Is Themes – Volume 3: September 85–June 87 a good place to start with Simple Minds?

Yes, Themes – Volume 3: September 85–June 87 is recommended as a starting point for new Simple Minds listeners. A sweeping collection of anthemic rock and vibrant synth melodies that captures the essence of mid-80s pop culture. By the time 'Themes – Volume 3: September 85–June 87' was released in 1990, Simple Minds had already established themselves as a significant force in rock music, following their commercial breakthrough with 'Don't You (Forget About Me)' in 1985. This album serves as a retrospective compilation of key tracks from their most commercially successful era, showcasing their evolution as they transitioned into the 90s.

Who is Themes – Volume 3: September 85–June 87 for?

Themes – Volume 3: September 85–June 87 works well if you're into dynamic journey with emotional peaks, soaring anthems for celebration and wave-like pacing for reflection.

How many songs are on Themes – Volume 3: September 85–June 87?

Themes – Volume 3: September 85–June 87 has 18 tracks, running approximately 109 minutes.

Themes – Volume 3: September 85–June 87

Simple Minds · 1990

109 min · 18 tracks · new wave

A sweeping collection of anthemic rock and vibrant synth melodies that captures the essence of mid-80s pop culture.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Don't You (Forget About Me) — As one of the band's most defining songs, its inclusion illustrates their crossover appeal and lasting impact on popular culture, especially through its connection to 'The Breakfast Club'.
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Sanctify Yourself (extended mix) — The extended mix showcases the band's ability to blend rock intensity with danceable beats, highlighting their versatility and innovative production techniques during this era.
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Alive and Kicking Start here — This track exemplifies the band's signature sound with soaring vocals and an uplifting message, making it a staple in their live performances and a fan favorite.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

44 /100

Lowland

Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The compilation showcases notable hits but lacks a cohesive narrative or flow due to its mixed formats.

What we noticed

Tracks like 'Alive and Kicking' and 'Don't You (Forget About Me)' are positioned prominently, suggesting an emphasis on the band's most commercially successful material.
The sequencing alternates between high-energy tracks and more subdued pieces, maintaining listener engagement across its lengthy runtime.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 5/10
Durability 25% of the score: 4/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 3/10

Influence 4/10

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

dynamic journey with emotional peaks
soaring anthems for celebration
wave-like pacing for reflection
for nostalgic evenings

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This compilation solidifies their influence and highlights major hits from a key period.
Themes: 1980s youth culture· cinematic nostalgia· post-punk optimism
Career context: By the time 'Themes – Volume 3: September 85–June 87' was released in 1990, Simple Minds had already established themselves as a significant force in rock music, following their commercial breakthrough with 'Don't You (Forget About Me)' in 1985. This album serves as a retrospective compilation of key tracks from their most commercially successful era, showcasing their evolution as they transitioned into the 90s.
Stylistic neighbors: Talk Talk· The Cure· Duran Duran

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Alive and Kicking

The chorus shifts into a powerful declaration of resilience and hope amid life's challenges.

This shift underscores a thematic pivot towards empowerment, contrasting the struggles depicted earlier in the song.