"Acoustic" is the seventeenth studio album by Scottish rock band Simple Minds, released in November 2016 by Caroline International. The album features acoustic versions of previously released tracks from the band's extensive catalog. While the album received mixed reviews, it was generally appreciated by fans for its stripped-down, intimate renditions of the band's classic songs.
The idea for Acoustic emerged from a live session the band recorded in September 2014 for BBC Radio Two's Chris Evans Breakfast Show, where they performed acoustic versions of their songs in promotion of their 16th studio album, Big Music. The positive reaction to this performance encouraged the band to explore the possibility of recording an entire album in this stripped-back style.
Simple Minds continued performing acoustic sets in subsequent live appearances, including a special event in Paris on November 22, 2014, for French radio station RTL. These sessions featured a mix of the band's well-known songs and rarities, such as a rare acoustic version of "Mandela Day."
The band's lineup for this album consisted of Jim Kerr (vocals), Charlie Burchill (guitar), Ged Grimes (bass), Sarah Brown (backing vocals), Gordy Goudie (guitar), and Cherisse Osei (drums).
### Singles
The acoustic version of "Promised You a Miracle," featuring Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, was released as the lead single from the album on September 28, 2016. The collaboration was well-received, and the acoustic interpretation of the song brought a fresh, introspective quality to the track.
Acoustic debuted at number 16 on the UK Albums Chart, selling 10,427 units in its first week. It marked Simple Minds' 14th top 20 album in the UK, further cementing the band's enduring popularity. Despite mixed reviews, the album found a receptive audience, particularly among long-time fans of the band who appreciated the reimagined versions of their hits.
The album showcases the band's versatility and the timeless quality of their music, proving that Simple Minds' songs can thrive in an acoustic setting just as much as in their original electric form.
