Simple Minds are a Scottish rock band formed in 1977. Over the years, they have released numerous albums and singles that have been loved by fans around the world. One of the most popular songs from their repertoire is “Glittering Prize”, which was released in 1982.
Simple Minds
Simple Minds is a Scottish rock band that was formed in 1977 by Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill. The band has had a long and successful career, with many albums and singles that have reached the top of the charts. They have also been influential to other bands, such as U2.
The band is known for their unique sound, which combines elements of post-punk and new wave. The band’s musical style has evolved over the years, from the more punk-influenced early days to the more pop-influenced later years.
Simple Minds have had many successful albums, such as “New Gold Dream”, “Once Upon a Time”, and “Street Fighting Years”. The band has also released a number of singles, such as “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”, “Alive and Kicking”, and “Promised You a Miracle”.
Glittering Prize
Simple Minds’ 1982 single “Glittering Prize” was one of the band’s most successful songs. The song was released as the lead single from the band’s fifth album, “New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)”.
The song was a hit in the UK, reaching number 8 on the charts. It was also a hit in the US, reaching number 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song has been covered by various artists, including The Corrs and Sarah McLachlan.
The song has a catchy, upbeat sound that has made it a fan favorite for years. The lyrics are about the pursuit of success, and the lyrics are inspiring and uplifting.
The song has become an anthem for fans of Simple Minds, and it is a timeless classic that will continue to be loved for years to come.
Simple Minds have been making music for over four decades and have had a successful career. “Glittering Prize” is one of their most popular songs and has been loved by fans around the world. The song’s message of pursuing success and
Today marks the 40th anniversary of the release of “Glittering Prize” by Simple Minds, a seminal track on their album “Once Upon a Time”. Originally released on the 5th November 1981, the track has since become something of an anthem, a beloved classic of the genre and a staple of the Scottish band’s live shows.
Formed in 1977, the band that would become Simple Minds had humble beginnings. The original lineup of Jim Kerr, Mick MacNeil, Charlie Burchill and Derek Forbes gradually built up a cult following in the Scottish music circuit before the arrival of the band’s first single ‘Life in a Day’ in April 1979, followed by the debut album Life in a Day in July of that year.
By 1981, Simple Minds had established themselves as one of the finest post-punk bands, creating a powerful and dynamic sound with a commitment to lyrical social-commentary. ‘Glittering Prize’, in particular, captured the hearts and minds of the public, launched into the UK Top 20 in 1982. With its instantly recognisable, driving synthpop rhythm and probing, thoughtful lyrics, the song became an anthem of the era and a testament to Simple Minds’ creativity and brilliance. In a 1993 interview, lead singer Jim Kerr spoke to the impact of the track, stating “It was a song that represented the mood of the time and a kind of spirit.”
The success of “Glittering Prize” quickly sent Simple Minds on a meteoric rise to worldwide fame. Their unprecedented success over the next decade saw multiple chart-topping albums, world tours and sold-out arenas, cementing the band as one of the greatest acts from the era and a symbol of the genre itself.
Today, “Glittering Prize” remains one of Simple Minds’ most popular and successful singles and in its 40 year history it has been embraced the world over and covered by the likes of Oasis, Travis and Kurt Vile. Even now, it remains as a shining example of the lasting impact of Simple Minds and the craftsmanship of their music; a glittering prize indeed.
