Simple Minds' best
Oscar Becerra | 05/08/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Real Life could be easily cataloged as one of the best albums of the Scottish band and one of the best albums of the 1990s. After Street Fighting Years, Real Life is one of the most mature creations of this emblematic rock band. The album has an impressive and refined sound and with the re mastered edition it highlights its quality. Many of the songs not included in other compilation albums, really worth this album."
Real Mediocre
Kirk Lott | adrift on the seas of life | 01/02/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"By the early 90s, Simple Minds was running out of brainpower. The band - and its confidence - was undermined by a mixed response to its last album, "Street Fighting Years," and the recent departures of two band members.
Where to start with the problems of "Real Life"?
First, its anchor is a trio of weak, easy-listening singles: "See the Lights," "Let There Be Love," and "Stand By Love." Oh how the mighty had fallen since their greatest album, "Sparkle in the Rain," 7 years earlier.
Second, this sounds more like a collection of demos than a fully finished album. A potentially solid track like "Woman" is wasted by being only half developed.
Third, the band has run out of ideas to such an extent that it's recycling its back catalogue; "Let the Children Speak" rips off "Theme For Great Cities," while "Traveling Man" is a remake of "Waterfront."
The only truly great song is the title track, a well written, fully produced anthem.
Luckily, Simple Minds would bounce back and produce a string of great - albeit underappreciated - albums well into the 21st century, including "Good News From the Next World," "Neapolis," "Our Secrets are the Same" (part of the "Silver Box" box set), and "Cry." Check them out instead."
Without question, their best!
A. P. Hampers | Grand Rapids, Michigan | 07/16/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Looks like a few of us in here all agree on one thing, this is the band's near masterpiece.
Not everyone agrees, but as a person who did on-air Rock Radio for 37 years, I pretty much heard everything that was released during all of those years.
I love this band...period. But this is without question, their finest hour."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1