Simply Red - Money's Too Tight To Mention (Elektra)

A cover version of a rather obscure but hipper-than-hip song by the Valentine Brothers that first surfaced a couple of summers ago. Simply Red couldn't have chosen a better showcase for their obvious talents - social-comment lyrics attacked by really excellent soul vocals, making a record that's understated but powerful, and impossible to resist. Fitting loosely into the Working Week/ Sade school of new jazz/soul, Simply Red are definitely a name to watch out for. Joint Single Of The Fortnight. (Maureen Rice, Smash Hits, June 5, 1985)

The much discussed Simply Red (i.e. much discussed in three London hostelries), a combo of indistinct heritage and no discernable talent have possibly made the greatest initial career blunder ever. Did no-one tell these poor wide eyed terrors that freshly scrubbed little white boy pop groups just do not attempt covers of mighty black dance discs - especially not those of the frightful might of the Valentine Brothers' "Money's Too Tight To Mention"? Apparently not. (Graham K Smith, Record Mirror, June 15, 1985)

Simply Red, who were no doubt signed to Elektra for a princely sum, debut here with a cover of the Valentine Brothers song about being borassic! (Look it up!) Strange that. As white soul goes this is plain fare. If Kane Gang and Bronski Beat make you splash the cash then step right on up. A fool and his money? It's alright really but some of that advance wouldn't go amiss lads, money being in such short supply. Oops, wasn't supposed to mention that. (Max Bell, No 1, June 22, 1985)