"Simply Red 25: The Greatest Hits" is a compilation album by the British band Simply Red, released in 2008 to mark the 25th anniversary of the band's formation. The album features a selection of material from their extensive 25-year career, showcasing their biggest hits and most beloved tracks. The album was released in several formats, including a standard single CD in the United States, while European markets received a two-CD version. Additionally, a deluxe edition with two CDs and a DVD was made available, offering fans an even more comprehensive collection.
The album includes a range of Simply Red’s most iconic tracks, spanning from their early success in the 1980s with hits like "Holding Back the Years" and "If You Don’t Know Me by Now" to later tracks from their 1990s and 2000s albums. However, one of the notable inclusions is a cover of the song "Go Now," originally performed by Bessie Banks. Despite being released as a single, "Go Now" failed to chart, and did not make as significant an impact as some of the band’s previous hits.
In terms of commercial performance, Simply Red 25: The Greatest Hits achieved moderate success. It peaked at #9 on the UK Albums Chart upon its initial release and, in a notable resurgence, re-entered the UK Top Ten on 9 October 2010, once again reaching #9. The album's success reflected the enduring popularity of Simply Red's music, despite the band having already been active for more than two decades at the time.
The deluxe edition of the album offered fans a more in-depth experience, with the DVD including live performances, music videos, and other bonus content that further explored the band’s career highlights. The release served as a celebration of Simply Red's legacy, providing a retrospective look at their musical journey, and solidifying their place in the UK music scene.
