Mick Hucknall once chose the name Simply Red for his soul group because of his curly red hair and his fondness for the Manchester United football club in red. Yet Simply Red's albums were surprisingly often covered in blue sleeves. This is also the case for Hucknall's second solo album American Soul. The singer can shout so often that Simply Red is no longer there, but he just continues on the
… well-known foot. For example, on this album he also bends some fine soul songs to his will. Luckily, just like on his previous album Tribute To Bobby, Hucknall doesn't just choose chewed-out songs. For example, for American Soul he recorded a song by Bettye LaVette and even one by the (much younger) Antony & The Johnsons. There are also a few well-known songs such as I'd Rather Go Blind and That's How Strong My Love Is. The singer distributes the carefully arranged songs with his smooth soul voice. Just like during its heyday with Simply Red. (PdK)more
