Description
Simply Red – Perfect Love (Remixes) – Vinyl Record
At first glance, Perfect Love (Remixes) might seem like little more than a companion release for dedicated fans of Simply Red, but it offers an interesting snapshot of how the band’s music could be reimagined for clubs without losing its emotional core. Rather than treating the original song as raw material to be completely dismantled, the remixers preserve the warmth and sophistication that have always defined Simply Red, while shifting the emphasis toward rhythm, atmosphere, and extended grooves.
By the time this release appeared, Simply Red had spent decades refining a distinctive blend of soul, pop, jazz, funk, and adult contemporary. Much of that identity rests on the unmistakable voice of Mick Hucknall. His smooth, expressive delivery remains the focal point even when surrounded by modern electronic production. The remixers wisely avoid burying his vocals beneath layers of beats and effects. Instead, they build around them, allowing Hucknall’s phrasing to anchor the track while the instrumental landscape shifts beneath him.
What changes most dramatically is the sense of space. The original version of “Perfect Love” leans into polished soul-pop, whereas these remixes stretch the song into something more hypnotic. Bass lines become more pronounced, percussion takes on a dance-oriented pulse, and synthesizer textures expand the harmonic backdrop. The result is music designed as much for movement as for contemplation.
One of the more appealing aspects of the collection is that it doesn’t rely on a single club formula. Some versions emphasize deep, understated house grooves, while others introduce brighter electronic textures or a more contemporary pop-dance feel. That variety keeps the release from becoming repetitive, even though every track is built from the same musical source.
The production is sleek and contemporary, but it remains tasteful. There’s enough low-end energy to satisfy dance music fans, yet the mixes avoid the excessive compression and sonic clutter that can date many remix projects. The arrangements breathe, allowing the song’s melodic strengths to remain intact.
Remix releases inevitably raise the question of purpose. Are they revealing something new about the song, or simply extending its commercial life? In the case of Perfect Love (Remixes), the answer leans toward the former. The different interpretations highlight how well the composition adapts to alternative settings. A strong melody and a compelling vocal performance prove remarkably resilient, whether framed by live instrumentation or electronic production.
For longtime Simply Red listeners, the collection offers a fresh perspective on a familiar recording. For dance music fans who may not normally explore the band’s catalog, it provides an accessible entry point into their soulful songwriting. It succeeds because it respects both worlds instead of forcing one to imitate the other.
No remix package is likely to replace the original recording in the hearts of most listeners, and Perfect Love (Remixes) doesn’t try to. Instead, it serves as an enjoyable companion piece that demonstrates the flexibility of Simply Red’s music and the enduring appeal of Mick Hucknall’s voice. It’s a reminder that a well-written song can thrive in more than one musical environment, adapting to new rhythms while never losing its essential character.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Perfect Love (Roger’s Dirty Sanchez Mix)
Perfect Love (Album Version)
Perfect Love (Love To Infinity Sunset Mix)
Perfect Love (Motivo Hi-Lectro Edit)
