Glittering Prize by Simple Minds (CD, Jan-1993, A&M Records USA)

I originally bought Simple Minds' Glittering Prize CD because it had the song "Don't You Forget About Me" from the Breakfast Club. And when I listened to it for the first time, I discovered that Simple Minds was an undiscovered gem. Of course, I like "Don't You Forget About Me" but I discovered a lot of other cool songs as well. Since then, Simple Minds have become one of my favorite rock artists. Simple Minds are not very well known in America, and I think that's a shame, because they are one of the greatest bands that has ever been. They are definitely an undiscovered gem.

The Glittering Prize album covers Simple Minds songs from 1981 to 1992 and in my mind, these were Simple Minds' best years musically. They combined '80s rock with mood music with lyrics that contained powerful messages, that went way beyond 'I like her she likes me.' My favorite song of theirs is "Someone Somewhere in Summertime". I think it speaks to finding Ms. Right, finding your soulmate and how hard that is.

Now for the other songs: "Belfast Child" is about the conflict in Northern Ireland and the hope for peace. "Up On the Catwalk" is an energy-packed song whose lyrics question whether life is any better in the developed world; that in Britain and America, we may have it all, but that our lives are ruled by computers, cell-phones, the TV and other gadgets that were supposed to make life easier. "Waterfront" is more memorable for its pulsing music than for its lyrics. "Sanctify Yourself" is about finding God and discovering faith in Him.

To me, the song "Promised You A Miracle" is about materialism and mocking the idea that money can buy miracles or buy happiness. "All the things she said" and "Stand By Love" are about love and romantic relationships and fidelity/betrayal. "Let There Be Love" is a good song to listen to if you just broke up with your boy/girlfriend. It's definitely mood music and its lyrics are very visceral. The most memorable song on this album, of course, is "Don't You Forget About Me." That was the theme song for the movie "The Breakfast Club". If you listen closely to the lyrics, "Don't You Forget About Me" is far more than a catchy tune for a teen movie. It speaks of being excluded from society, of being left out, of being forgotten by those you care about the most. Anyone from a new kid in school to Martin Luther King can relate to this song.

In my view, Simple Minds are one of the greatest pop music acts of all time, up there with U2. With Simple Minds, they combine mood music with very profound lyrics with a message. Compared to U2, they are lower-key and less loud and dramatic. With Simple Minds, you get the impression that they came out of suburbia and much of their music in this album seems to be about having it all but feeling empty inside. Few rock bands have been able to combine bubble-gum music or mood music with preaching a message on social justice or human interest stuff or appealing to your heart of hearts or speaking to your deepest thoughts and feelings and Simple Minds have done that with stunning results.

Their lyrics are far more emotionally visceral than those of a lot of other bands and their ability to combine songs with a message with trendy tunes and mood music puts Simple Minds in a league of their own, way above all the other acts.