On this day, February 13, 1989, Simply Red released their third studio album, A New Flame. The album continued the band’s signature blend of soul, pop, and jazz infused melodies, further cementing their place as one of the most successful British acts of the 80s.
A New Flame became a major commercial success, reaching #22 on the Billboard charts and topping the album charts in the UK, Switzerland, and New Zealand. The album’s biggest hit was If You Don’t Know Me by Now, a soulful cover of the Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes classic, which became one of Simply Red’s most beloved songs. The track topped the Billboard Hot 100, earning the band a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. Other standout songs included It’s Only Love and A New Flame, showcasing Mick Hucknall’s smooth vocals and the band’s polished production.
The album helped propel Simply Red into mainstream global success, blending contemporary pop with classic soul influences that resonated with a broad audience.
80s insight: If You Don’t Know Me by Now became Simply Red’s first and only #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, making it their biggest single in the US.
A New Flame became a major commercial success, reaching #22 on the Billboard charts and topping the album charts in the UK, Switzerland, and New Zealand. The album’s biggest hit was If You Don’t Know Me by Now, a soulful cover of the Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes classic, which became one of Simply Red’s most beloved songs. The track topped the Billboard Hot 100, earning the band a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. Other standout songs included It’s Only Love and A New Flame, showcasing Mick Hucknall’s smooth vocals and the band’s polished production.
The album helped propel Simply Red into mainstream global success, blending contemporary pop with classic soul influences that resonated with a broad audience.
80s insight: If You Don’t Know Me by Now became Simply Red’s first and only #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, making it their biggest single in the US.
