REVIEW: Simple Minds, Good News From the Next World (Virgin)

- Melissa Pellegrin

It has been four years since Simple Minds have released any new material; in 1992, the band released a compilation of their greatest hits called Glittering Prize. This compilation closed a chapter in the band's history and their new release, Good News From the Next World, represents a new and uplifting chapter.

Currently, Simple Minds are comprised of Jim Kerr on lead vocals and Charlie Burchill on guitar and keyboards. It is interesting to note that Good News From the Next World was produced with Keith Forsey. Keith is the same person who wrote and produced the band's most memorable song to date, "Don't You Forget About Me." Along with the work of several session players, the band is able to generate a fresher sound with a heavier rock beat. It is definitely a refreshing break from today's more popular sound.

Many of the songs deal with the theme of gaining a new direction in life and doing some self re-evaluation. Songs like "She's a River" and "Hypnotised" describe a muse who has given a lost soul new hope and direction. "Great Leap Forward" explains that in order to move ahead, one must take chances. Other songs, "7 Deadly Sins," "This Time," and "My Life" illustrate a re-evaluation of things going on in the world today.

Good News From the Next World proves that the band can do more with less musically. Since the band is down to two members, more emphasis is placed on Charlie Burchill's guitar work. He does a wonderful job throughout the new material. There is a noticable difference on this album from other Simple Minds' albums. The use of keyboards has been done sparingly. Rather than being the basis of each song, the keyboards have been used to give each song a bit of texture. "Criminal World" illustrates this in that keyboards are used in the beginning, then as the song progresses, the keyboards fade out slowly.

Not to be left out, Jim Kerr out does himself on the new material as well. He gives a lot of strength and emotion to the songs. A more seductive sound is generated in songs like "Night Music" and "Hypnotised." However, Kerr provides powerful vocals in songs like "She's a River," "Great Leap Forward," and "And the Band Played On."

Good News From the Next World contains a positive feel and driving rock beat. It also provides a back to basics feel and not a lot of noise. This makes the new material a welcome change from today's more popular sound. Simple Minds are back and sounding better than ever.