The search for photos of band members is in vain on Stay, Simply Red's first album of new material since Home (2003). The 'band name' has been synonymous with the red-haired singer Mick Hucknall who surrounds himself with capable but anonymous musicians for many years. The presence in the media may have declined drastically since Simply Red has released its records independently, Home still sold
… 140,000 copies in the Netherlands. The loyal fan base will not be bothered by Stay either. The preference that Hucknall has for slick blue eyed soul, here and there with a subtle dance beat, also sets the tone on this album. The Cuban wind instruments and sumptuous strings that adorned the snack Simplified (2005) have been put on hold again, A rock guitar is used for the Faces cover Debris and a harpsichord and a children's choir in Little Englander. For the rest, it's business as usual for the man who doesn't need the album title to prove he's a keeper. (MS)more
