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Once Upon a Time

by Simple Minds

Released: October 21, 1985

Arena rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

This album marked the first without founding member and bassist Derek Forbes, who left after recording "Don't You (Forget About Me)" but would later rejoin the band in 1998 for the album Neapolis. "Once Upon a Time" is the seventh studio album by the Scottish rock band Simple Minds, released on October 21, 1985, by Virgin Records (A&M in the US). Iovine aimed for a more energetic vocal style from frontman Jim Kerr.

Inside the Recording

The album paired the band with producer Jimmy Iovine, known for his work with artists like Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Nicks.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Over the years, it has seen several remastered…

Over the years, it has seen several remastered editions, with the most recent reissue in 2015, including various formats and special editions.

Although Simple Minds had enjoyed success in the…

Although Simple Minds had enjoyed success in the UK and Europe, their popularity in the U.S. surged following the hit "Don't You (Forget About Me)," featured on The Breakfast Club soundtrack.

The band chose not to include this track…

The band chose not to include this track on the album, as they were reluctant to record it.

However, the album's sound, especially the single "Alive…

However, the album's sound, especially the single "Alive and Kicking," was influenced by the success of that track.

Singles from the album included "Alive and Kicking,"…

Singles from the album included "Alive and Kicking," "Sanctify Yourself," "All the Things She Said," and "Ghost Dancing," with proceeds from the latter two donated to Amnesty International.

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Essential Tracks

All The Things She Said

Singles from the album included "Alive and Kicking," "Sanctify Yourself," "All the Things She Said," and "Ghost Dancing," with proceeds from the latter two donated to Amnesty International.

Ghost Dancing

Singles from the album included "Alive and Kicking," "Sanctify Yourself," "All the Things She Said," and "Ghost Dancing," with proceeds from the latter two donated to Amnesty International.

Alive And Kicking

However, the album's sound, especially the single "Alive and Kicking," was influenced by the success of that track.

Sanctify Yourself

Singles from the album included "Alive and Kicking," "Sanctify Yourself," "All the Things She Said," and "Ghost Dancing," with proceeds from the latter two donated to Amnesty International.

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Explore the Album

Simple Minds - Once Upon a Time

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Then

Reception

The album topped the UK charts and peaked at No. 10 on the US charts, spending five weeks in the Billboard Top 10 and 16 weeks in the Top 20. Critical reception of Once Upon a Time was generally positive. Critics praised its raw energy and solid composition.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Once Upon a Time" is the seventh studio album by the Scottish rock band Simple Minds, released on October 21, 1985, by Virgin Records (A&M in the US). The album topped the UK charts and peaked at No. 10 on the US charts, spending five weeks in the Billboard Top 10 and 16 weeks in the Top 20.

The album paired the band with producer Jimmy Iovine, known for his work with artists like Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Nicks. Iovine aimed for a more energetic vocal style from frontman Jim Kerr. Although Simple Minds had enjoyed success in the UK and Europe, their popularity in the U.S. surged following the hit "Don't You (Forget About Me)," featured on The Breakfast Club soundtrack. The band chose not to include this track on the album, as they were reluctant to record it. However, the album's sound, especially the single "Alive and Kicking," was influenced by the success of that track.

This album marked the first without founding member and bassist Derek Forbes, who left after recording "Don't You (Forget About Me)" but would later rejoin the band in 1998 for the album Neapolis.

Critical reception of Once Upon a Time was generally positive. Critics praised its raw energy and solid composition. Singles from the album included "Alive and Kicking," "Sanctify Yourself," "All the Things She Said," and "Ghost Dancing," with proceeds from the latter two donated to Amnesty International.

The album was released with two different covers, which could be arranged together. Over the years, it has seen several remastered editions, with the most recent reissue in 2015, including various formats and special editions.