A New Flame
Simply Red · 1989
40 min · 10 tracks · jazz fusion
Smooth melodies and soulful vocals intertwine with polished instrumentation, creating an inviting atmosphere that defines Simply Red's signature sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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It's Only Love Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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If You Don't Know Me by Now — This iconic cover showcases Mick Hucknall's emotional delivery and captures the essence of longing, making it a standout track that resonates deeply with listeners.
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A New Flame — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of love and renewal, featuring lush arrangements that highlight the band's sophisticated sound.
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You've Got It — This track combines upbeat rhythms with romantic lyrics, representing a perfect blend of pop sensibility and soulful expression prevalent throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features polished production and smooth melodies, but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- The first five tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the last five introduce more varied rhythms and dynamics.
- Vocals are prominent throughout, often harmonizing with smooth instrumental arrangements that include brass and keyboards.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady melodic journey throughout
- heartfelt vocals for romantic moments
- smooth background for intimate gatherings
- uplifting energy for reflective afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy, fast-paced music
- looking for experimental soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Simply Red's status with number one hits and signature tracks.
- Themes
- romantic longing· smooth jazz clubs· soulful heartbreak
- Career context
- Released on February 1, 1989, A New Flame marked Simply Red's fourth studio album and followed their successful release, Stars. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their status in the pop and soul genres, building on the commercial success of their previous albums.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sade· Seal· Jamiroquai
Tracklist
- 1 It's Only Love Start here 4:57
- 2 A New Flame 3:57
- 3 You've Got It 3:55
- 4 To Be With You 3:22
- 5 More 4:10
- 6 Turn It Up 4:35
- 7 Love Lays Its Tune 4:05
- 8 She'll Have to Go 3:14
- 9 If You Don't Know Me by Now 3:24
- 10 Enough 5:09
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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