In 1989, the English
soul and pop band
Simply Red released a cover as "'''It's Only Love'
" as the lead single of their third studio album, A New Flame'' (1989). This version had its greatest success by charting at number-seven in Ireland. The song was later featured in Simply Red's several greatest-hits albums and a
ballad collection of the same name.
Critical reception Robin Smith from
Record Mirror wrote, "Hell, sure has been a long time since we last heard
Mick Hucknall crooning blissfully, but all good things are worth waiting for. 'It's Only Love' is a magnificent slow-burning track to cherish and savour, as Hucknall side-steps his vocals around some powerful instrumentation. It's nice to hear that Simply Red aren't merely regurgitating old ideas, and I can hardly wait for the album." William Shaw from
Smash Hits said, "It's a low key re-entry into the giddy world of pop, none of Mick's over-the-top wailing, just a simple, catchy piece of their old fashioned "
soul" that swings along in a most acceptable manner."
Personnel •
Fritz McIntyre – keyboards and backing vocals •
Tim Kellett – trumpet and keyboards •
Chris Joyce – drums •
Tony Bowers – bass guitar
Charts Weekly charts Weekly charts ==References==