Simple Minds - Alive And Kicking (Virgin)

Being something of a Simple Minds zealot, I must confess that my initial reaction was one of intense disappointment. However, a couple of plays later I'm relieved to report a complete restoration of faith in Jim and the boys. "Alive And Kicking" is a regression from the searing, razor-edged bite of Sparkle In The Rain and a resurrection of the beeeeautiful music of New Gold Dream. A subtle melody is topped with lashings of that luscious voice. Play loud, and wallow. (Lesley O'Toole, Record Mirror, October 5, 1985)

Simple Minds' ability to transform the most tenuous phrases and simple vocal gestures into fully blown majestic big league rock is not a formula that can be dismissed out of hand. Forgive me then if I say I find the Minds sound utterly predictable. The immediate emotional effect is all here on a song which is really "Don't You Forget About Me" part two, but is nowhere near as catchy. Simple Minds' deliberate assimilation into American culture is boosted by the production of Iovine and Clearmountain, knob twiddlers to his majesty, Bruce Springsteen. (Max Bell, No 1, October 12, 1985)

Bit subtle, this one. At first Simple Minds' usual "glittering shards of sepulchral majesty" seem strangely absent, but after a few plays the little blighters sneak up on you from behind, revealing the song's true "grandeur". A "right little grower", as suave TV horticulturist Geoffrey Smith says on Gardeners' "very boring" World. (Vici MacDonald, Smash Hits, October 9, 1985)