since 2005′s 050505 (guess which day and month of the year it was released?) and a reunion of the original band roster for the first time in almost 30 years — has largely been championed by European press as a smashing return to form. There’s only one thing: it isn’t.
This is badly produced schlock; not a single tune here rises above the level of mediocrity, and nothing is remotely impacting. Some of the songs are downright bad. Jim Kerr’s voice is still in good shape — he hits all those high notes with the soothing comfort of Bono — but if the music isn’t there, what’s the point? This is all so derivative: “Moscow Underground” sounds like poor Krautrock parody; lead single “Rockets” lacks something any lead single should have: a strong melody.
Pop music doesn’t always need to be instantly catchy, but it should be inherently interesting. Or fun. Graffiti Soul is neither. It is one of the more disposable listening experiences of 2009 — which is a shame, because I didn’t really want to forget about them so easily.
Rating: 
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
It sounds to me that this reviewer needs his hearing checked. This album absolutely fantastic. The guitr riffs, the ambient sounds, the great drums and the driving bass are all in fine form. Their best album since Sparkle in the Rain. John, while you are trying to sound cool and hip with the younger crowd by bashing an older band, please remember to grow up, wisely!
It sounds to me that you're probably letting your apparent admiration for the band effect your own hearing. Believe it or not, last time I checked, it wasn't "cool" or "hip" to dislike a pop band who barely achieve any notoriety in this country. And I'm not sure how you can count a rather fair, critical review as a "bashing," but all I can offer is that I would have been happy to have enjoyed this album. Many of my favourite artists are older rock bands
It sounds to me that you're probably letting your apparent admiration for the band effect your own hearing. Believe it or not, last time I checked, it wasn't "cool" or "hip" to dislike a pop band who barely achieve any notoriety in this country. And I'm not sure how you can count a rather fair, critical review as a "bashing," but all I can offer is that I would have been happy to have enjoyed this album. Many of my favourite artists are older rock bands; your theory is flawed, to say the least.
I reviewed the album because I enjoy the group's earlier output. I listened to this record with an open mind; I did not like it (and, in this regard, my opinion fits in well with many professional journalists who noted the same complaints). I also find it ironic that someone preaching wisdom to the unfortunate youth of the world seems quite incapable of forming a coherent sentence. Perhaps you should spend less time making overzealous assumptions about people.
Dear reviewer,[John}
Lighten up.It aint a bad record.I think what's dissapointing is that the opening track sounds so much like Can's'' Mother sky'', recorded in 1969.This, and that the last song is a mindless cover song,having nothing in common with the rest of the record also detracts from its listenability.However inbetween, and there's a lot there, it's good.It resonates enthusiasm and excitement .The band are alive , they are charged.
However……
You do need to get passed the listening challenges this record, and the last record poses. A lot of modern music is hardly original and invariably you will hear a new song and find yourself thinking it sounds familiar.Well lets just say there's a lot of this happening with Simple minds of late.You either lump it or get passed it. And, if you can get passed it ,it is a rewarding listen.
Go on John, give it another go,and if that should fail get into ''The Church,'' where originality means everything.
PS Yeah I reckon some of your commentary did bash…Sorry.
Personaly, I like the record. The production sounds great, even better than the new U2 album 'No line on the Horizon' dare I say it. The first single 'Rockets' is a bit of a disappointment to me, but there is strong tracks in 'Moscow Underground', 'Stars will lead the way', 'Light travels' and 'Blood type o'. The album is a grower, it's takes several listens before you can really make up your mind and give an objective review of the record. I like that though, as it has a more lasting appeal to me and it's a whole lot better than the crap in the American charts.
Incidentally, I was a Big Country fan in the eighties which is another Scottish band who had one major hit in the U.S.A. Just because they aren't successful in the US doesn't mean they’re bad bands or un-cool to listen to. It just shows how much great music from the U.K. the U.S. has missed out on over the years