Simply Red - Greatest Hits
Pop-soulful in an archaic, '60s manner; mildly provocative at the time of their appearance due to singer Mick Hucknall's uncloseted status; Simply Red are global superstars masquerading as an urban sophisticate cult item. Fans from the U.K. and other countries already know this. But in the States we don't quite believe that a group like this can be suave without being cheesy. America, here's your proof once again: the No. 1 smashes "Holding Back the Years" and "If You Don't Know Me by Now," packed with a smattering of overseas chart hits. But where's "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye?" If you like this one, also tryPicture Book, the band's 1985 debut.--Gavin McNett