Simple Minds
Life In A Day

THE REVIEW

It was a day that started in the best possible way. I had just confirmed that I had escaped an English debt. This led me to one conclusion: I would reward myself with 1 CD. Incidentally, it had been since 'Made in Japan' by Deep Purple that I hadn't bought anything else (so almost a week).
Another factor in my favor was that, extraordinarily, I still had some money in my wallet, thus avoiding the humiliating loan my friends would have had to grant me. I head to my trusted shop (in my town there are only 2 CD stores and therefore not much possibility of choice) with the intention of buying one by Simple Minds.

I had intended to get one of theirs for quite some time. I was undecided between "Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call" and "Life in a Day." But in the end, the choice fell on the latter. The cover attracted me a lot (and it was also cheaper). I pay my 8 euros and head home. I will not regret the choice…
"Life in a Day" is the first album by the Scottish Simple Minds, released in 1979 by a tiny label (Zoom). The group has its roots in punk but immediately moves away from it for a decadent electronic rock with extraordinary melody. Strong influences, according to the admissions of the group members, of David Bowie, Lou Reed, Roxy Music, and Kraftwerk. Thus, an experimental music for the period, characterized by baroque arrangements and the magnificent voice of Kerr.

Later they would produce duds like "Don't You (Forget About Me)" and, in the 90s, return to anonymity. But here you can still feel a carefree atmosphere. "Life in a Day" is very different from the claustrophobic (also stunning) sounds of the two following albums. There is a perfect blend of keyboards and guitar riffs. The tracks are all around 3-4 minutes, except "Pleasantly Disturbed" which lasts 8 minutes, characterized by a singular use of strings, and "Murder Story" which is 6 minutes long, and as the title suggests, is a dark and decadent story in the style of Roxy Music.
All the lyrics are very dark and fatalistic. "Someone" reminds of some songs from Bowie's Berlin Trilogy. "No Cure" instead is unique because it is much more carefree and cheerful compared to the rest of the album.

I have tried to describe each track on the album, but unfortunately, I can't. Sensations like those experienced in "Someone, Life in a Day, Pleasantly Disturbed" (with a particular use of strings) and "Chelsea Girl" (a track that will be chosen as a single) I can't describe. I can only say that it is a wonderful album. The first thing that comes to mind when listening to the record is the red of the lakes on the cover.

A comforting landscape to dive into for 43 minutes of tranquility.