FLASHBACK: SIMPLE MINDS

In the mountains of acts from the 1980s that had hits on the Billboard Hot 100, one stands out with a particularly iconic hit from a particularly iconic teen movie. Simple Minds were unknown in the U.S. before John Hughes, in 1985, decided to use their song Don't You Forget About Me for the soundtrack to the ultimate 80s teen movie, The Breakfast Club. That song shot to #1 on the charts, putting Simple Minds in the bedroom stereo of all of us Molly Ringwald worshipers. FUN FACT: The song was not  written by or originally intended for Simple Minds. It was written by Keith Forsey for Billy Idol who recorded it years later for a greatest hits album. ANYHOO...Simple Minds was on the map in the U.S. As what usually happens, the band got some success and then started to unravel. The next few years saw turmoil and band changes, but frontman Jim Kerr remained the voice of the band. And what a voice he has. Simple Minds struck again pretty big in 1985 with the first single from their album Once Upon a Time, the #3 Alive and Kicking. This song is pure anthem and, IMO, their finest single. They followed with Sanctify Yourself (#14) and then started their gradual fade from the American music scene. These three songs alone stand the test of time and certainly keep Simple Minds from being considered a one-hit wonder. I mean, you get one iconic hit under your belt and your gold, three distinctive songs is practically legend in 80s pop talk. Also, remember when you didn't have to be super good looking to be a pop star? Just saying. But again, what a voice! So here are the three goodies in question. Feast your ears and enjoy.