HomeSimple MindsOnce Upon a Time
Once Upon a Time
Rock · 1985 · 4 tracks

Once Upon a Time

A skyscraper of sound built on shimmering synths and soul-stirring choruses. The definitive transition from post-punk artiness to global stadium dominance.

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The album that made them the biggest band in the world for a summer, and it still sounds like a sunrise.

A soaring, widescreen sense of triumph and spiritual yearning.

Once Upon a Time · vs · Simple Minds
Spirituality+3.4σ

The writing leans far further into spirituality than the rest of the catalogue.

Tracklist · 4 Tracks
01
Once Upon a Time
5:46
05
Oh Jungleland
5:14
06
I Wish You Were Here
4:43
08
Come a Long Way
5:08
Moments Worth Waiting For
The explosive drum entry and soaring synth hook that opens the title track
The soulful call-and-response between Jim Kerr and Robin Clark on Alive and Kicking
The driving, percussive urgency of the bassline that carries Sanctify Yourself
Sits BesideSee all
Direction of the Heart
Direction of the Heart
Simple Minds
2022

Shares alternative rock, new wave, synth-pop (subgenres); stargazing, urban_night, rooftop (atmosphere)

Big Music
Big Music
Simple Minds
2014

Shares alternative rock, new wave, synth-pop (subgenres); triumphant, hopeful, energetic (moods)

Graffiti Soul
Graffiti Soul
Simple Minds
2009

Shares alternative rock, new wave, art rock (subgenres); triumphant, hopeful, energetic (moods)

Good News From the Next World
Good News From the Next World
Simple Minds
1995

Shares wall_of_sound, studio_polished, reverb_heavy (production style); triumphant, hopeful, energetic (moods)

Black & White 050505
Black & White 050505
Simple Minds
2005

Shares alternative rock, new wave, art rock (subgenres); triumphant, hopeful, energetic (moods)

Lifeforms
Lifeforms
Angels & Airwaves
2021

Shares alternative rock, new wave, synth-pop (subgenres); triumphant, hopeful, nostalgic (moods)

I-Empire
I-Empire
Angels & Airwaves
2007

Shares alternative rock, new wave, synth-pop (subgenres); wall_of_sound, reverb_heavy, maximalist (production style)

Walk Between Worlds
Walk Between Worlds
Simple Minds
2018

Shares new wave, synth-pop, art rock (subgenres); baritone, harmonized, intense (vocal style)

Ritual
Ritual
White Lies
2011

Shares alternative rock, new wave, synth-pop (subgenres); wall_of_sound, studio_polished, reverb_heavy (production style)

Sparkle in the Rain
Sparkle in the Rain
Simple Minds
1984

Shares alternative rock, new wave, art rock (subgenres); belting, baritone, harmonized (vocal style)

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