Simple Minds – New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) VG+/VG+

New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84) is the fifth studio album by Scottish rock band Simple Minds, released on September 10, 1982 by Virgin Records. The album was a turning point for the band, as it marked their transition from a post-punk band to a more mainstream pop band. It was also their first album to achieve commercial success, reaching number one in the UK Albums Chart and spawning several hit singles, including “Promised You a Miracle”, “Glittering Prize”, and “Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)”.

The album is considered to be one of the defining albums of the new pop movement of the early 1980s. It is also one of Simple Minds’ most critically acclaimed albums, with many praising its innovative sound and Kerr’s poetic lyrics.

Musically, New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84) is a diverse album, incorporating elements of pop, rock, new wave, and electronic music. The album opens with the upbeat and anthemic “Promised You a Miracle”, one of the band’s most iconic songs. Other notable tracks include the atmospheric and synth-driven “Glittering Prize”, the soulful and gospel-tinged “Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)”, and the dreamy and ethereal “New Gold Dream”.

Kerr’s lyrics on the album are often introspective and philosophical, exploring themes of love, loss, faith, and hope. On songs like “Promised You a Miracle” and “Glittering Prize”, he sings about the search for meaning and purpose in life. On other songs, like “Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)” and “New Gold Dream”, he expresses a more optimistic and hopeful outlook.