Once upon a Time

by Simple Minds

Overview

Riding the coattails of the John Hughes flick The Breakfast Club, Simple Minds finally broke into America with their theme song "Don't You Forget About Me," and their 1985 release Once Upon a Time captured the heart-wrenching excitement found in bands such as U2. They were now one of the biggest names in music, and Jim Kerr's thirsting vocals became the band's signature. Once Upon a Time, featuring producer Jimmy Iovine (U2, Stevie Nicks, Bruce Springsteen), showcased more of a guitar-driven sound. The band's heavy synth pop beats had relaxed a bit and Charlie Burchill's charming playing style was most noticeable. Also enlisting the choir-like beauty of Robin Clark, Simple Minds' popularity was expounded on songs such as "Alive & Kicking" and "Sanctify Yourself." This album was one of their best, most likely leading the pack in the band's album roster, because it exuded raw energy and solid composition not entirely captured on previous albums. ~ MacKenzie Wilson

Product Details

Release Date:	10/17/2025
Label:	A&M
UPC:	0602475469957

Tracks

1. Once Upon A Time
2. All The Things She Said
3. Ghost Dancing
4. Alive And Kicking
5. Don't You (Forget About Me)
6. Oh Jungleland
7. I Wish You Were Here
8. Sanctify Yourself
9. Come A Long Way

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Simple Minds   Primary Artist
Sue Hadjopoulas   Percussion
John Giblin   Bass,Guitar (Bass)
Jim Kerr   Vocals
Mel Gaynor   Drums,Vocals
Michael Been   Vocals (Background)
Carlos Alomar   Vocals (Background)
Robin Clark   Vocals
Simms Brothers Band   Vocals (Background)
Mick MacNeil   Piano,Synthesizer
Charlie Burchill   Guitar

Technical Credits

Mick Haggerty   Artwork
Bob Schwall   Technical Assistance,Production Coordination
Michael MacNeil   Composer
Bob Clearmountain   Mixing,Producer
Bob Ludwig   Mastering
Keith Forsey   Composer,Producer
John Giblin   Composer
Lou Reed   Composer
Mark McKenna   Engineer
Judy Reeves   Production Coordination
Jim Kerr   Composer
Jimmy Iovine   Producer
Mel Gaynor   Composer
Michael Barbiero   Remixing
Mike McNeil   Composer
Brian McGee   Composer,Composer
Martin White   Assistant,Assistant Engineer
Anton Corbijn   Photography
Sylvester Stewart   Composer
Steve Thompson   Remixing
Steven Van Zandt   Composer
Debbie Gibson   Composer
Little Steven   Composer
Moira Marquis   Engineer
James Kerr   Composer
Gemma Corfield   Coordination
Bob Tis   Technical Assistance
Steve Lillywhite   Producer
Simon Heyworth   Mastering,Mastering Engineer
Simple Minds   Composer,Performer
Steve Schiff   Composer
Dougie Cowan   Crew
Peter Walsh   Mixing,Engineer
Derek Forbes   Composer
Mick MacNeil   Composer
Debbie Caponetta   Coordination
Charlie Burchill   Composer
Paul Kerr   Crew
Jez Coad   Mixing